Bible Text Requirements
Version: ESV® Bible (English Standard Version®), 2025 edition
Acceptable formats:
- Photocopied or printed copies
- Downloaded digital copies
- Copyrighted printed Bibles
Highlighting and Note-Taking
Margin Specifications
- Page margins must not be more than 1 inch on all four sides
- No page breaks between chapters (page breaks between books are permitted)
- Headers/footers with book/chapter numbers and page numbers are allowed
- Tabs are permitted for chapter/book location
Handwritten Notes
- Note-taking of any kind is allowed within the 1-inch margins
- Notes must be handwritten by the text owner — coaches may not pre-provide them
- Drawings/doodling are permitted within margins if done by the owner
Restricted Materials
- All supplementary study materials must be removed before testing
- Only the Bible text with handwritten notes is permitted during exams
Age Divisions
| Division | Grades / Age |
|---|---|
| Elementary | Grades 3–6 |
| Junior | Grades 7–9 |
| Senior | Grades 10–12 |
| Adult | Age 18+ or high school completion |
Each division (except Adult) has Inexperienced and Experienced subdivisions.
Team Competition
- Junior and Senior divisions are eligible to form teams
- Teams consist of 4 students, formed before competition starts
- Teams compete based on the experience level of the most experienced member
- Students may compete individually at one level and on a team at another
Testing Rounds and Scoring
| Round | Format | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Round | Closed Bible | Varies | 25 min | 50 |
| Round 1: Find the Verse | Open Bible | 40 | 25 min | 40 |
| Round 2: Fact Finder | Open Bible (multiple choice) | 40 | 20 min | 40 |
| Round 3: Identification | Open Bible (multiple choice) | 40 | 20 min | 40 |
| Round 4: Know the Chapter – Quotations | Closed Bible | 40 | 15 min | 40 |
| Round 5: Know the Chapter – Headings | Closed Bible | 40 | 10 min | 40 |
- Individual maximum: 250 points (Elementary: 200, no Power Round)
- Team maximum: 800 points combined
Testing Procedures
Prohibited Actions
- Participants may not consult at any time during testing
- No study questions during testing
- Only Bible text and footnotes are allowed
- Sharing answers results in a zero score for that round
Seating
- Participants sit at tables away from others on their own team
- You must remain in your seat for the duration of testing
- No movement around the room during test administration
- Breaks are given after the Power Round and after Round 2 only
Other Rules
- No food in the testing area
- Drinks with lids only — placed on the floor
- All testing in designated rooms only
- No early testing permitted
Awards
- Individual: 1st–10th place per division
- Team: 1st–10th place if 12+ teams; top (teams − 2) places if fewer than 12
- Awards Ceremony: Saturday evening after dinner
Scholarships
See the Scholarships page for details on:
- Texas Bible Bowl Scholarship
- Christian University Scholarships (top Senior individuals)
- Mary Orbison Memorial Scholarship
- Paul Hendrickson Memorial Scholarship