THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Welcome to The Knight Exemplar Program
Knight Exemplar Program
Excellence in Appearance, Knowledge, Discipline, and Uniformity
Knight Exemplar Program Resources
Welcome to the official Knight Exemplar Program Resource Center. Whether you are preparing as a candidate or conducting a Knight Exemplar Board in your Commandery, the resources below contain the official materials required for the 2026 competition season. The Knight Exemplar Study Guide is the official source for all examination material and is locked for the 2026 season with no further revisions. The Knight Exemplar Instructional Manual provides procedures, scoring standards, and guidance for conducting a Board and may be updated periodically as needed. Candidates and Commanderies should review both documents before beginning their preparation.
Welcome message from the Grand Commander
SK Rick Baca, KCT, KYGCH
Knight Exemplar Templar Program Instructional Video
Introducing the Knight Exemplar Program
The Knight Exemplar Program (KEP) is a statewide initiative of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of California, established to promote excellence in appearance, knowledge, discipline, uniformity, and leadership among Sir Knights.
Created under the leadership of Right Eminent Grand Commander Sir Knight Rick Baca, KCT, KYGCH, the program provides every Sir Knight in California an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the principles and practices of Templary through friendly and honorable competition.
The Knight Exemplar Program consists of competitions at the Commandery, Department, and Grand Commandery levels, culminating in the recognition of the Knight Exemplar of California at the Annual Grand Sessions.
Participants are evaluated in two primary areas:
- Knowledge and Demonstration
Templar History
Regulations
Sword Manual
Chain of Command
Knight Templar Eye Foundation
Ritual and Templar Education - Uniform Inspection
Class A Uniform
Chapeau
Sword
Jewels, ribbons, and authorized accoutrements
Overall appearance, correctness, and uniformity
To ensure consistency throughout the state, the Knight Exemplar Committee provides standardized questions, score sheets, judge training, and examination procedures.
This instructional video demonstrates the proper administration of the Knight Exemplar Program examination. Viewers will learn the examination process, judging procedures, uniform inspection standards, scoring methods, and expectations for both candidates and examiners.
The Knight Exemplar Program is more than a competition—it is an opportunity to strengthen Commanderies, encourage personal growth, preserve our traditions, and promote excellence throughout the Order of Knights Templar in California.
For additional information, contact your local Commandery or the Grand Commandery of Knights
Templar of California.
“Excellence Through Templary”
SK Danny Foxx, KTCH
Chairmen Knights Templar Program
Grand Commandery of California