EGA Certification Programs

Resources EGA Certified Teachers Apprize Online

Teacher Certification Program

The teacher certification examination certifies teachers in various areas of needlework for EGA. The program sets high standards for excellence in design, technique, and knowledge of the field. Throughout the examination, candidates are evaluated on their abilities to communicate information and promote creativity.

Prospective applicants must go through a screening process to become a candidate. The screening requirements include a resume, letters of reference, a class in design, and a completed questionnaire. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have at least 60 hours of teaching experience.

The examination must be completed in two years and is comprised of five parts:

1. Color and design
2. Techniques
3. Essay questions on selected needlework topics
4. Teaching proposals, lesson plans, and resume
5. A classroom evaluation of the candidate in an actual teaching situation

Upon request, candidates will be assigned a mentor who is not an evaluator.

Certificates are offered in beading, blackwork, canvas, contemporary embroidery, counted thread, crewel and surface embroidery, fine hand sewing, pulled thread, quiltmaking, raised and padded embroidery, silk and metal thread, smocking, and whitework.

After passing the examination, those interested in certification in additional techniques are required to repeat parts 2 through 5 in a one-year time period for each area of interest.

Fee: Cost of the examination, including screening, is $200 for the first technique and $100 for each subsequent technique. Successful candidates will receive a pin at the time of completion of the first technique. Engraved bars that attach to the pin may also be purchased.

Enrollment: Prospective students should send $10 to EGA headquarters to receive the screening requirements. The balance of the fee is due upon acceptance into the program. Candidates may enroll in one EGA certification program at a time. Please use the registration form on page 33 of the 2009/10 Education Catalog.

Contact program chair, Kay Stanis, with questions about the program. Contact Education Coordinator, Brad Cape, with questions about registration or payments.

Certified Teacher Graduate Program

This program has been designed to help and encourage certified teachers to evaluate their professional careers, expand their knowledge of embroidery, and develop their skills in critical thinking. Graduates of the program are known as Graduate Teachers.

To fulfill the requirements of this program, the candidate must complete assignments in the five categories listed below within a five year period.

1. Exhibition of original work
2. Attendance at enrichment classes
3. Research and publications
4. Teaching
5. Service to local community and/or EGA or other needlework organizations

Fees: The cost of the program is $200. A pin is awarded after successful completion of the program.

Enrollment: The program is open to EGA certified teachers and those who hold credentials from other ICNA organizations. Candidates may enroll in one EGA certification program at a time. To be considered for admission in the program, complete the form on page 33 of the 2009/10 Education Catalog and mail to EGA headquarters.

Contact program chair, Kay Stanis, with questions about the program.

Certified Needlework Appraisal Program

This program has been established to train individuals to appraise or value embroidery from a monetary and historical perspective. The Appraisal Program is a combination of EGA provided instruction and self-directed study that includes exercises in needlework observation, research, and a formal apprenticeship in appraisal writing.  Each candidate must attend an EGA sponsored class in Embroidery Appraisals for Insurance/Fair Market Value/Donations. This 4-day class will provide instruction on how to appraise needlework for the purposes of insurance, fair market value, and donations. The class will provide basic historical needlework information on materials and design trends, techniques, and stitches.

In addition to the appraisal instruction class, each certification candidate will be required to complete an EGA judging component, write a research paper, complete an apprenticeship in appraisal writing, and pass a final exam. Every candidate accepted into the EGA Appraisal Program will receive one copy of the EGA Appraisal Manual, a reference guide to aid in the identification of multiple types of needlework.  The manual is updated periodically with referenced research from EGA Certified Appraisers and EGA Appraisal program candidates.

Fees: The cost of the program is $375 for EGA members and $450 for non-members. After completion of the program, a pin will be awarded along with listing on the EGA website. The cost of the program does not include course fees.

Enrollment: Candidates may enroll in the program after completion of the four-day course.  Download the application

For information about the program, contact Brad Cape, Education Coordinator, at EGA headquarters.

Certified Needlework Judges Program

This program guides and assists prospective judges in developing and refining their ability to evaluate needlework. CNJ apprentices learn standards of excellence in color, design, techniques, materials, and finishing; and they learn the ethical standards of judging exemplified by our certified needlework judges. They do practice and actual judging, exhibit their own work, pass a series of written examinations, and meet with members of the CNJ committee for an exit interview. The program, designed to be completed within two years from the date of enrollment, requires attendance at two CNJ-sponsored classes.

Fees: The cost of the program, including screening, is $200. A pin is awarded upon completion of the program.

Enrollment: Prospective candidates should send $10 to EGA headquarters to receive the screening requirements. These requirements include a resume and questionnaire. The balance of the fee is due upon acceptance into the program. Candidates may enroll in one EGA certification program at a time. Please use the registration form on page 33 of the 2009/10 Education Catalog.

Contact: program chair, Carole Rinard, with questions about the program.
Contact Education Coordinator, Brad Cape, with questions about registration forms or payment options.

Master Needlework Judges Program

EGA Certified Needlework Judges may enter the Master Judges Program (MNJ), a five year course of judging, exhibiting, and study. MNJ candidates study needlework techniques, design, color, judging procedures, and methods for planning and presenting exhibits. This program is designed to build on the basic knowledge accrued while working on the Certified Needlework Judges Program and to refine the knowledge and ability of our judges.

Fees: The cost of the program is $200. A pin is awarded upon completion of the program.

Enrollment: The program is open to EGA Certified Needlework Judges. To enroll please use the registration form on page 33 of the 2009/10 Education Catalog.

Contact program chair, Carole Rinard, with questions about the program.
Contact Education Coordinator, Brad Cape, with questions about registration forms or payment options.