Certificate of Excellence
The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA) Certificate of Excellence is a self-directed certification program for HGA members in the areas of Handweaving, Handspinning, and Dyeing.
The Certificate of Excellence program is currently suspended while the Board determines the program's future direction. At this time, examinations are not being offered, and historical program materials, including the recipient list, are updated only periodically.
At the March 2024 meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board voted to temporarily suspend the Certificate of Excellence examinations in Handweaving, Spinning, and Dyeing and to terminate the Certificate of Excellence examination in Basketmaking.
Why take the Certificate of Excellence Exam?
- Expand your knowledge
- Evaluate your skills
- Designation is used to identify and locate technically qualified Handweavers, Spinners, and Dyers.
We offer two Certificate of Excellence Levels:
- Level 1 (Technical Skills) is a focus on technical skills, design principles, and knowledge of materials and equipment
- Level 2 (Master with Specialized Study), available upon completion and certification of Level 1, is a master level with an in-depth study in a specialized area of the applicant’s choice.
Application Process
Preparing for the Certificate of Excellence Examination can be rigorous and time-consuming. An advisor is available for each discipline to provide encouragement and assist with clarification throughout the process. Most applicants require two years to complete the written work and produce the samples for submission. It is highly encouraged applicants to delay exam registration until they are confident they can complete the remainder of their work within the next four to six months.
Certificate of Excellence Examinations are conducted using the most recent version of the Certificate of Excellence Handbook and take place biannually. Each applicant’s materials are evaluated according to accepted standards of superior handweaving, spinning, and dyeing.
Registration Deadlines
Suspended (See above)
Additional Resources
Download Certificate of Excellence Suggested Sources formerly known as Bibliographies (Click on Artform for PDF)
Read Certificate of Excellence-related articles from Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot
Listen to the Podcast with Sandra Swarbrick on Weavecast. Read the transcript.
Download the List of Certificate of Excellence Recipients
