Administrative Personnel
Association PC(USA)
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Master Your Ministry Through Lifelong Learning
Level III Certification is the highest level of certification offered through the APA Certification Program.
Designed for experienced administrative professionals, Level III emphasizes advanced professional development while providing the greatest flexibility to customize your educational journey.
Through 50 hours of approved coursework, participants continue strengthening core competencies while pursuing specialized areas of interest that support excellence in ministry.
Core Courses
Level III requires participants to complete 12.5 Core Hours while encouraging advanced learning through an expanded selection of elective coursework. II continues to strengthen the six core competencies of church administration while providing additional opportunities for specialized learning.
Participants complete 12.5 Core Hours by taking approved courses in the following areas:
Administration, Finance &
Facilities Management
Required: 2.5 Hours
Continue building expertise in the operational and financial responsibilities that support effective ministry.
Example topics include:
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Advanced financial management
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Budget planning
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Personnel administration
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Building stewardship
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Records retention
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Risk management
Communication & Technology
Required: 2.5 Hours
Stay current with evolving communication strategies and technology that support today's church.
Example topics include:
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Strategic communication
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Website management
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Emerging technologies
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Artificial intelligence
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Cybersecurity
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Digital ministry tools
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Required: 2.5 Hours
Continue deepening your understanding of the denomination's mission, history, theology, and structure.
Example topics include:
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Presbyterian history
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Theolog
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Mission
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Agencies
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Denominational leadership
Ethics, Advocacy & Inclusion
Required: 2.5 Hours
Continue developing ethical leadership and practices that strengthen healthy congregations.
Example topics include:
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Ethical leadership
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Professional boundaries
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Advocacy
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Diversity and inclusion
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Healthy workplace practices ethics
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Boundaries
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Diversity and inclusion
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Advocacy
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Healthy workplace relationships
Elective Courses
Required: 37.5 Hours
With fewer required core hours than Level I, Level II offers greater flexibility to pursue coursework that aligns with your ministry responsibilities and professional interests.
Electives may be chosen from any approved APA course category, including:
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Administration
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Finance & Facilities Management
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Communication & Technology
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Ethics
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Advocacy & Inclusion
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Polity
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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
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Self-Care & Personal Development
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Miscellaneous Electives
Polity
Required: 2.5 Hours
Continue expanding your knowledge of Presbyterian governance and its application in church leadership.
Example topics include:
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Book of Order
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Church governance
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Session responsibilities
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Presbyterian decision-making
Polity remains a core requirement throughout every certification level.