Application Procedure

The following steps are for ANYONE interested in obtaining first-time credentials:

Step 1: New Credentials Orientation (NCO)
NCO is held twice each year (March & September).  A pre-registration form must be completed and returned by all those desiring to attend.  Please CLICK HERE to register for the next NCO.  Want to know more?  Please review the Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 2: Educational Requirements
All applicants must meet the appropriate educational requirements for the level of credentials being sought.  Educational requirements can be met through a variety of customizable training venues.  (Note: Courses for credentialing may be started prior to attending a New Credentials Orientation)

Step 3: Application Packet
After attending NCO and completing the necessary education requirements.

All, but two courses must be completed before beginning the application process, applicants will receive the first half of the application packet and related forms.  The following items must be received at our office in order to proceed: 1) the General Council application, 2) application fee 3) authorization forms, 4) background check disclosure, and 5) an acceptable report from the General Council required background/credit check.  Once these items are received, applicants will be sent the remaining parts of the application packet which includes letter of explanation for the level of credentials recommended, reference forms, exam synopsis, and relational meeting information.

Deadlines for completing the application packet are the first Monday in July for September interviews and the first Monday in January (or Tuesday, if a holiday falls on that Monday) for March interviews of each year.

Step 4: Examination
All applicants must complete the required General Council exam for each level prior to a credentialing interview. A synopsis for the exam will be provided.

Step 5: Screening Committee Review
Each application file will be examined by a Screening Committee. Upon the report of the committee, you may receive a letter of invitation to meet with the Credentials Interview Committee.

Step 6: Credentials Interview
Interviews times are scheduled for the months of March & September.  Following the credentials interview, the Network Presbytery will vote and make a recommendation to the General Council Credentials Committee in regard to the granting of credentials.  Credentials will be effective upon General Council approval.

If you have questions related to this procedure, please contact credentialing@ohioministry.net.