2025-26 Program Information
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
Certification Submission
Please complete the online submission form and mail your physical samples with a postmark date no later than September 30. Both steps must be completed by the deadline to be considered.
2025 Submission Form
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.