A brief article in the October AJM magazine had this to say about the new Bench
Jeweler Certification program.
Jewelers of America, GIA & Texas Institue of Jewelry Technology have developed a
certification program that certifies the skill level of bench jewelers.
Through practical, written & video exams a bench jeweler is certified at one of
four levels: JA Certified Bench Jeweler Technician, JA Certified Bench Jeweler,
JA Certified Senior Bench Jeweler & JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler.
The test for any level, except Master Jeweler, can be taken without being
certified at the previous level. Anyone taking the Master level test must have
satisfactorily completed the Senior Bench Jeweler test.
The practical test can be proctored at the jewelers own bench. Practical test
times vary from 14 to 24 hours depending on the level of the test. The written &
video portions of the test require from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. In addition to
bench skills a detailed knowledge of administrative & safety procedures is
required.
For more cantact :
JA Communication Dept.
1185 Avenue of the Americas, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-786-8777
Dave Arens