|
In 1979, the National Quilting Association, Inc (NQA) established a program to certify quilt judges. This program was created to assure that those seeking to judge quilts in large or small competitions are qualified to do so. The NQA office maintains a list of active NQA Certified Quilt Judges. The list of Certified Judges is available on this website or by sending a SASE with your request to the NQA office.
 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDATES
To become a Certified Quilt Judge, a candidate must complete the program during their five year enrollment period. Candidates may enroll in the program once. A one-year extension for extreme emergencies may be granted after a written petition to the Certified Judge Coordinator and the Education Chairperson. The extension will be approved upon agreement of both the Coordinator and the Chairperson.
Candidates are required to serve as a judges’ aide for two full days at two different NQA Annual Quilt Shows; once before submitting their Paperwork for review and again before their Panel Review. Also, candidates are encouraged to aide at all NQA Annual Quilt Shows during their enrollment period.
Candidates must maintain their NQA membership during their enrollment period.
Candidates are to follow the Judges Code of Ethics.
Candidates are encouraged to attend the "Two-Day Introduction to Quilt Judging" seminar offered each year at the NQA Annual Quilt Show. The course is not a requirement for certification and completion does not guarantee certification. Seminar information is available on this web site and in the show brochure prior to each Annual Quilt Show.
Candidates are also encouraged to serve on the judging floor at as many different shows as possible. This is an educational opportunity that is not duplicated in any other venue.
Candidates may use the phrase "currently enrolled in the NQA Judges Certification Program". Any other use of NQA as a credential is a serious breach of ethics and will be grounds for immediate termination from the program.
Step 1. Application Procedure
Prior to submitting an application all prospective candidates should have experience on the judging floor as a judge, aide or in another significant role, and must be a current NQA member. An enrollment application can be obtained by contacting the NQA office. The completed application and the enrollment fee ($100.00 U.S. Residents, $120.00, Non-U.S. Residents) are mailed to the Certified Judge Coordinator. Upon acceptance into the program, the candidate will receive a list of in-depth judging and technique questions which are referred to as the Paperwork, a candidate credential questionnaire and additional program information.
Step 2. Paperwork
Completing the Paperwork is an ongoing process similar to a college level independent study. The candidate is required to have an understanding of quiltmaking techniques and the evaluation criteria used when judging. This is accomplished through judging experiences, research, and by attending workshops, lectures and classes.
Paperwork is submitted to the CJ Coordinator postmarked by December 31st. The evaluation process is completed independently by three Certified Judges. The candidate may schedule their Panel Review at the next NQA Annual Quilt Show upon recommendation by the judges. If a Panel Review is not recommended, the candidate may revise and resubmit their Paperwork. Candidates are allowed to submit their Paperwork twice during their enrollment period.
Step 3. Panel Review
Panel Reviews for candidates are scheduled each year at the NQA Annual Quilt Show. During the Panel Review three Certified Judges conduct the candidate’s interview and mock judging. A written evaluation and a possible recommendation for certification are completed by each judge. If the candidate is not certified, a Panel Review may be scheduled at the next NQA Annual Quilt Show. Candidates are allowed two Panel Reviews during their enrollment period.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFIED JUDGES
Certified Judges are expected to continue their education of current quiltmaking techniques and judging procedures.
Certified Judges are to follow the Judges Code of Ethics.
Certified Judges must maintain their NQA membership.
Certified Judges are required to submit an updated professional resume and fee every three years to remain listed as an active Certified Judge.
For additional information or to receive an Enrollment Application for the Judges Certification Program, please contact the National Quilting Association office by
calling (614) 488-8520, FAXing (614) 488-8521, or writing to:
National Quilting Association, Inc
PO Box 12190
Columbus, OH 43212-0190
|
