Certificate of Excellence (COE)

The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA) Certificate of Excellence (COE) 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 COE 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 COE examinations in Handweaving, Spinning, and Dyeing and to terminate the COE examination in Basketmaking. The COE Task Force will carry on with their work reviewing, evaluating, and revising the COE 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 COE handbooks as a guide for self-study with no intent to take the exam. The COE 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 COE Exam?

  • Expand your knowledge
  • Evaluate your skills
  • Designation is used to identify and locate technically qualified Handweavers, Spinners, and Dyers.

We offer two COE 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 COE 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 COE Handbook explains the requirements for the COE 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 COE 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 COE Handbook does not require you to submit for the COE Examination. Shop COE Handbooks.

COE Examinations are conducted using the most recent version of the COE Handbook and take place biannually. Each applicant’s materials are evaluated according to accepted standards of superior handweaving, spinning, dyeing, and basket making.

The COE Examination is $400 non-refundable and non-transferable fee.

COE 2018 Weaving_Marcy and Susan_DSC4700 (1)

Registration Deadlines

 

April 1, 2024 - COE in Handweaving (Register Here)

April 1, 2025 - COE in Spinning (Registration opens April 1, 2024)

November 1, 2025 - COE in Dyeing (Registration opens April 1, 2025)

 

Additional Resources

Purchase a COE Handbook

Download COE Suggested Sources formerly known as Bibliographies (Click on Artform for PDF)

Read COE-related articles from Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot

Listen to the Podcast with Sandra Swarbrick on Weavecast. Read the transcript.

Download the List of COE Recipients

Host a COE Examination

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

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