certificate of calligraphy – FAQs

1)  Where can I find all the details of how to enter for the Certificate?
A)  All the details may be found in the Certificate of Calligraphy Leaflet (with a green cover):  the latest, and up-to-date version, is correct as of January 2021.  An on-line version of this Leaflet is in the Certificate section of the CLAS website.

2)  Do I have to have a calligraphy tutor, or to have undertaken a CLAS online learning course to enter for the Certificate?
A)  It is not necessary, but either or both, if possible, would be of great help to you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

3)  Is there a pass or fail for an entry for the Certificate?
A)  No, there is no ‘pass-mark’, and every assessed entry gains a certificate.  Although the Certificate is the first rung of the CLAS Ladder of Progress, it is NOT an exam!  It is designed to indicate the standard of lettering reached, but most importantly to help and encourage future improvement.

4)  What will I receive when my assessed work is returned to me?                                                                                                                                  A)  As well as an actual certificate showing your mark, you will receive a completed assessment form.  This shows your marks out of 10 for five different aspects of the assessment, and your overall percentage mark.  There are also helpful and encouraging comments and suggestions for further improvement.  The Assessor will also put ‘post-it’ notes on the three sheets of work, giving very detailed comments, which most people find helpful.     

5)  Can I send in work at any time?
A)  Assessments take place twice a year, with deadline dates of 30th April and 30th November.  If work is submitted after a deadline date, or a long time before the next one, it will be carefully looked after until that next assessment.  However, it is recommended that, rather than a very early submission, the time be used for further practice!

6)  When will I hear my results and get my work back?
A)  The Assessors take much care and time with each entry, and the whole assessment process takes about eight weeks.  Therefore, you might expect the return of your assessed work approximately eight weeks after the deadline- date.

7)  Can I put more than one script in one entry?
A)  No, each entry is for the assessment of one script only.  If capitals have been used on the text sheets for an entry for Foundational Hand or Italic Minuscules, they will not form part of the assessment.         Please note:  for a Copperplate entry, both upper and lower case should be included on the alphabet sheet.

8)  Can I send several entries with different scripts together?
A)  Yes, if there is an entry form for each entry, and a fee has been paid for each one.

9)  Should I put my name on the three sheets of my entry?
A)  Do not identify yourself in any way:  the Administrator will put a reference number on your work, which will allow it to be assessed anonymously and therefore in a fair manner.

10)  Can several people in my calligraphy class send work together in one parcel?
A)  Yes, you can, if each person’s entry is in a separate envelope or folder, with a completed entry form.

11)  Can several people in my calligraphy class send one payment?
A)  Yes, if this is clearly stated.

12)  Do I need to include stamps or other payment for the return postage?
A)  No, the cost of the return postage of your work is included in the entry fee. 

13)  Why do I need to include a self-addressed label?
A)  The packaging in which you send your entry will be used to return it to you.  The self-addressed label will ensure that your work will be returned to the correct address, and will also help the Administrator especially when there are many entries to re-pack!  Please ensure that the self-addressed label will completely cover the Administrator’s address on your packaging. 

14)  What is the best packaging for my entry?
A)  The type of padded envelope that has ‘bubble-wrap’ as the padding, plus something to stop the envelope being bent – the outside cover and card backing from a used pad of paper is good for this.This combination will stop your work being crushed in the post, will keep it dry, and the weight will not cost you too much to post.  You do not need to put each sheet of your entry in a separate plastic folder.

15)  Where can I find good examples of scripts for the Certificate?                                                                                                                                                    A)  The Certificate is an assessment of basic letter forms:  good examples of each style are given in the Certificate section of the CLAS website. 

16)  Where can I find an Entry form? 
A)  There is an Entry form on page 6 of the Certificate Leaflet.  You may use a photocopy, if you wish to keep your leaflet intact.  There is a printable Entry form in the Certificate section of the CLAS website.

17)  Is the CLAS Certificate of Calligraphy the same thing as the Certificate of Skills?                                                                                                                   A)  No, they are not the same thing.  An entry for the Certificate of Calligraphy will give an assessment of one basic style of lettering, and is the first rung of the CLAS Ladder of Progress.  The Certificate of Skills is a course of learning sessions (usually four), plus a submission of work, for a particular calligraphic skill.  These courses are taught by specialist tutors and organised by local Calligraphy Groups.

18)    Why are there four different rates of Entry fees for the Certificate?

A) The Entry fees for the Certificate are:

        CLAS Members:  in the UK – £25 per entry,    non-UK – £35 per entry

        Non-members of CLAS:    in the UK – £35 per entry,    non-UK – £45 per entry  

The Entry fee pays for the return postage of the work, as well as the Assessment, and this is why there is a difference between UK and non-UK fees.

Certificate Assessment is open to CLAS members and non-members alike, but membership of CLAS gives an entitlement to a lower rate of Entry fee.