Are you certified?

Executive DirectorHSCG Annual Conference10 Comments

Since the release of the very first basic certification exams at the 2008 Annual Conference, the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has certified hundreds of soapmakers.  Today, you can apply for basic, advanced, and master certification, under either a cold process/hot process or melt and pour track.  All in all, you can achieve 6 different certifications.

Sample Certified Soapmaker Logo

Why did HSMG develop this program?

Part of the Guild’s mission is to encourage and promote the highest professional standards among HSMG members.  By establishing an industry-wide standard of excellence in soap making, the certification program is a natural fit,.  In addition, the program creates a centralized repository for industry-standard information and resources.

Why do I want to be certified?

Achieving these certifications not only builds credibility with your customers, it demonstrates dedication to professional standards.  The certification program also helps you measure your soap making knowledge and skill.

We are proud to announce that 44 new certifications across 4 different certification areas were awarded to 35 soapmakers at our 2012 Conference in Portland, Oregon.

Congratulations to all the newly certified soapmakers!!

10 Comments on “Are you certified?”

  1. I cannot wait to see who gets the first master certification….she’ll be a Dr. of soap, as far as I’m concerned. 😉

  2. This is great. I can’t wait until I can afford to be a member and attend the conferences! Once that happens I’ll be going for the certification.

  3. We’d love to have you, Heather. Don’t forget, once you’re a member, you don’t have to attend the conference in order to take the certification exam (but boy, if you pay for membership and get a discount on the conference, I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to cram it all in, hee hee!)

    Also, if you’re not selling yet, you can join at a lower cost as an associate and take the exams….another way to take it easier on the pocket book. I know it’s a big financial commitment.

  4. If we don’t want to wait till the conference next year to start taking them where do we go to get the information on them and study material? Thanks Jennifer

    1. Hi, Jennifer, you can go to http://www.soapguild.org, log in (that will take you to the member section), and scroll way down to the Certification section.

      Once you get into that section, you’ll find references and practice tests on the right-hand side. There’s also some info on how to set up a test outside of the conference dates.

      Trust me, that section will be your best friend while you’re prepping. Send a direct message on twitter or facebook if you have trouble (i know the navigation is not easy) and I can walk you through it.

  5. This is great!!! Congrats to those who earned it – can’t wait to take the tests!

    Next – is SG. going to take a position or give a class for the whole USDA certification? I am sure a lot of soap makers are diversifying to other products.

    1. hi, Anne, are you referring to the National Organic Program that the USDA oversees? There are not currently plans in the works to educate soap makers on organic regulations. Feel free to start the discussion on the facebook page…I’d love to see how much interest there is in understanding organics. It’s certainly a hot topic and not an easy one to understand.

  6. I am wondering where will be the next year’s (2014) conference location. I would love to attend the conference and take the exams. However, North Carolina is just too far from my home and it’s too costly for me…I live in San Jose, CA. Thanks!

A Penny For Your Thoughts...