EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION
Educator Certification
What is a Certified Christian Educator in the PC(USA)?
Christian educators are persons called by God to a ministry of education who demonstrate their faith in and love for Jesus Christ, are dedicated to the life of faith and are serious in purpose, honest in character and joyful in service. It is expected that Christian educators be persons with skills and training in biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, human development, religious education theory and practice, and the polity, programs and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
APPLICATION FOR EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION
Download information about the educator certification process and connect to the online application process here.
For complete information about the process of Educator Certification, courses offered, contacts, and application process, click on the link below which will take you to the Presbyterian Church (USA) website. The certification process is maintained and controlled by the PCUSA and not APCE.
APCE Billie Sutter Volunteer Certification Course Coordinator
- What will a Certification Course Coordinator do?
The Coordinator will work with the Educator Certification Committee of the PCUSA and the Advocacy ministry team of APCE to organize the yearly in-person or online certification courses sponsored by APCE in accordance with the Educator Certification Committee. - The Coordinator will work with the above-mentioned entities to secure approved instructors and to ensure that the standards for certification courses, as defined, are met.
- The Coordinator will serve as host and support to those teaching the courses and to those taking the courses.
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:
| WORSHIP & SACRAMENTS (ONLINE) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Rebecca Davis |
| Dates: | February 6 – March 21, 2023 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| For More Information: | Available Online |
| HUMAN GROWTH & FAITH DEVELOPMENT (ONLINE) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Cindy Kissel-Ito |
| Dates: | June 5 – July 28, 2023 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| For More Information: | Available online |
| 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: | September 11 – November 3, 2023 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| 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.