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Overview: Basic Level Soapmaker Certification and General Criteria

Basic Level Soapmaker Certification is the first level of certification for all HSCG certified soapmakers. Different tests are offered for Cold Process/Hot Process (CP/HP) and Melt and Pour (MP) Certification.

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

  • Comprehend the basic terms used in soapmaking
  • Demonstrate the ability to formulate lye proportions in a recipe for a minimum of three different oils in a formula by calculating the given saponification values
  • Understand safe handling/storage procedures for soapmaking supplies and equipment
  • Know mandatory labeling of soap per universally standard guidelines (international members are not expected to know US-only regulations)
  • Use good manufacturing practices

MP Certification at the Basic Soapmaker level

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

  • Comprehend the basic terms used in soapmaking
  • Have a basic knowledge of making Melt and Pour soap using at least three different additives to the base
  • Understand safe handling/storage procedures for soapmaking supplies and equipment
  • Know mandatory labeling of soap per universally standard guidelines (international members are not expected to know US-only regulations)
  • Use good manufacturing practices.

Testing Procedure

The basic level examination consists of 20 questions which are a combination of multiple choice, true/false and numeric (requiring a number for an answer). The questions are randomly selected from a bank of questions which are broken out into separate subjects. As a result, every test has a different combination of questions covering 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". Results for "Pass" will be published on the HSCG Website. Results for "Fail" will be sent privately to members who did not attain a passing score.

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

Timeline for Basic Level CP/HP and MP

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: 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 to HSCG
  • Up to 7 days after Receipt of Exam: HSCG notifies examinee of results via email
  • Up to 10 days after Exam: Samples can be post marked and submitted
  • Up to 14 days after Receipt of Samples: HSCG mails certificate to examinee

Study Materials

In order to assist members in preparing for the Basic Soapmaker Certification Exam, the Certification Committee compiled a list of the Basic Terms & Definitions the member should be familiar with. Also available is a list of Basic 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 Basic 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.

Basic CP/HP Resources
Basic MP Resources

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