The comprehensive examination is taken after the completion of the core courses, before the student is allowed to continue in the final six courses and the writing of the thesis. The examination is based on seven of the eight core courses:

 THM 501 Biblical Theology of Missions
 BIB 501 Old Testament Genres and Issues
 BIB 502 New Testament Genres and Issues
 HIS 601 Worldwide Expansion of Christianity
 THM 601 Beyond the Local Church
 MIS 601 Socio-political Context of the Church
 REL 602 Contemporary African Theology

A grade of 3.0 is required to pass the examination. If a student fails to achieve the minimum passing grade, he or she is required to review the area(s) found insufficient. The student may then take another examination specific to the area(s) of weakness. However, the student cannot take the second remedial examination until he or she has spent at least 6 months reading and reviewing in the area(s) of weakness. If the student fails to achieve a minimum grade in the second examination, he or she is dismissed from the program. When a student successfully completes the comprehensive examination, the director of graduate studies sends him or her an official letter. The student is then advanced to candidacy status.