Jesus said that those who hear His words and act on them are like a wise man who builds on a solid rock. No matter the storms, that house stands firm. ABC’s one-year Certificates provide one of the best opportunities for you to dig into Scripture and build your life on its unchanging truths.

The ABC Advantage

The accredited Bible Certificate program at Appalachian Bible College is a focused, dynamic way to spend your year. You will learn to know God’s Word through courses in Bible interpretation and theology, and to share His Word through ministry courses such as Personal Evangelism and Missions.

Meet lifelong friends, learn from godly leaders, and prepare for whatever God has for you next.

Cultivate Core Values

  • Passion for Servanthood

    Imitate Christ and discover the value of serving the Lord, His Church, and the world with excellence.

  • Practice of Integrity

    Exercise righteousness and accountability in your relationships.

  • Priority of the Local Church

    Involve yourself in the local church, God's instrument for reaching the world with the Gospel.

  • Pursuit of a Biblical Worldview

    See the world with a Biblical perspective; stand on the absolute authority of Scripture.

  • Primacy of the Bible

    Grow in your love for the Word of God and your conviction of its role in all of life.

Why a Bible Certificate?

No matter your aspirations or career goals, a Bible Certificate provides every Christian with a solid, Biblical foundation for life.

Is your future unclear? Do you wonder what God’s will is for your life? The Bible Certificate program is designed for you! It is a wise pursuit if you are undecided about a vocation, if you want to become more useful in your local church, or if you seek personal spiritual growth.

If God leads you to continue your education at ABC or elsewhere, accreditation ensures that your Bible Certificate course credits will be accepted.

Online Option

In addition to the traditional Bible Certificate program offered on ABC’s scenic West Virginia campus, this program is available as an online Bible Certificate.

Gap Year Bible Certificate

Besides earning a Bible Certificate in 9 months, you will have monthly adventure day trips, an extended overnight trip, and a missions trip to a foreign field. You will experience rock climbing, whitewater rafting, wild caving, hiking, and camping in places like New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Appalachian Trail, and Cranberry Wilderness Area. Additionally, you will have the summer opportunity to serve at Alpine Bible Camp.

Requirements: 30 hours

Bible / Theology Core

10 hours
  • Principles of Bible Interpretation
  • Old Testament Survey
  • New Testament Survey
  • Matthew – Acts

Ministry Core

8 hours
  • Foundations of Ministry
  • Biblical Theology of Missions or Cross-Cultural Communications
  • Personal Evangelism & Discipleship

General Education Core

5 hours
  • English Composition I
  • Physical Education
  • Success Seminar

Gap Year Credits

7 hours
  • Camping Skills Elective
  • Gap Missions Trip
  • Gap Hiking Trip

Gap Year Bible Certificate Checksheet

Bible & Gen. Ed. Certificate

Coursework for the Bible and General Education Certificate mirrors the first year of a bachelor of arts schedule. If you decide to return for an A.A. or B.A. after graduating with this Certificate, you will be right on track.

Requirements: 30 hours

Bible & Gen. Ed. Certificate Checksheet

Bible & Ministry Certificate

If you want to forego general education courses and concentrate on Bible, theology, and ministry preparation for a year, this Certificate is for you.

Requirements: 33 hours

Bible / Theology Core

25 hours
  • Old Testament Survey
  • Genesis – Deuteronomy
  • Paul’s Letters 1 or Hebrews – Revelation
  • Doctrine 1: Intro. to Theology & the Bible or Doctrine 3: Man, Sin & Salvation
  • Principles of Bible Interpretation
  • New Testament Survey
  • Joshua – Esther or Isaiah – Malachi
  • Matthew – Acts or Paul’s Letters 2
  • Doctrine 2: God, Christ, Holy Spirit & Angels or Doctrine 4: Church & Last Things

Ministry Core

8 hours
  • Biblical Theology of Missions
  • Foundations of Ministry
  • Personal Evangelism & Discipleship

Bible & Ministry Certificate Checksheet

What's Next?

Something BIG is coming to ABC