The theology exams are designed to help students assess their foundational knowledge of key areas in reformed theology and church history in preparation for ordination, non-ordained ministry in the church, and further academic study. Whether they pass or fail the exam on their first attempt, students should examine questions they missed and seek deeper understanding through outside study and close attention during the rest of their coursework.
The first exam will cover material from Covenant Theology; God and Humanity; and Sin, Christ, and Salvation.
The second exam will cover material from Church History and Spirit, Church, and Last Things.
Who needs to take the theology exams?
All MDiv students and MABTS students who enroll in their degree in Summer 2024 or later must pass the theology exams before they graduate.
Students who enrolled in a different degree prior to Summer 2024 but switch into the MDiv or MABTS or add the MDiv or MABTS in Summer 2024 or later must pass the theology exams before they graduate with either of those degrees.
Which theology exams do I need to take?
If you are an MDiv student:
Exam #1, which covers Covenant Theology, God and Humanity, and Sin, Christ, and Salvation.
Exam #2, which covers Spirit, Church, and Last Things; Ancient & Medieval Church History, and Reformation & Modern Church History
If you are an MABTS student:
Exam #1, which covers Covenant Theology, God and Humanity, and Sin, Christ, and Salvation.
One of the following three versions of Exam #2
Version A - If you plan to take both Ancient & Medieval Church History and Reformation and Modern Church History.
Version B - If you plan to take just Ancient and Medieval Church History
Version C - If you take just Reformation & Modern Church History
When do I need to take the theology exams?
Students will take Exam #1 the same semester they take God and Humanity. Students will take Exam #2 exam the same semester they take Spirit, Church, and Last Things.
The exams will be on Canvas, and students can take the exams at any point during the semester, up to one week before classes end. The exact deadline will be posted on the exam’s Canvas site each semester.
Should I wait until I have taken all my theology courses and church history courses?
No. Students should take Exam #1 the same semester they take God and Humanity. Students should take Exam #2 the same semester they take Spirit, Church, and Last Things. It is expected that students will not have completed coursework that covers everything on the exam. This is because the exam is designed to show students what they have to learn as much as what they have already learned. After taking the exam, the student will have a guide as to what to pay attention to in future courses, as well as a guide for further outside study.
How do I sign up for the theology exams?
You will be automatically enrolled in Theology Exam #1 when you take God and Humanity: Foundations of Counseling. If you do not pass, you will need to contact your advisor to sign up in future semester.
You will be automatically enrolled in Theology Exam #2 when you take Spirit, Church, and Last Things. If you do not pass, you will need to contact your advisor to sign up in a future semester. (MABTS Students only – you will choose the appropriate version of Theology Exam #2 to take on the Canvas site).
How do I prepare for the theology exams?
There are no study guides for the exam. The best way to prepare for the exams is to diligently engage in your systematic theology and church history courses. You may take the exams more than once, so if you do not pass the first time, you will have opportunity to research gaps in your knowledge before taking the exams again.
What is the format of the theology exams?
The theology exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, chronology, and short answer questions.
How many chances do I get to pass the theology exams?
You may take the exams once per semester, as many semesters as you need to, to pass the exams. You may be given more than one opportunity to pass the exams in a single semester if it is your final semester before graduation.
Can I walk at graduation if I still have not passed the theology exams?
If the exams are the only remaining requirement, you may walk at graduation. However, your degree will not be conferred, nor will you receive your diploma until you pass the exams.
Can I take the second theology exam if I do not pass the first theology exam?
Yes, you may take the second theology exam before passing the first theology exam.
May I use notes on the theology exams?
No notes, books, or outside helps of any kind may be used on the theology exams. No Bibles may be consulted during the theology exams.
How much time will I get to take the exam?
You have 90 minutes to take the exam unless you qualify for more time because English is your second language or because you have an approved accommodation on file in the Registrar’s Office. Please email jessie.swigart@covenantseminary.edu if you qualify for more time.
To whom should I talk about applying accommodations to the theology exams?
Please email Dean of Academic Administration, Jessie Swigart, at jessie.swigart@covenantseminary.edu if you have approved accommodations on file for taking exams. Jessie Swigart will work with you to have those accommodations implemented.
Do I get extra time to take the exam if English is my second language?
If English is your second language, you may have 135 minutes to take the exam. If English is your second language and you would like 135 minutes to take the exam, please email Dean of Academic Administration, Jessie Swigart, jessie.swigart@covenantseminary.edu.