Quilt Judge Certification Programme Information

In 2009, the Canadian Quilters’ Association/Association canadienne de la courtepointe (CQA/ACC) launched a programme to certify quilt judges in Canada. The program was created to ensure that those wishing to judge quilt competitions are qualified to do so. Successful completion of this programme leads to a professional designation, CQA/ACC Certified Quilt Judge. It is assumed that anyone registering for this course already has a sound foundation in most aspects of quilt making.

THE CERTIFIED JUDGE

The CQA/ACC Certified Quilt Judge has been deemed to have a solid background of quilting knowledge; her/his knowledge encompasses both traditional and innovative/current. She/he also has a solid understanding of the principles of colour and design. She/he has knowledge of the technical and design aspects of quilting combined with a set of skills enabling her/him to expertly examine and assess the qualities of quilts from both a technical and artist perspective, and also to express her/his findings in positive, constructive terms, using appropriate language. The judge is able to discuss her/his findings with co-judges openly and respectfully, thereby creating a learning environment for all aides, scribes, etc. in attendance.

Part I of the QJCP will be offered at the Alternate Year Conferences. Part II is ongoing with the QJCP Instructors. Part III can be offered at each conference with the CQA/ACC National Juried Show.

THE PROGRAMME

The Programme consists of three parts, all of which must be completed within a five-year period. Part I will be offered at the Alternate Year Conferences. Parts II is ongoing with the QJCP Instructors and Part III can be offered every year with the NJS.

PART I

Part I is a 3-day course covering the requirements to become an effective quilt judge. Learn what is expected of a judge, scribe, juror, and aide. Study what judges look for in evaluating colour, design, and workmanship in quilts and textile arts. Practice presenting encouraging written and oral quilt critiques. Explore creative solutions to handling difficult judging situations involving other judges, show organizers, and/or entrants. Learn and compare various judging systems. Students passing Part I become Apprentice Judges and my go on to Part II.

PART II

Part II gives Apprentice Judges the opportunity to gain experience judging and mock judging. Once Judge Apprentices have judged and written critiques for the equivalent of a minimum of two notable shows and have had consistently high evaluation scores and positive comments in their evaluations, the Programme Instructors will notify them that they qualify for Part III.

PART III

Part III is an extensive mock judging exercise at a CQA/ACC National Juried Show (NJS). Candidates are assessed for their oral and written critiques, as well as their ability to work with co-judges.

The CQA/ACC maintains a List of Certified and Apprentice Quilt Judges and some are listed in the Professional Members pages. Contact the Past President for any questions on this programme.