The Criteria are as follows:

A. Vocation
You should be able to speak of a growing sense of being called by God to ministry and mission, referring both to your own inner conviction and the extent to which others have confirmed it. Your sense of vocation should be obedient, realistic and informed. You should also be able to demonstrate ways in which your vocation has had an impact on your life.

B. Ministry within the Church of England
You should demonstrate an understanding of your own tradition within the Church of England, an awareness of the variety of traditions and practice that are encompassed within the Church of England and show a commitment to work within that variety. You should be able to speak of the distinctiveness of ministry within the Church of England and of what it means to be a deacon, priest or accredited lay minister. You should show a commitment to a ministry of gospel proclamation, through word and sacrament, pastoral care and social action.

C. Spirituality
You should show commitment to a spiritual discipline, involving individual and corporate prayer and worship, including a developing pattern of disciplined daily prayer, Bible study and regular receiving of Holy Communion. Your spiritual practice should be such as to sustain and energize you in training and ministry. You should demonstrate a connection between your prayer life and daily living and show an understanding of God's activity in your life.

D. Personality and Character
You should show an appropriate degree of self-awareness and self-acceptance, and sufficient maturity to sustain the demanding role of a minister. You should be able to face change and pressure in a flexible and balanced way. You should be a person of integrity and be seen as such by others. You should demonstrate a desire and capacity for further self-development and growth.