Select your program of study to learn more about how you can prepare for the Entrance Level Competency Exams.
Prepare for the Exams
Incoming MDiv students are required to show entry-level competency in Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Doctrine, Greek and Hebrew.
| Area | Exam Option | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take online Old Testament course. |
| New Testament | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take online New Testament course. |
| Christian Doctrine | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | |
| Greek | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take Greek online or in residence during Summer or Fall Quarter |
| Hebrew | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take Hebrew in residence |
Students who have shown competency in Hebrew will get to substitute two exegetical elective courses for their required Hebrew I and Hebrew II courses.
Requesting the Exams
Once you’ve been accepted, complete the Request Form for Competency Exams and return it to the Registrar’s Office.
How many times can the exams be taken and is there a deadline?
You may take each exam no more than three times. You must wait a minimum of three days after taking an exam before you can take it again. During this time, you are welcome to take other exams for other content areas.
You may begin taking the ELCE’s once you have been admitted or at least one year prior to the year in which you intend to enroll.
Deadline to take the competency exams for Winter and Spring incoming-accepted students is six weeks before each quarter begins; and Summer and Fall incoming-accepted students is August 1. All requests must arrive to the Admission Office at least four weeks before the deadline to take the exams. If you do not pass one or more of these exams by the deadline, you will be automatically registered for the corresponding course(s). Exams can be taken at least one year prior to the year in which you intend to enroll.
ELCE Study Resources
The primary study resources for passing the Entry-Level Competency Exams are the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism. To assist you in your study, you will need to read a series of books that are ESSENTIAL to your preparation. Each book contains the information you will need to know on the exam. Each chapter includes review material that will help you check your comprehension. You can find the books that are required by visiting our Bookstore page here. Please note that not every book is required for each program. If you have a question about which books would be good for you to read, please contact your admission counselor.
Prepare for the Exams
Incoming SMP students are required to show entry-level competency in Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine.
| Area | Exam Option | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take online Old Testament course. |
| New Testament | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take online New Testament course. |
| Christian Doctrine | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher |
These exams are requested at the time of admission and must be taken and passed within one year of matriculation into the program. However, it is best to get these exams done before the first class begins in the Fall. Some districts require that these be taken and passed before the SMP application is forwarded to the seminary.
Requesting the Exams
Once you’ve been accepted, complete the Request Form for Competency Exams and return it to the Registrar’s Office.
How many times can the exams be taken and is there a deadline?
You may take each exam no more than three times. You must wait a minimum of three days after taking an exam before you can take it again. During this time, you are welcome to take other exams for other content areas.
You may begin taking the ELCE’s once you have been admitted or at least one year prior to the year in which you intend to enroll.
ELCE Study Resources
The primary study resources for passing the Entry-Level Competency Exams are the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism. To assist you in your study, you will need to read a series of books that are ESSENTIAL to your preparation. Each book contains the information you will need to know on the exam. Each chapter includes review material that will help you check your comprehension. You can find the books that are required by visiting our Bookstore page here. Please note that not every book is required for each program. If you have a question about which books would be good for you to read, please contact your admission counselor.
Prepare for the Exams
Incoming Alternate Route (A.R.) students are required to show entry-level competency in Old Testament, New Testament and Greek.
Christian DoctrinePass the ELCE with a 70% or higher
| Area | Exam Option | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take online Old Testament course. |
| New Testament | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take online New Testament course. |
| Christian Doctrine | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | |
| Greek | Pass the ELCE with a 70% or higher | Take Greek online or in residence during Summer or Fall Quarter |
Students who have shown competency in Greek will substitute two exegetical elective courses for their required Greek course.
Requesting the Exams
Once you’ve been accepted, complete the Request Form for Competency Exams and return it to the Registrar’s Office.
How many times can the exams be taken and is there a deadline?
You may take each exam no more than three times. You must wait a minimum of three days after taking an exam before you can take it again. During this time, you are welcome to take other exams for other content areas.
You may begin taking the ELCE’s once you have been admitted or at least one year prior to the year in which you intend to enroll.
Deadline to take the competency exams for Winter and Spring incoming-accepted students is six weeks before each quarter begins; and Summer and Fall incoming-accepted students is August 1. All requests must arrive to the Registrar’s Office at least four weeks before the deadline to take the exams. If you do not pass one or more of these exams by the deadline, you will be automatically registered for the corresponding course(s). Exams can be taken at least one year prior to the year in which you intend to enroll.
ELCE Study Resources
The primary study resources for passing the Entry-Level Competency Exams are the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism. To assist you in your study, you will need to read a series of books that are ESSENTIAL to your preparation. Each book contains the information you will need to know on the exam. Each chapter includes review material that will help you check your comprehension. You can find the books that are required by visiting our Bookstore page here. Please note that not every book is required for each program. If you have a question about which books would be good for you to read, please contact your admission counselor.