Three or four compulsory residential course weekends are held each year. Assessment is by a variety of means, including written assignments, practical exercises and, sometimes, examination. It is appreciated that some candidates will have previous qualifications, and exemptions may sometimes be granted to those who have thoroughly covered aspects of the Integrated Course. The Integrated Course is provided free of charge to members of Federation churches and personal members of the Congregational Federation. In some circumstances others may be admitted to the programme, such as those from unaffiliated congregational churches, with appropriate recommendations, though charges may then be payable.
All participants pay for their course texts and for travel to course weekends.
Grants towards fees and living expenses can be made by the Congregational Federation to those recognised students undertaking college courses, generally for the ordained ministry, whether full or part-time. It is the responsibility of students to make application for these grants as early as possible and in no case later than 30th May for courses beginning in the autumn. The Congregational Federation maintains a roll of ministers. He or she has completed the appropriate parts of the Integrated Training Course. He or she has completed such parts of the Integrated Course as are required by the Training Board together with a prescribed course at a recognised college.