Potential circuit court clerk candidates in Garrard and Pendleton must register for exam by July 2
REGISTER HERE
Residents of Garrard and Pendleton counties who want to run in the special election for circuit court clerk in November 2026 must register for the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks Examination by noon EDT Thursday, July 2, 2026. Hopefuls for the office must pass the exam to be on the ballot.
The Administrative Office of the Courts will administer the exam Wednesday, July 8, at the AOC in Frankfort.
Voters will elect circuit court clerks in the two counties to fulfill the unexpired terms of clerks who are retiring this year. The clerks will be voted in to serve through 2030, when the regular election for each of Kentucky's 120 circuit court clerks will take place.
The clerk exam is offered prior to an election and when a vacancy is to be filled by appointment outside the election cycle.
Exam Details
Time and Date: 9 a.m. EDT Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The exam will be given on this date only. The exam will not be rescheduled due to any conflicts.
Place: Administrative Office of the Courts, 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601
Time: Admittance will begin at 8:30 a.m. EDT. No one will be admitted after 9 a.m. EDT.
Format: The exam consists of 150 questions about material in the Circuit Court Clerks Manual, Circuit Court Clerks Accounting Manual, Circuit Court Clerks Code of Conduct and Judicial Branch Personnel Policies. Examinees have three hours to complete the exam and must score at least 70% to run for office pursuant to SCR 1.060(3). Exam materials are posted on this webpage.
Rules: Exam-takers must present their government-issued photo ID and registration confirmation upon arriving for the exam. Study materials, calculators, cell phones, smartwatches, and food and beverages will not be allowed.
Contact: Email circuitclerksexam@kycourts.net with any questions.