Educator Certification Courses
There are a total of seven course areas required for educator certification (Presbyterian Polity and Presbyterian Program and Mission are typically taught together as one course). Although taught by a variety of instructors and in different settings, there is standard content for each. These standards for each course area are available here.
Educator Certification Readiness Summary
In order to successfully complete the requirements for educator certification in the PC(USA), educators should be prepared to meet these expectations prior to beginning the educator certification exam.
Approved Courses
These courses have been approved by the Educator Certification Committee as meeting the requirements for educator certification:
| RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, THEORY & PRACTICE (ONLINE) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Cindy Kissel-Ito |
| Dates: | August 21 – October 13, 2023 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| For More Information: | Available online |
| Presbyterian Polity, Program & Mission (Online) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Carson Rhyne |
| Dates: | August 29 – October 17, 2023 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| For More Information: | Available Online |
| Biblical Interpretation (Online) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | John Carroll |
| Dates: | September 14 – October 19, 2023 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| For More Information: | Available Online |
| BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Justin Michael Reed |
| Dates: | January 22–24, 2024 |
| Course Provider: | Association of Partners in Christian Education |
| Contact: | Billie Sutter |
| For More Information: | Available online |
*This hybrid model includes about 18 hours of in-home and online work before coming to campus for the additional 12 required hours.
Projected Courses
While the course designs and instructors have not yet been approved by the Educator Certification Committee, the following information is the anticipated course schedule listed for your planning purposes. Please keep in mind that the courses listed below are not official until the Educator Certification Committee has approved the course design.
2023 Projected Courses:
Biblical Interpretation – Union Presbyterian Seminary (fall)
Religious Education Theory & Practice – Dubuque Seminary (spring & fall)
Worship & Sacraments – Dubuque Seminary (spring & fall)
Reformed Theology - Dubuque Seminary (spring & fall)
Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission - Dubuque Seminary (spring and fall)
2024 Projected Courses:
Biblical Interpretation – APCE Annual Event
2025 Projected Courses:
Worship and Sacraments – APCE Annual Event
In addition to the approved courses, please be aware that the corresponding required courses in degree programs from PC(USA)-related seminaries will be accepted as meeting educational requirements for certification at CCE level. Electives will be considered on a course by course basis. For PC(USA) Ministers of Word and Sacrament, passing an ordination exam will meet its respective knowledge and skill area requirement in certification.
Requirements for the Christian Education Associate level (formerly Enrolled Educational Assistant) have changed as of February 2021. Click here to learn more about the process.