Subjects | International Certificate of Christian Education

Subject Groups

The diagram below shows how ICCE subjects are arranged into groups to present a balanced whole.

Group 1 - Christian Studies

The ICCE Qualification is centred on a compulsory core element of Christian Studies.

The Christian Studies requirement at each level is designed to foster students’ understanding and appreciation of issues relating to the Christian faith, while also developing a thorough, reasoned, and informed understanding of Christian theology.

Groups 2 and 3 - Academic Studies

These two groups of academic study offer a range of courses giving students scope to choose subjects to suit their personal interests, aptitudes and needs. The ICCE educational programme accommodates regional distinctives without creating regional variants of the ICCE. Subjects in these groups include (but are not limited to): Mathematics, English, Science, Biology, History, Geography, Language Studies, Music and IT/ITC.

Group 4 - Applied Studies

The ICCE Applied Studies component is designed to give students the opportunity to engage in practical, service, ministry and vocational activities. Applied Studies gives recognition to a range of out-of-school areas of student involvement that have, or can have, a legitimate part to play in the intellectual, personal and character development of students and provides balance to the students’ study programmes during the final years of their education.

Credit Requirements

Students are expected to complete a specified number of credits in each subject group per certificate level. Credits are only awarded to courses that are completed to the required standard.

At General Level, a credit is expected to comprise 120 hours of study, while 140 hours of study would be expected at the Intermediate and Advanced Levels.

Educational Resources

The core educational resources of the ICCE Certificate levels are A.C.E. learning materials. As a general rule, a minimum of 80% of the credits required must be A.C.E. PACEs or courses approved by ICCE Ltd. as PACE substitutes. This allows for 20% of each certificate level to be non-A.C.E. educational learning materials. Exceptions to the above must be approved in advance by the Global Office.

Further Credit Options

The structure of the ICCE Qualification allows for freedom in the choice of further credit options (electives), which may be PACE or non-PACE courses. A comprehensive list of approved options is available. These can be viewed on the Course List and Course Structure page of the ICCE website.

Credit for Prior Learning

A student who transfers to ICCE may apply to have a completed course from another education provider recognised towards an ICCE certificate. ICCE is willing to consider certain previously completed courses for credit for prior learning; however, such recognition is strictly limited. All applications will be carefully evaluated, and applicants will be informed of the decision in writing.