INTRODUCTIONThe examinations leading to this award are open to all those who have, or who seek, responsibility for leading public worship within the Christian Church.
The award encourages candidates to improve their skills in planning and leading public worship within the Christian denomination to which they belong. The programme aims to develop a greater knowledge and appreciation of the form and structure of worship in the candidate’s church, and greater awareness of the role and effectiveness of the spoken word and of music in local worship. The programme also aims to develop practical skills essential to the art of liturgical presidency, to enable candidates to evaluate their role in leading worship, and to encourage self-discipline.
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTSThe Archbishops' Certificate in Public Worship (ACertPW) consists of the following:
Parts A, B, C, D1 and D2 are each marked out of 100. Candidates must achieve the pass mark (60%) in each of these sectors. Candidates who fail in one of more Parts are entitled to re-take or re-submit those requirements and satisfy the examiners within four years of their first submission in that Part of the examination. Part B (the Practical examination), if failed, may not be re-taken within three months of the previous examination.
While it is possible to take all Parts in a single examination year, candidates are strongly advised to plan their studies over at least two years so as to allow time for reflection on the many liturgical and musical issues involved. This is particularly important for those who have not undertaken full-time study for a number of years.
Candidates who opt to take the Parts over more than one year must submit an application in respect of any Parts which are to be taken. This application must reach the Examinations Secretary on or before 31 January in that examination year. Download an application form for examinations
The Council of the Guild of Church Musicians reserves the right to refuse, or cancel, the entry of any candidate for the Certificate.
Successful Candidates may place the letters ACertPW after their name and wear the authorised academic hood. This Certificate is presented annually by one of the Patrons.
FEESfees for the examination are as follows:
| U.K. | Overseas | |
| Preliminary Certificate | £25 | on application |
| Parts A-C (Archbishops’ Award) | £100 | £110 |
| All parts (ACertCM) | £200 | £220 |
| Parts D & E | £100 | £110 |
| Part D only | £60 | £65 |
| Part E only | £40 | £45 |
| ACertPW (All parts) | £160 | £175 |
| ACertPW (Parts A-C) | £100 | £110 |
| ACertPW (Part D only) | £60 | £65 |
Examination entry fees cannot be refunded unless the candidate is unable to attend the examination because of illness. A medical certificate must be forwarded with any application for a refund. The Guild reserves the right not to refund the fees in full if any costs have already been incurred.
In the case of candidates for the Award or the Certificate, an administration fee of £10 will be levied for deferral of the whole or any part of the examination to a later year.