Administrative Personnel
Association PC(USA)
Certification
Become a Certified Administrative Professional in the PC(USA)
APA Certification equips church administrative professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in ministry through education, networking, and professional development.
Certification Levels
Level I
Level I Certification is the first step in the APA Certification Program. Participants complete 40 hours of approved coursework (20 core hours and 20 elective hours) designed to strengthen their knowledge of the PC(USA), church administration, communication, ethics, and professional development while connecting with colleagues from across the denomination.
Requirements
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20 Core Hours
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20 Elective Hours
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Total: 40 Hours
Continuing Education
Continuing Education is designed for members who have completed Level III Certification and wish to continue their professional development. Participants complete 50 hours of approved coursework, allowing them to expand their knowledge, stay current with best practices, and continue growing throughout their ministry.
Requirements
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50 Approved Course Hours
Level II
Level II Certification builds on the foundation established in Level I by expanding your knowledge and leadership skills. Participants complete 45 hours of approved coursework (17.5 core hours and 27.5 elective hours), allowing for greater specialization while continuing to strengthen their understanding of church administration, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and professional development.
Requirements
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17.5 Core Hours
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27.5 Elective Hours
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Total: 45 Hours
Concentrated Studies
Concentrated Studies provides an opportunity to develop in-depth expertise in a specific area of church administration. Participants complete 25 hours of approved coursework in a single concentration, such as Administration, Communication, Finance, Polity, Church History, or Theology, allowing them to deepen their knowledge and skills in an area of interest or ministry focus.
Requirements
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25 Hours in One Area of Study
Level III
Level III Certification is the highest level of APA certification and recognizes a sustained commitment to professional excellence.
Participants complete 50 hours of approved coursework (12.5 core hours and 37.5 elective hours), with an emphasis on advanced learning, leadership, and continued professional growth in church administration and ministry.
Requirements
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12.5 Core Hours
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37.5 Elective Hours
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Total: 50 Hours
How Does It Work?
Step 1 – Join APA
Want to work toward certification? You'll need to become an APA member within the first year of attending classes or a conference.
Membership Benefits
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Access to APA conferences and educational opportunities
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Networking with church administrative professionals
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Eligibility to participate in the certification program
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APA communications and resources
Membership Dues: $25 annually
Need to become a member? It's easy!
Fill out the membership form, send a copy to our Membership Chair, Lisa Landis (llandis112@gmail.com) then submit your payment online.
Paying by Check? Be sure to send Lisa a copy then include a copy with your check.
Make payable to: Administrative Personnel Association (Memo: Pacific Region)
Mail to: Susan Coghill, 2751 Steadman Ave, Medford, OR 97501
Step 2 - Begin Certification
Membership and certification are two separate processes.
Once you've decided to pursue certification:
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Complete the Certification Application for Level I
2. Submit the one-time $30 Certification Application Fee
A Certification Application Fee of $30 is required each time you apply for a new certification level, Continuing Education, or Concentrated Studies.
The fee establishes your certification record for that level and allows your coursework and progress to be officially tracked.
Paying by Check?
Make payable to: Administrative Personnel Association
(Memo: Pacific Region)
Mail to:
Susan Coghill, 2751 Steadman Ave, Medford, OR 97501
Step 3 - Earn Certification Hours
Certification hours may be earned through:
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Regional Conferences
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One-Day Conferences
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Live Virtual Classes
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Approved Recorded Courses
(Each Level has recorded course limits.)