Earning the Master Certified Picture Framer Designation

The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) offers a certification to seasoned picture framers known as the Master Certified Picture Framer (MCPF)... so what does it take to get these four distinguished letters after your name?

The Certified Picture Framer (CPF) exam was developed in 1986 in conjunction with Educational Testing Services (ETS) to provide professional recognition to individuals successfully completing the established criteria. In 2000, the Certification Board outlined a plan for advanced certification and, during the next 2 years, developed the plan for the MCPF program. Any picture framer with a minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in retail or wholesale picture framing, who has been a CPF for a minimum of 4 years, and has taken a recertification course within the last 4 years, may apply for the MCPF examination.

To say the least - the course is not a walk in the park.

During the four hour exam, candidates are each presented with four framed works:

• art on paper
• art on canvas
• textile
• an object

These pieces - each accompanied by a written description including an explanation of the artwork, handling issues, framing methods, and materials used - were disassembled, inspected, and scored by the examiners, using the established criteria set forth by the Certification Board.

Each candidate then had 90 minutes to complete a randomly selected framing project including:

• Completing a condition report
• Cutting and joining a frame
• Sizing and cutting a double mat
• Sizing and cutting a back mat and filler
• Attaching the artwork
• Sizing and cutting the glass
• Fit and finish
• Completing a framing description form, including methods and techniques used and the reasons for using them.

Only 60 framers worldwide hold the MCPF designation - only 3 in the Western United States. Suffice it to say, you are trusting your art and memories to a true artist when you seek out a Master Certified Picture Framer for your custom frame work.

(Info source: pmanewsline.com)

How to Become a Picture Framer Apprentice

How to Become a Picture Framer Apprentice

Professional picture framers spend years perfecting the art of preserving prints.

Picture framing is a deceptively difficult skill to master and requires a very steady hand. Framing a piece of artwork or a photograph is tough to do without harming it. You must be able to accurately manipulate the picture, keeping the edges safe from damage, then carefully apply a semi-permanent adhesive to keep the art firmly secured within the frame. Most professional picture framers started out as apprentices, generally doing between two and four years of on-the-job training with a master picture framer.

 Instructions
1 Search out a nearby framing company that specializes in pictures and artwork. Schedule a meeting to speak with one of the master framers about the job. Picture framing is a career path with few formal training options, so master framers are generally very excited to help people get started on their own framing careers.

2 Ask the picture framers you meet with if they have any apprenticeships open. Have them direct you to other framing businesses that may have openings. Apply for a part-time job at department stores that offer picture framing, and use this as a ground-level opportunity to learn about job skills needed.

3 Take classes in art preservation and art history to learn more about the techniques preservationists use to frame pictures properly. Begin your on-the-job training as an apprentice framer. Keep a small notebook on you at all times to jot down notes and observations. You may have to work for free as an apprentice until you have the experience to expertly mount a picture. Use this time to soak up as much information as possible about the profession.

Want to learn more, click HERE to see Hight Street Gallery, a master framer.

High Street Gallery Services

High Street Gallery
Custom Picture Framing
Special services we offer:
http://www.thisismytownusa.com/high-street-gallery.php
• Hand-painted and French matting
 • Hand-wrapped fabrics
 • Genuine Leather and Barnwood
 • Textiles and needlework framing
 • Object boxes
 • Hardwood moulding
 • 24 k gold
• Museum quality conservation

We can do wonders cleaning up your tired looking antiques!
Always free estimates.

Want to talk to Kelli, call her at (530) 885-3822

Why Choose a Master Certified Picture Framer?

When seeking to protect and preserve your memorabilia, artwork, and valuable items, look to a master with the thorough knowledge of techniques and materials for the best possible presentation.

The designation of MASTER CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER is awarded by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) .  This certification signifies that a framer has demonstrated superior framing skills and has passed the industry's most comprehensive test of practical preservation and framing knowledge.


PPFA initiated the MCPF program in 2003 to raise the standards of the framing profession.  The improvement in educational standards within the industry and the recognition of those framers who have proven their knowledge and expertise would establish a professional criteria for the proper identification and preservation of frame artwork.


Trust your valuable items to a professional – look for the MCPF designation.

Want more information, call HighStreetGallery.com