Judging Certification Program

The Judging Certification Program was established in 1987 to assist ANG members who wish to become accredited judges of all forms of needlework. Those who satisfactorily complete the program are certified to act as a judge or juror at any judged needlework event.

The purpose of the program is to train qualified evaluators for needlework shows and exhibitions and to oversee a standard of excellence in the development of needlework through professional judging. Candidates are expected to complete the training program within 18 months of application. A six-month extension may be granted at the discretion of the Judging Certification Committee.

Those wishing to enter the program are required to fill out the application form which should provide the following:

1. Previous Judging experience
2. Course work in color and design
3. Course work in any special field of embroidery
4. Exhibit experience and awards
5. College degrees, teaching experience, or business activities
6. Philosophy of Judging
7. Reason candidate desires to be an ANG certified judge
8. Letter of recommendation from two of the following:
   1. A show chairman for whom you have judged
   2. Certified Judge or Certified Teacher who knows you and is familiar with your work

During the course of the program, the candidate is required to:

1. Attend a judging workshop during the annual seminar of the American Needlepoint Guild
2. Act as a trial judge at three shows or exhibits including once at the annual seminar of the American Needlepoint Guild
3. Develop a notebook of materials pertaining to judging in any field of endeavor with special emphasis on the judging of needlework
4. Prepare book critiques from a bibliography supplied to the candidate
5. Complete an open book essay examination prior to the final written examination administered during the annual seminar. It requires an in-depth knowledge of the principles and elements of color and design in addition to stitching techniques, judging criteria, ethics, and needlework history of every type of needlework

Upon completion of these requirements, and with the recommendation of the Judging Certification Committee, the candidate becomes a certified judge and receives the ANG Certified Judge pin with a charm indicating the year of certification.

Certification remains current for five years. Judges, active in the field of judging, must renew their credentials by a written request to the Judging Certification Committee. The request should include the following information:

1. Record of judging experience since certification
2. Additional study in color and design
3. Reference letter from at least one needlework show chairman for whom they have judged
4. Teaching and exhibiting experience within the previous five-year period
5. Any published articles written by the applicant relating to the judging of embroidery

Upon receipt of the written request showing current judging status and renewal fee, the Judging Committee will review and make recommendation for renewal of credentials. In recognition of renewal, a charm is added to the Certified Judge pin.

No lifetime judgeships are granted. The American Needlepoint Guild believes judging is an ongoing growth experience. Judges must continue to study, judge and be judged themselves.

Application forms and renewal requests may be obtained by writing to judgingcertification@needlepoint.org. To download an application form, click on Universal Application Form for Certification Programs.