The Certificate is open to all, whether you are:

• A beginner seeking a clear learning path
• An improver looking to refine your skills

You do not need to be a CLAS member to take part, although members benefit from a reduced entry fee.

• Encourages regular, focused calligraphy practice
• Provides detailed feedback from experienced calligraphy assessors
• Builds a portfolio of assessed calligraphy work
• Supports structured learning for calligraphy students

All information can be found in the Rules of Entry in the CLAS Certificate of Calligraphy leaflet, including:

• Assessment criteria
• Script guidelines
• Entry form and submission instructions

The most recent edition is available to download here.

The entry form is included in the Certificate leaflet. You may photocopy it or download a printable version here.

No. While a tutor or course can be helpful, they are not required. Many entrants work independently, using books, online resources, and the guidance provided in the leaflet.

Each entry is assessed anonymously by an experienced assessor. Your work is evaluated against the five criteria detailed in the Certificate leaflet.

You will receive:

• A Certificate of Calligraphy showing your overall achievement
• A completed assessment form, with marks out of 10 for each of the five assessment aspects, along with your overall percentage
• Helpful and encouraging comments, offering suggestions for further improvement
• Detailed post-it notes placed on each of your three submitted sheets, providing personalised feedback – something many participants find particularly valuable

This process is designed to support your continued learning and enjoyment of calligraphy.

No – there is no pass mark, and every assessed entry is awarded a certificate. Although the Certificate of Calligraphy represents the first step on the CLAS Ladder of Progress, it is not an exam. It is intended to indicate the standard you have reached and, most importantly, to support and encourage your ongoing improvement.

Each entry focuses on one script. You may choose from the following:

• Foundational Hand
• Pen-written Roman Capitals
• Basic Italic (minuscules)
• Pen-written Plain Italic Capitals
• Angled Pen Uncial
• Gothic Black Letter (minuscules)
• Classic Copperplate

Please note:

• For Copperplate entries, both upper and lower case alphabets must be included.
• If capitals are used alongside minuscules (e.g. in Italic or Foundational), they are not assessed unless submitted as a separate entry under Roman Capitals.

Examples of some scripts can be found in the Certificate section of the CLAS website.

Yes. You may send several entries in the same packaging, provided that each has its own entry form and the fee has been paid for each one.

There are two submission deadlines per year:

• 30 April
• 30 November

Entries may be submitted at any time before a deadline. Early entries will be safely stored, though you are encouraged to use extra time for further practice.

The assessment process takes care and time. You can expect your results and returned work approximately eight weeks after the deadline.

No. Please do not identify yourself on your work. The Administrator will assign a reference number to ensure fair and anonymous assessment.

Yes. Multiple students can send work in one parcel if:

• Each entry is in a separate folder or envelope
• Each includes a completed entry form
• Group payment details are clearly stated

Use a padded envelope with bubble wrap lining, along with a stiff backing to prevent the contents from bending during transit. The cover and backing board from a used pad of paper work well for this.

This combination will help protect your work from being crushed or damaged, keep it dry, and ensure the overall weight remains economical to post. There is no need to place each sheet in a separate plastic wallet.

Yes. The packaging you use to send your entry will be reused to return it to you. Including a self-addressed label ensures that your work is returned to the correct address and helps the Administrator, especially when handling a large number of entries.

Please make sure that your label is large enough to completely cover the Administrator’s address on the packaging.

The entry fee covers:

• Expert assessment by a qualified calligraphy assessor
• Detailed written feedback on your work
• Certificate of Calligraphy
• Tracked and signed-for return of your work

For further information, contact the Certificate Administrator at: certificate@clas.co.uk