The ACNA West Board of Examining Chaplains administers a Common Canonical Examination for candidates to the Presbyterate covering the nine Canonical Areas specified in the Canons of the Anglican Church in North America

There are two sections to the Presbyteral Canonical Exam: 

• Six Objective Exams (one hour each, completely closed book)

• 8 Essay Exams (three hours each, candidates may use a bible and a Book of Common Prayer)

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Candidates for ordination are encouraged to review the Canonical Areas listing and the Study Guides for each area as early in their ordination preparation process as possible. 

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Once a candidate is ready to write the exams, the Diocesan Representative will submit the candidate's name and contact information  to the Common Canonical Exam Coordinator via the ACNA West Canonical Exam Registration Form.  In addition, the candidate or Diocesan Representative must submit the name and contact information for an Exam Proctor. Exams will be sent by the Common Canonical Exam Coordinator to the Proctor. 

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Proctor Instructions and Exam Nuts and Bolts 

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Candidates may take the exams 

• At any time throughout the year

• In any order that they choose

• Candidates are encouraged to complete the exams within a 60 day period, though this may be adjusted by Diocesan and candidate request. 

• Objective Exams will typically be returned to the candidate within 7 days. 

• Essay exams will typically be returned to the candidate within 21 days.