The Bible Proficiency Exam (BPE) is one part of an overall program of biblical studies at Luther Seminary designed to enhance and encourage familiarity with the Scriptures. Students begin their seminary education with widely differing backgrounds in biblical studies.

The BPE helps to ensure that everyone becomes acquainted with the basic contents of Scripture early in their studies. Students prepare for the exam by learning the themes of biblical books, the significance of key people, basic biblical geography and chronology, and the location of important biblical passages.

The Bible Tutor, which is available online and on CD-ROM, is a learning tool that includes information which appears on the exam, together with self-tests that help students assess their progress.

Students prepare for and take the BPE at their own pace, although a satisfactory, proctored exam is to be completed by the end of one’s first year of full-time study. Students who have passed eight or more full courses (or equivalent) must successfully complete the exam before they can register for more classes.

The proctored exam schedule is posted on Inside Luther. Preparing for the exam helps give students a basic working knowledge of the Bible as a whole, while the core courses in biblical studies focus on the interpretation of selected books and passages.

For students whose denomination requires a similar biblical proficiency exam, the BPE requirement can be waived. Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.