IAMPETH Master Penman

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IAMPETH Certificate Program

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Mission Statement

The Certificate Program honors and carries on the Zanerian ideal of excellence and expertise in lettering and engrossing skills, while respecting the creative artistry of individual applicants.

Program History

The original Master Penman Program started in the early 1900s, and was brought to IAMPETH’s attention by Michael Sull. His teacher and mentor, Paul O’Hara, had achieved the honor and Michael believed it was a tradition that should be carried on. Recognizing extraordinary skills in the fields of Pointed Pen, Broad Nib, Decorative Elements, and Layout and Design, the Master Penman title was intended to be the crowning achievement of one’s career, the highest honor bestowed upon a penman.

In the mid 1990s, Pat Blair was asked by Michael to assist in drafting a Master Penman Program for IAMPETH.  Many hours of discussion resulted in a program very similar to the original. It was adopted by IAMPETH and over the years, recognized fifteen members with the title Master Penman. It was not an easy title to attain, and successful artists were those who had spent decades in the field, with a broad mastery of the same skills required for the initial program.

Eventually it became apparent times were much different, and modifications had to be made to the first version of the program with a more detailed description of the whole process, clearer requirements for participation, and concrete criteria for selection. The course was separated into increments, using the designations “Proficiency” and “Excellence” to identify progress. A blind judging process was instituted to ensure the integrity of the program.

This new iteration of the Master Penman Program aspires to the same level of excellence as the original Program, honoring those who achieve mastery of the skills exemplified in the Zanerian Manual decades ago, and serving as a goal for all who study the penmanship of this unique time period.

• The Certificate of Proficiency acknowledges an applicant is at the intermediate level in the specific category entered, and is a prerequisite for the Certificate of Excellence. Blind judging protects the integrity of the Program.
  
  

• The Certificate of Excellence signifies the applicant is at the highest level in a specific category, and may be attempted once a Certificate of Proficiency has been awarded in the same category.

  
  
• The IAMPETH Master Penman designation is the highest level of achievement, and is awarded after satisfactory completion of the program as outlined in the requirements section. The esteemed title will indicate extraordinary skill and mastery in the time-honored traditions of lettering and engrossing.

Honoring our Participants

We are proud of our members who have successfully received IAMPETH Certification.

View Certificate Recipients

2025-26 Program Information

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Program Participation

• Anyone who has been a member of IAMPETH continuously for at least one year as of September 30, 2025 may participate in the program, whether for selected certificates or with the intention of continuing forward with the full Master Penman program.

• Candidates must remain members in good standing while they are participating in the Certificate Program.

• There is no limit to the number of entries a participant may submit in any given year, but only one in any given area will be accepted.

Submission Timeline

May 1, 2025 | Requirements for current year published

Sep 30, 2025 | Submission postmark deadline

May 1, 2026 | Applicants notified of results 
May 1, 2026 | Requirements for following year published

Areas for Submission

The areas available for submission for Certificate of Proficiency and Certificate of Excellence include:

Business Handwriting
Engrosser's Script
Foundational Hand
Illumination & Borders
Old English
Ornamental Penmanship
Master Penman
Certificate Resources

About Ornamental Penmanship Certificate

In our continued efforts to make the Certificate Program representative of the original Master Penman program—one that exemplifies and applauds the ideals and skills of a true Master Penman---we have re-evaluated our model for the study of Spencerian Script.

Ornamental Penmanship is commonly referred to, and often taught, as Spencerian Script, and consists of dramatic shaded capital letters with uniquely but sparsely shaded lower case. The shades and increased height of the capital letters are hallmarks of this iconic style of the period. The volume which most exemplifies this style is Lessons in Ornamental Penmanship, published by the Zaner-Bloser Company with copies written by E. A. Lupfer.

If you have attained a Certificate of Proficiency in Spencerian Script as formerly studied, and are seeking Excellence,  your skills should allow you to adjust your lettering. We do acknowledge that feedback is valuable so before applying for your Certificate of Excellence, you are invited to submit an example of your work (other than the certificate requirements), without cost, for a review by the judges. Please contact certificates@iampeth.com for specifics. 

For those who have already achieved the Spencerian Certificate of Excellence, we congratulate you and know your skills will serve you well in executing this iconic style in the future.