Skip to main navigation Skip to main content

Circuit Court Clerk Examination

Potential circuit court clerk candidates in
Johnson, McCracken and Mercer must register for exam by Oct. 31

Residents of Johnson, McCracken and Mercer counties who want to run in the special election for circuit court clerk in 2026 have until noon EDT Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 to register for the required exam. Hopefuls for the office must pass the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk Examination to be on the ballot.

The registration form will be available on this page starting Oct. 1.

The Administrative Office of the Courts will administer the exam Thursday, Dec. 4, at the AOC building in Frankfort.

Local voters will elect circuit court clerks in the three counties to fulfill the unexpired terms of clerks who retired 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 vacancies are currently covered by clerks appointed by local chief circuit judges.

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. EST Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. 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. EST. No one will be admitted after 9 a.m. EST.

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). Current circuit court clerks do not have to take the exam. Exam materials are available 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.