IDAL Certification: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Certification?
Certification is a 4 level program offered by IDAL in which members have the opportunity to test their stenciling skills against standards established by IDAL Certification Board.
What is the purpose of Certification?
The purpose of Certification is to nurture a desire for stenciling excellence and to recognize those members who have achieved superiority in this art.
Who can apply for Certification?
Any member of IDAL, whether new or long established, can participate in the Certification Program. Any member who is open to challenge and believes in his/her stenciling skills, is encouraged to apply. Applicants with experience in stenciling and stencil cutting are the most successful.
What are the four level of Certification?
The entry level or first level of Certification has two options, the Certified Stenciler (CS) or the newly established Certified Stenciling Artisan (CSA). Once this level is achieved, you can apply for Certified Stenciling Teacher (CST) and/or Certified Master Stenciler (CMS). The last level, once the other three levels are successfully completed, is Certified Master Stenciling Teacher (CMST).
How do you become a Certified Stenciler?
To achieve the title of Certified Stenciler (CS), you must submit stenciled pieces in the categories of wall, wood and fabric and pass the evaluation of three judges by at least 70% in all three categories.
What is required in the wall category?
In the wall category, an applicant must stencil a room using either manufactured or hand cut stencils. The room must have a border along the top of the wall (a frieze). The room must also be stenciled along the chair rail or baseboard (kickboard). There also must be either free standing vertical designs or architectural vertical designs. Last there has to be at least three free standing stencil designs (spot motifs). Many stencil catalogs can give you plenty of ideas on how to accomplish these requirements.
If you still have questions, then contact the Certification Chairperson,
Mary Boquard
Email: mjboqu@pol.net
Phone: 410-647-9211
What is required in the wood category?
In the wood category, an applicant is given rectangular piece of wood and a design. The applicant must cut the design into a stencil, with at least two overlays. The wood piece must be stained or painted and the design is stenciled onto the wood. The wood then is given a finishing coat.
What is required in the fabric category?
In the fabric category, an applicant is given a design that again must be cut into a stencil with at least two overlays. The applicant stencils that design onto an 18”x 18” piece of fabric of her choice. Last, the square of fabric is then made into a pillow either by the applicant or someone else.
Must I apply for all three CS categories at one time?
No, you can apply for the categories one at a time or all three in one year. Here, you can be the judge.
How is the CSA program different from the CS program?
The CSA program allows the applicant more artistic freedom in creating a unique design concept. In the wall category, the applicant must stencil a continuous border at any height around the room and chose at least one other design element; free standing verticals, architectural verticals, all over wallpaper type pattern or three spot motifs. No line drawings are given in the wood and fabric category and no wood piece is provided. Applicants can stencil any design on a wood and fabric item of choice that coordinates with the room’s overall design concept. The applicant will be given a line drawing to be cut into a stencil however the cut design does not need to be stenciled or used in the room.
Must I apply for all four CSA categories at one time?
Yes, in the CSA program you must apply for all four categories at one time.
Is the CSA program easier than the CS program?
While CSA provides the applicant with more freedom of choice, the same standards apply to the CSA program as the CS program.
What am I being judged on?
In general, you are being judged on your stenciling technique, your use of color in your stencil design, your ability to cut a stencil, your ability to choose stencils that compliment each other and the room décor and finally, how well you can follow the rules.
What are the Certification rules?
When you apply, you will receive a rules and regulations packet that contains all the rules that need to be followed in your Certification process. The rules, which are updated and clarified regularly, are written to make sure the Certification process is fair and equal to everyone, year after year. The rules are precisely written to avoid any loopholes or short cuts in the Certification process.
What can I do to successfully meet the CS/CSA requirements?
To help guarantee success in the process, it is very important to read all the rules very carefully and make sure you understand them. The rules and regulations packet contains a Tip Sheet compiled by Certified Stencilers to help you avoid some of the common mistakes seen in the Certification process. Familiarize yourself with the judging forms found at the end of the rules and regulations packet. And last, make sure you take the time to do proofs of your work before you start your Certification piece.
Who are the judges?
There are three judges, all of whom have at least attained their CS. They meet before Convention to jury the pieces submitted for Certification. Judging for Certification is a very humbling experience. All the judges remember what it was like to be judged and they want to see as many applicants as possible pass in their respective categories.
What if I don’t pass?
From personal experience, it is very disappointing to not pass but it is also a learning opportunity. The judges’ forms let you know where you need improvement and how you can succeed next time. Remember that this disappointment is only shared between you and the Certification Chairperson. The pieces that are judged are only marked with numbers. The judges have no idea who they are judging. Everything is kept confidential and private. Only passing pieces are displayed at Convention.
Why should I apply for Certification?
The reasons why members want to apply vary greatly. Some members apply because they like the challenge; they want to see if their skills measure up to IDAL standards. Some members apply because attaining their CS is beneficial to their business. Some members apply because they see passing pieces at the Convention and feel they can do that too. Some members look to certain IDAL members who have attained their CS/CSA and want to emulate them. And some members just say, “Why not!” Becoming a Certified Stenciler or Certified Stenciling Artisan tell prospective clients and designers that your stenciling talent is recognized by a national organization as being outstanding.
How do I apply for Certification?
There are two ways to apply for certification. At the IDAL website (www.IDAL.org), you can find the Certification Guidelines and an application for Certification. You may also contact the Certification Chairperson, and she will send you one.
What do the Certification fees cover?
The fees for Certification cover the cost of printing and sending certification material to the applicants. They also cover the cost of lodging and meals for the three judges and chairperson during their days prior to Convention. The judges’ travel costs are not covered neither is their hotel bill once the Convention begins. In the past, money generated from Certification has not covered all the expenses of the program. However, IDAL greatly values Certification and it continues to be held annually.
Mary Boquard CS July 2007
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