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)