Keeping in Step with ACSI Certification
By Jonathan Snyder,Certification Evaluator, ACSI
Bible Testing Through ACSI
Working in the ACSI Certification Department, I often hear the question, “How can I earn CEUs in Bible to renew my certification?” We have been working diligently to ensure that schools can set up a productive system for issuing Bible CEUs and that educators know about other providers that issue ACSI-approved Bible CEUs. In addition to these options, ACSI is pleased to offer Bible testing that can result in CEUs toward certification renewal or upgrade requirements.
Two online tests are currently available: a general survey of the New Testament and a general survey of the Old Testament. Each test costs $50, and you can complete it and submit it only once. Once you have completed and submitted the test, the results are final, and you can take the test again only if you purchase it again. You do have the option of stopping and restarting your test before submitting the results. If you are disconnected or you need to leave the test before you have finished, you may log in later to retake it at your convenience. However, if you do so, the test that you restart will be an entirely new version, and you will need to start from the beginning. There are 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must score 85 percent to demonstrate proficiency. Once you pass a test, you may then print out a report and submit it with your other renewal materials when you renew your certificate. Just like other tasks you complete for ACSI certification, ACSI does not automatically receive the results.
Because these are “closed-book” tests without formal classes attached, they are recommended only to those who believe they have already obtained sufficient knowledge to pass general-survey Bible tests. Our intention is to provide those individuals with a way to put their knowledge to use toward their certification. Please note that CEUs from the Bible testing do not apply in those rare circumstances when applicants need college credit in biblical studies for certification. Please see your most recent credit evaluation and recommendation form that arrived with your last ACSI certificate to learn more about your requirements.
CEUs Revisited
It is the start of a new school year and time to get ACSI certificates up-to-date. Many staff members may need CEUs to renew their ACSI certificates. ACSI approves schools, individuals, and organizations as CEU providers in biblical studies and in professional studies. When a school becomes an ACSI-approved CEU provider, it can issue CEUs for in-services at the school, conferences in the area, staff devotions, and many more options. The staff members can obtain the CEUs they need without having to look very far. The school can also know that its staff members are receiving instruction that is beneficial to the school. As of January 1, 2009, new guidelines for offering continuing education units and a new model CEU certificate went into effect. Previously, CEU providers had to submit a CEU Approval Request Form to the ACSI Certification Department and receive an approval number to list on the CEU certificates that they issued. Now, CEU providers need to submit a CEU Approval Request Form only if the in-service will result in more than five CEUs. Instead of listing an approval number, a school can list its CEU registration number on certificates of five CEUs or fewer. This change should make it easier and more time efficient for CEU providers when offering opportunities for professional or spiritual development.
There are many excellent topics in biblical studies and professional studies, but they may not fit into the guidelines for offering CEUs that ACSI accepts. We ask that CEU providers please read and follow the guidelines closely. We have set up the guidelines to help CEU providers make sure the certificates submitted to the ACSI Certification Department will be accepted toward certification. Before schools, organizations, or individuals issue CEU credit, they must be current ACSI-approved CEU providers. We waive the application fee for ACSI-accredited schools. The application fee for ACSI member schools that have not yet obtained ACSI accreditation, as well as for organizations, is $100. The application fee for individuals is $25. The approval remains current for five years. If there is ever any question of whether we would accept a course for CEU credit, please feel free to contact us in the ACSI Certification Department. We encourage schools that are not yet ACSI-approved CEU providers and schools that have expired providership to visit the ACSI website at www.acsi.org. A school can download an application for offering continuing education units and apply to be a provider today.
The ACSI Certification Department representatives are available to answer your questions by phone from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM mountain standard time, Monday through Friday. You can call us toll-free at 888.839.8101 or e-mail
ACSI certification dept. You are welcome to contact us regarding Bible testing, CEUs, or any other certification-related questions. We appreciate you and pray for you daily.
Certification 13.2