This exam evaluates the knowledge and experience of the soapmaker, along with their ability to research and investigate new areas; as well as, expand the awareness of the handcrafted soapmaking community.  Master Certification is offered separately for these handcrafted soapmaking processes: CP/HP and MP.

To be admitted to the Master Certification Program, a soapmaker must first have achieved the level of Advanced Soapmaker in that same soapmaking process.  This exam will be administered by a Master Certification Judges Panel.   Each part is scored according to a point system, and all parts must be passed in order to become certified as a Master Soapmaker.   It is anticipated that candidates could take 1 to 2 years to complete this certification.  Elaine will also announce the Master Certification Program in its detail at the HSMG Conference.

For information on the Soapmaker and Advanced Certification Programs, please join Elaine online at our Member Forum, this Sunday, April 11th, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST under the HSMG Projects and Activities, Certification Program area.  Elaine has schedule this special time for you all to answer your questions about the Certification Program.

The upcoming Denver HSMG Conference test times to take Soapmaker and Advanced Soapmaker Certification Testing at the are:

Thursday, April 29th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 1st from 7:00 to 8:00 am

Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of these times so everyone can sign in and be prepared to start on time.   After the exam starts, the doors are closed and entrance is not allowed into the room, so please do arrive early!

If you are planning to take an exam or exams at the Conference, please pay in advance by using the shopping cart in the HSMG member site, and select the Certification link.

Also, a Certification Registration form needs to be completed, and emailed or submitted at the Conference. The form is found here:  Certification Registration

This will really help in keeping the paperwork to a minimum at the Conference.

At the opening registration on Thursday April 29th, there will be a Certification table close to the Conference Registration where you can drop off your registration, and soap samples if you are taking the Advanced Soapmaker certification. After this opening registration, there will be a Certification table close to the Exhibitor’s Area and will be open during most of the break periods.

Proudly display your HSMG Membership or Certification Level at your booth or in your store! Let your customers know you are a professional.

These high-quality frames and printed logos are a great way to let your customers know that you are a member of the HSMG and to display your certification level (if achieved).

The frames are 5″ x 7″ acrylic, designed to stand upright on a counter or table-top. Logo is printed on glossy stock in excellent resolution, giving a very professional presentation. (Note: the background is pure white – the pictures don’t show that clearly).

Available in the HSMG shopping cart as a “Member” logo, or with the “CP/HP Certified Soapmaker” or “MP Soapmaker” ribbons. Make your selection from the option box.

Please note that only current members who have achieved certified status are qualified to purchase the Certified logo signage. Member status and certification level will be verified before the order is processed.

Stratus Insurance is generously offering two scholarships to the 2009 Annual Conference!
The scholarships will cover Conference registration, 4 nights hotel stay at the Miramonte Resort and Spa and $500 in cash for travel and other expenses.

Scholarship Based on Need

One scholarship will be based on need. Applicants must fill out a questionnaire including an essay of between 500 and 1000 words explaining why they are in need of this assistance and how it would benefit their business. The link is in the Member Area of the website, under “Conference Scholarships”.
Deadline for submitting the application is February 15, 2009.

Scholarship Based on Contribution

The second scholarship will be awarded to the member who receives the most Golden Soap Bubbles for referring new members to the HSMG through the Referral Program (Member login required) during our February Annual Membership Drive. (In the case of a tie, the person who got the total Golden Soap Bubbles first will be the winner.)

Certification Scholarships

Kelly Bloom of Southern Soapers® Fragrances is generously offering four (4) Certification Scholarships for 2009 to members. Each scholarship will cover the registration cost of one Certification Exam.
Deadline for submitting the application is February 15, 2009.

Scholarships Based on Need

Three scholarships will be based on need. Applicants must fill out a questionnaire including an essay of between 500 and 1000 words explaining why they are in need of this assistance and how it would benefit their business. The application form is available in the Member Area under the Certification section.

Scholarship Based on Contribution

The fourth scholarship will be awarded based on a contribution to the industry and must be nominated by another individual. The Nominator must complete a questionnaire including an essay of between 500 and 1000 words explaining the contribution and why the Nominee deserves the scholarship. Nominators do not need to be HSMG Members, but Nominees must be current members in order to be considered. Administration of the Scholarships

Scholarship Administration

The Scholarship Committee will receive all applications and review them for completeness. Once all applications have been received, they will be forwarded to the Selection Panel, who will make the final decision. The selection panel consists of: Marie Gale, President, HSMG; Daryl Stafford, Stratus Insurance; Kelly Bloom, Southern Soapers; Jackie Thompson, Gaily Rebecca Soaps and prior HSMG Board Member; and Sr. Cathleen Timberlake, Secretary HSMG.

Posted by Maria Gelnett,
for the Conference and Certification Committees

1. The new DOUBLE issue of The Journal will be in the mail in the next week. Look for the feature article “Soapmaking in a Shooting Gallery” (featuring a soapmaker in Afghanistan).

2. February membership drive receive DOUBLE golden soap bubbles, the member that refers the most new member will receive an expenses paid trip to the 2009 Conference in Palm Springs, CA generously sponsored by Stratus Insurance.

3. We’re approaching our 1,000th member, will announce soon!

4. Contracts have been signed for both the 2010 and the 2011 Conference sites!

5. Certification Levels I & II tests for CP/HP and MP will be available at the 2009 Conference in Palm Springs, CA. Exams by proctor are in the works.

6. The “Why Handcrafted Soap?” brochure is available to members at $1 per 25. This full color brochure is a great tool for marketing to your customers on the benefits of handcrafted soap.

7. The “Ask The Expert” series will continue on the HSMG Forum, the first one featured Sandy Maine from Sun Feather Natural Soap Company. Stay tuned for the next expert announcement.

Great things are in store for 2009. Thank you to all of our members, volunteers and staff!

From Leigh O’Donnell, VP HSMG

Posted by Maria Gelnett, P&S Chair