What the Course Entails and Exam Details

This examination does not represent a standard academic course but rather tests your mastery of foundational documents and operational procedures.

The core syllabus is centered entirely on the General Council Constitution and Bylaws of the Assemblies of God. You must have an in-depth knowledge of this document to succeed.

The primary topics covered include:

• The Statement of Fundamental Truths: Understanding the 16 core doctrines of the AG, with particular emphasis on the four cardinal doctrines: Salvation, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Divine Healing, and the Second Coming of Christ.

• Organizational Structure: The distinct roles and relationships between the local church, the District Council, and the General Council.

• Governmental Forms: The principles of voluntary cooperation and congregational sovereignty within the Fellowship.

• Ministerial Credentials: The qualifications, classifications (Certified, Licensed, Ordained), rights, and responsibilities of credentialed ministers.

• Doctrinal and Ethical Standards: Guidelines regarding marriage and divorce, ethical conduct, and relationship boundaries for ministers.

• Parliamentary Procedure: Basic understanding of how business is conducted in Council sessions.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

While the exact format may vary slightly between different districts, here is what you should generally expect from the AG Polity Exam:

• Format: The exam consists primarily of multiple-choice questions. These questions are designed to test not just rote memorization, but also your ability to interpret and apply the Constitution and Bylaws to practical ministerial scenarios.

• Number of Questions: The exam typically contains between 50 and 100 questions.

• Passing Score: The standard minimum passing score is 70%. You must pass this exam before progressing to your final credentialing interview.

• Time Limit: You will generally be allotted between 90 and 120 minutes to complete the test.

• Specific Rules (Allowed Resources): This is a unique aspect of the AG Polity Exam. In many districts, the polity exam is an open-book test where the only resource permitted is a physical, printed copy of the current General Council Constitution and Bylaws (without personal notes or concordance). No other books, Bibles, or electronic devices are allowed.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation is the key to passing the polity exam. Because this is often an open-book test, the skill is not in memorizing everything, but in knowing where to find the information quickly.

Actionable Study Strategies:

• Obtain the Correct Document: Ensure you have the most recent version of the General Council Constitution and Bylaws. This is available through the AG General Secretary's office.

• Read the Bylaws Thoroughly: Read the entire document at least twice.

• Tab Your Bylaws: Use adhesive tabs to mark key sections, such as Article VI (Statement of Fundamental Truths), Article VII (General Council), Article X (Districts), and Article VIII (Doctrinal/Ethical Standards). This will save you precious time during the exam.

• Focus on Definitions and Numbers: Pay close attention to definitions (e.g., what constitutes "active service") and specific timeframes or numbers (e.g., how many members are needed for a church to become self-governing).

• Utilize Practice Exams: Seek out sample questions or practice exams if your district provides them. This helps you understand the phrasing and types of questions you will encounter.

• Take Notes: As you read, summarize the main points of each article in your own words on a separate sheet of paper.

How to Take the Exam:

The credentialing process, including the application and exams, is managed at the District Council level. You must contact your specific District or Ministry Network Secretary's office to receive permission to take the exam.

Typically, the exam is administered:

• Online Portals: Many districts now use secure online testing platforms, allowing you to take the exam remotely with a proctor.

• Educational Institutions: Some students take the exam through authorized schools of ministry (SOM) or Assemblies of God colleges (such as Global University/Berean School of the Bible).

• Physical Testing Centers: Occasionally, districts may set up physical testing centers during district councils or special credentialing seminars.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Passing the AG Polity Exam is an essential requirement to unlock ministerial credentials, which are required for most official leadership positions within the Assemblies of God Fellowship. Successful credentialing opens the door to numerous full-time and bi-vocational career paths:

• Senior Pastor

• Associate Pastor

• Youth Pastor

• Children’s Minister

• Worship Arts Pastor

• Executive Pastor

• Military Chaplain

• Hospital or Institutional Chaplain

• Foreign or Domestic Missionary

• Evangelist

• Christian Education Administrator

• District Council official

Approaching the Assemblies of God Polity Exam with diligence and the right study plan will ensure your success. This test is more than a requirement; it is your introduction to the cooperative heart of the Fellowship you are called to serve.