The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., offers the Certificates of Excellence to its members to provide guidelines to evaluate individual skills, to encourage research and exploration in the fiber arts, and to recognize technically qualified weavers, spinners, dyers and basketmakers. Certificates of Excellence are awarded in Handweaving, Handspinning, Dyeing and Basketmaking.

Examinations are held every two years in each category. The COE for Dyeing is examined in the Spring and the COE for Handweaving is examined in the Fall of even-numbered years. During odd-numbered years, the examination occurs for the COE in Basketmaking in the Spring and for the COE in Handspinning in the Fall.

Information concerning scheduled examinations may be found in the "Update" section of each issue of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot magazine. This information includes the name of the hosting guild, host guild chair, registrar, mentor, application deadlines, and handbook edition being used for the examination. Each applicant is responsible for obtaining and using the proper handbook and appropriate forms for the examination. Both may be verified and obtained from the HGA office.

The Certificate of Excellence Packets for Handweaving, Handspinning, Dyeing and Basketmaking contain the respective COE Handbook, Bibliography, and Application Forms. Each packet costs $12.00. You may purchase your packet through the HGA eShop.

The fee for participating in the evaluation process is $300 plus materials.

WeaveCast Audio Episode 15: Certificate of Excellence. Syne Mitchell takes a behind-the-scenes look at HGA’s Certificate of Excellence.