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 undergoing an evaluation and revision process by a board-appointed Certificate of Excellence Task Force. The information below is subject to change.

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. The Certificate of Excellence Task Force will carry on with their work reviewing, evaluating, and revising the Certificate of Excellence program. They will share updates on their progress at the annual general meetings and quarterly in the Update section of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot.
We know many members purchase the Certificate of Excellence handbooks as a guide for self-study with no intent to take the exam. The Certificate of Excellence handbooks are still available for purchase, but once they sell out, they will not be restocked until the handbooks have been revised.

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.

The Certificate of Excellence Handbook explains the requirements for the Certificate of Excellence and is available for purchase by applicants and those who are interested in using it as a means to increase their knowledge and skill level. Periodically HGA revises requirements, procedures and evaluation criteria of all Certificate of Excellence programs. The applicant is responsible for acquiring and using the most recent handbook. If revisions occur between scheduled examinations, the applicant may choose to use the prior handbook or the newly revised version. In no case, may a handbook from two or more prior revisions be used. Purchasing the Certificate of Excellence Handbook does not require you to submit for the Certificate of Excellence Examination. Shop Certificate of Excellence Handbooks.

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, dyeing, and basket making.

The Certificate of Excellence Examination is $400 non-refundable and non-transferable fee.

COE 2018 Weaving_Marcy and Susan_DSC4700 (1)

Registration Deadlines

Temporarily Suspended (See above)

Additional Resources

Purchase a Certificate of Excellence Handbook

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

Host a Certificate of Excellence Examination

We are always looking for Guilds to volunteer to host our Certificate of Excellence Examinations. Download more information, and to express an interest in hosting, please complete this form.

For more information about the Certificate of Excellence, to verify you have the most recent version of a Certificate of Excellence Handbook, or to inquire about your guild hosting an examination call (678) 730-0010 or email Programs@WeaveSpinDye.org.