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Professional Certification for Church Musicians

The purpose of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) Certification is two-fold. It affirms the gained wisdom of a PAM member as a result of their active leadership in the work and mission of the church. In addition, the certification process is an effective educational tool for expanding the musician’s knowledge of both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and how the music of the church may contribute towards the worship and glorification of God.​ Certification is an important step in professional development and recognition within the church. PAM encourages pastors and sessions to support musicians in working towards achieving this goal.

Prior to Application

  1. ​The applicant shall hold a current membership in PAM and will continue that membership throughout the certification process.​

  2. The applicant will have served as a church musician for no less than 3 years.

Certification Process

  1. The applicant will submit the application, including resumé and references, to the National PAM office.

  2. The National Office will acknowledge the application and verify PAM membership.

  3. The Certification Committee will add new candidates to the Certification Candidate Forum where candidates will have the opportunity to communicate with other candidates, certified church musicians, and the committee members.

  4. The applicant will complete sections I-IV under Certification Requirements and submit appropriate documentation as completed throughout the process within five years of the initial application.

  5. All materials will be evaluated by the Certification Committee, another certified member of PAM, and the PAM Executive Director.

  6. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the Certification Committee will recommend the candidate to the PAM Executive Board for final approval.

  7. Once approved, the applicant, the applicant's pastor, Clerk of Session, and Presbytery will be informed of the awarding of certification.

Certification Resources

Certification Requirements

Lines of Authority

by John Sall

Class Verification Form

Application

G-2.11 Certified Church Service

There are currently three approved certifying bodies within the PC(USA):

  • Administrative Personnel Association (APA)

  • Education Certification Committee (ECC)

  • Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM)

From the PC(USA) Form of Government, adopted in July 2011.

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G-­2.1101   Forms of Certified Church Service

Persons may be certified and called to service within congregations, councils, and church-related entities, serving in staff positions.  These individuals endeavor to reflect their faith through their work and to strengthen the church through their dedication. They should be encouraged by their session and presbytery to meet, or be prepared to meet, the certification requirements in a handbook provided by a national certifying body approved by the General Assembly. Names of those who have earned certification through a national certifying body shall be transmitted to the appropriate body of the General Assembly, which will forward them to the stated clerk of the presbyteries in which those persons labor.

 

G-­2.1102   Presbytery and Certified Church Service
The presbytery shall encourage sessions to make continuing education funds and time available to those seeking certification, and shall affirm the skill and dedication of these certified persons by providing a service of recognition at the time of certification. The presbytery may grant the privilege of voice at all its meetings to persons in certified church service.​​

 
PAM will notify your Pastor, Clerk of Session and Stated Clerk of the Presbytery when certification and renewal are granted.

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