Becoming a CJ - What's Involved

Becoming an NACQJ Certified Quilt Judge – What’s Involved?

Working judges seek certification as an acknowledgement of their expertise. The NACQJ offers certification upon successful Candidacy with completion of all requirements as outlined in the NACQJ Judge Certification Program. The process of becoming a Certified Quilt Judge requires dedication to the study of workmanship, styles, and techniques found in quiltmaking. However, this is only part of the process.

Expertise in evaluating design is emphasized as an integral part of the certification process. NACQJ judges are required to have a solid understanding of the elements and principles of design and the ability to apply that knowledge to all styles of quilts.

The Candidate must demonstrate ease in commenting on quilts. Development of this verbal skill and vocabulary is key to providing the quilt entrant with practical information about the quilt’s strengths and potential areas for improvement. The commentary should be incisive and concise, as time is usually limited in the judging arena.

As the candidate acquires the necessary skills for quilt judging, it is essential to develop a professional demeanor with the ability to politely and authoritatively address questions that may arise. Every quilt in the judging room deserves equal respect and careful study.

During the candidacy period, the Candidate is required to participate in quilt judging activities, complete oral and written study modules, demonstrate skills and comprehension in assessments, and sit for a live panel consisting of an interview and a mock judging event. The Certification Program can be expected to take up to five years to complete.

This Certification Program was introduced in the U.S. in the 1970s by the National Quilting Association as a response to a common but often flawed approach, which was to hire local celebrities who made personal, rather than informed, decisions. The NQA set a priority to certify qualified judges to provide meaningful and objective judging of quilts in competition and to raise the standards by which a judge makes decisions. The National Association of Certified Quilt Judges (NACQJ) was formed in 2015 to carry on this important contribution to the quilt judging world.

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