THE CANTORIAL INTERN PROGRAM OF THE CANTORS ASSEMBLY (CICA)
REVISED JUNE-2020
The Cantors Assembly recognizes the need of reaching out to shlihei tzibur who do not qualify for membership in our organization when such individuals demonstrate that they are sincerely committed to this sacred calling. We elevate the Cantorate by increasing their knowledge and skills. The purpose of this initiative is to train and prepare such individuals so they can acquire the knowledge needed to pass our examinations for membership. At the same time, we will strengthen our organization with the infusion of additional new members. For these reasons, the Cantors Assembly has established the Cantorial Intern of the Cantors Assembly (CICA) program.
Who is Qualified to Participate and Apply for CICA?
Requirements for Entrance into the CICA program
Application Process
Each CICA candidate shall submit an application that includes years of study, job experience, religious background and future goals, for review by the Membership Committee. In addition, an application fee is required, a signed CICA Applicant/Mentor Agreement and three letters of recommendation should be submitted with the completed application. The Membership Committee shall review the applicant’s packet and determine eligibility. If deemed eligible, the Membership Chair, or another member of the Membership Committee shall interview the applicant. At this interview, the candidate will be tested to determine the basic level of proficiency in the following areas: Music Theory; Hebrew; Cantillation; Nusach and Davening Skills; Jewish Music.
Determination of Admittance into the CICA program
Approval of a candidate for the CICA program shall be made by the Executive Council after a recommendation from the Membership Committee. The Code of Professional Conduct of the Cantors Assembly shall be applicable to participants in the CICA program.
Mentoring
To ensure a proper course of study and successful completion of the CICA program, each candidate must have a mentor and abide by the following guidelines:
Mentor Guidelines: For the CICA Intern and Mentor
Study Requirements
The intern, in consultation with the mentor, shall review the exam syllabus and prepare a five-year course of study. The outline of study, as stated above, shall be submitted to the Membership Committee for approval. Each participant in the CICA program will be given six years in which to pass all components of the Cantors Assembly Membership Exam. The testing portion is divided between Written and Oral Exams. There are a total of 10 exams. Program participants shall be required to take at least one exam per year to retain their status as a CICA participant; however, to pass all the exams in a timely manner, the CICA participant, in consultation with their mentor, should plan on taking at least two exams per year. Failure to take at least one exam per year may result in that individual being dismissed from the CICA program. The Membership Committee, or another individual approved by the Membership Committee, shall proctor and/or administer the examinations. If the intern does not pass a section, he/she will have an opportunity to retake the exam within one year. This shall not cause a delay in taking the next exam. The intern must pass all components of the Membership Exam by the end of the sixth year, after which he/she will be subject for dismissal from the program.
CICA Program Participants Rights and Privileges
CICA program participants shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and advantages of membership in the Cantors Assembly with the following modifications and/or exceptions:
With whom do I speak about CICA?
You may contact Hazzan Bruce Braun at 330.864.8533 ext. 202 or brucebraun@cantors.org
To access the syllabus for each of the exams click: Written Exam or Oral Exam