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Overview: Advanced Soapmaker Certification and General Criteria

Advanced Level Soapmaker Certification is the second level of certification. Different tests are offered for Cold Process/Hot Process (CP/HP) and Melt and Pour (MP) Certification.

Advanced Level examinations are only given when the member has successfully passed the Basic Certified Soapmaker examination.

CP/HP Soapmakers

At the Advanced Soapmaker level, CP/HP Soapmakers are expected to:

  • Demonstrate a higher level of knowledge of the chemistry and terms used in soapmaking by showing competency in formulating, testing and evaluating their product
  • Demonstrate their ability to not only diagnose but fix typical problems in the soap pot; and
  • Have a general knowledge of common additives/colorants and their safe usage.

In addition, the CP/HP Advanced Soapmaker will be required to formulate, make and submit a recipe and one (1) bar of soap based on specific oils and guidelines

MP Soapmakers

At the Advanced Soapmaker level, MP Soapmakers are expected to:

  • Demonstrate a higher level of knowledge of the chemistry and terms used in soapmaking by showing competency in formulating, testing and evaluating their product;
  • Demonstrating their ability to not only diagnose but fix typical problems in the MP; and
  • Have a broad knowledge of common additives/colorants and their safe usage.

In addition, the MP Advanced Soapmaker will be specifically required to:

  1. Formulate the addition of a minimum of three different additives into a standard base; and
  2. Produce and submit four (4) soap samples based on specified criteria which displaying the soapmaker’s expertise in
    • Embedding object(s) into soap;
    • Making multi-layered bar using at least three different colors;
    • Using at least 2 different botanicals (herbs/additives) to change the texture of the soap base.

Testing Procedure

The Advanced Soapmaker Certification exam question database contains a total of 149 master questions, made of up 34 Core topic questions, 67 CP/HP topic questions and 48 MP topic questions. The actual advanced level examination consists of 20 questions which are a combination of multiple choice, true/false and numeric (requiring a specific number for an answer). The questions are randomly selected from each core topic. As a result, every test is slightly different, and will have at least the minimum number of questions from each subject. A minimum score of 85% (17 of 20 questions correct) is required to pass the exam. Results will be given as "Pass" or "Fail".

Members may take any Certification Exams as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score, however, the exam fee must be paid each time the exam is taken.

Soap Evaluation

In addition to completing and passing the examination, the examinee must demonstrate competency by submitting finished and packaged soap to the judges for evaluation. If the exam is being taken at the Annual Conference, the soap can be submitted at that time and will be evaluated by the end of the Conference. If the exam is a proctored or group exam, the soap may be submitted up to 10 days before the examination, or within 10 days after the examination.

CP/HP Soap Evaluation

For CP/HP soap, the evaluation sample must be made with at least three different oils/fats/butters, without any fragrance, color, or other additives. It may be individually molded or cut from a log or block. It should be 3.5 - 5.5 oz (100 - 156 grams) in size. The soap should be wrapped and labeled per the examinee's country's regulations. Along with the soap, complete documentation must be provided.

The criteria and scoring are based various aspects of the soap, labeling and documentation. Technical aspects (including scent, weight, appearance, hardness, residual alkalinity and lather) account for 60% of the score. Documentation and meeting all the labeling requirements each account for 20% of the score. A final score of 85% or better is required to pass the soap evaluation.

For exact requirements for the soap sample, grading criteria and forms to accompany the submission, see the Advanced CP/HP Sample Soap Requirements.

MP Soap Evaluation

For MP, the examinee needs to produce four soaps demonstrating competency in various advanced MP techniques:

  • One bar with a minimum of three different additives (color, fragrance, and/or botanical) in a clear or opaque soap base.
  • One bar demonstrating proficiency of embedding techniques using at least two soap embeds. Color and fragrance are allowed.
  • One bar demonstrating multi-layer technique with at least three layers using a different color for each layer. Fragrance is allowed.
  • One bar demonstrating use of at least two different botanicals, herbs, or other additives to change the texture of the soap base.

Evaluation soaps may be individually molded or cut from a log or block. They should be 2.5 - 5.5 oz (100 - 156 grams) in size. The soap should be wrapped and labeled per the examinee's country's regulations. Along with the soap, complete documentation must be provided.

The criteria and scoring are based various aspects of the soap, labeling and documentation. Technical aspects (including scent, weight, appearance, crafting, color, hand feel and hand lather) account for 65% of the score. Documentation accounts for 15% of the total and meeting all the labeling requirements makes up the remaining 20% of the score. A final score of 85% or better is required to pass the soap evaluation.

For exact requirements for the soap sample, grading criteria and forms to accompany the submission, see the Advance MP Sample Soap Requirements.

Timeline for Exams Requiring Samples

There are a lot of steps necessary to make all the arrangements for a Zoom Certification exam. The following timeline shows the details of the expected timeline before and after the examination.

  • Up to 20 days before Exam: HSCG sends eNews with Zoom dates
  • Up to 10 days before Exam: Member pays the registration fee and sends in Registration form for the Certification Test
  • Up to 10 days before Exam: HSCG sends Zoom Certification Information email
  • Up to 10 days before Exam: Samples can be post marked and submitted
  • Up to 10 days before Exam: HSCG mails exam packet to examinee
  • Up to 3 days before Exam: HSCG emails Zoom link to examinee
  • Date of Exam: Member logs on to Zoom and takes exam
  • Up to 1 day after Exam: Examinee mails exam and samples to HSCG
  • Up to 7 days after Receipt of Exam and Samples: HSCG notifies examinee of receipt of exam/samples via email
  • Up to 10 days after Receipt of Exam and Samples: HSCG notifies examinee of results via email
  • Up to 14 days after Receipt of Exam and Samples: HSCG mails certificate to examinee

Study Materials

In order to assist members in preparing for the Advanced Soapmaker Certification Exam, the Certification Committee compiled a list of the Advanced Terms & Definitions the member should be familiar with. Also available is a list of Advanced References & Resources which the soapmaker can study to learn the necessary information.

Practice Tests

On-line practice tests have been created for both the MP and CP/HP Advanced Soapmaker exams. These tests use the actual test questions and give immediate feedback on the results. They are an excellent way to prepare for the exams and get a feel for how the exam process works.

Advanced CP/HP Resources
Advanced MP Resources

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