Quilt Judge Certification Program (QJCP) Information
Overview
The purpose of the 2026 Quilt Judge Certification Program (QJCP) is to certify qualified individuals as professional quilt judges who will uphold and maintain the standards of the CQA/ACC.
A program candidate must demonstrate:
Knowledge and Technical Expertise
- Comprehensive quilting knowledge across multiple genres and techniques.
- A strong grasp of colour theory — including harmony, contrast, and value relationships.
- Understanding of design principles — such as balance, unity, proportion, rhythm, and emphasis.
Analytical and Evaluation Skills
- Ability to examine and evaluate quilts objectively, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
- Analytical thinking to assess workmanship, design execution, and artistic intent.
- Skill in forming concise, well-structured critiques quickly and clearly.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Clear and professional verbal and written communication abilities.
- Capacity to collaborate respectfully with others, including fellow judges, volunteers and show entrants.
- Composure and fairness during high-pressure or demanding judging circumstances.
Experience and Professionalism
- Prior experience in show judging is required, ensuring familiarity with judging standards and formats.
- Commitment to ethical and objective judging practices.
- A professional demeanor demonstrating integrity, respect, and dedication to the craft.
Candidates will be expected to independently complete the study requirements outlined in the program syllabus. The coordinators of the program (Carole Gold and Bonnie Rankin) will be available throughout to answer questions, and will schedule quarterly meetings with each participant to ensure ongoing communication.
Program Prerequisites:
- An applicant must have a minimum of three (3) judging room experiences as a judge or a judging room aide (e.g. scribe, fanner, holder, reader) within the previous five (5) years. One of these experiences must include judging a full show as the primary judge, or a large section of the show as a co-judge. In both cases, a minimum of thirty (30) quilts in at least three (3) categories applies.Please contact the QJCP coordinators at qjcp@canadianquilter.com if you have any questions regarding what qualifies as a judging experience.
- An applicant must have a variety of quilt-related experiences such as:
- Having work accepted into a juried/judged quilt show or exhibition.
- Jurying or curating a quilt show or exhibition.
- Attending quilt-related workshops and/or lectures.
- Attending quilt exhibitions or shows, museum exhibits, or other suitable events.
- Participating in other aspects of quiltmaking such as research, designing, teaching, lecturing or publishing.
- Making a significant contribution as a guild-level volunteer (e.g. board member, quilt show committee member, charity drive organizer, etc.)
General Requirements:
- The program must be completed within three (3) years.
- Candidates must maintain their CQA/ACC individual membership throughout the enrollment period.
- Upon certification, judges must maintain their CQA/ACC credentials by holding a Professional membership with the CQA/ACC until they no longer wish to be certified.
- Candidates must be able to:
- read and respond to emails.
- navigate to a website.
- use a basic word processing program.
- access and use Google Drive. A Gmail account is recommended.
- photograph and send images electronically.
Application Process:
Complete the online application form and provide the necessary documentation described therein.
Within three weeks after an application has been received and processed, the coordinators will contact the applicant to schedule an interview. An applicant will be notified of their acceptance status in writing within two days after their interview.
Upon acceptance and payment of the course fee, the program syllabus will be sent to the new judging candidate who then has a maximum of THREE YEARS to complete the QJCP. Progress within the three-year timeframe will be managed by the candidate as they strive to meet the objectives outlined in the syllabus. Completion in less than three years is possible if all objectives are successfully met.
PROGRAM OUTLINE:
NOTE: ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
PART 1: Application Process (online) Fee $50.00 + applicable tax
PART 2: Independent Research and Study
- Complete a major assignment that, when finished, will be presented to a panel of certified quilt judges for discussion.
- Engage in self-directed continuing education, along with related projects.
- Actively develop critiquing skills.
- Engage in quarterly meetings with QJCP Coordinators while working through the program.
- Observe jury deliberations for the National Juried Show (NJS) a minimum of one time. (virtual)
- Volunteer and observe in the Judging Room for the NJS a minimum of one time. (on site)
- Seek out and judge or co-judge three (3) quilt shows over the three (3) year period, with predominantly positive feedback from hiring organizations.
Fee $1200.00 + applicable tax
PART 3: Mock Judging Examination (virtual). Fee: $100.00 + applicable tax
PART 4: Final Examination at the National Juried Show at Quilt Canada. (on site)
Fee: $200.00 + applicable tax
Total non-refundable fees for 4 Parts $1550.00 + applicable tax.
Important Notes:
- Applications will open on September 1, 2026.
- As this is an independent study program, applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
- As the 2026 QJCP is now a certification program instead of a teaching program, acceptance is not automatic nor guaranteed for people who were enrolled in the previous program. All must engage in the new program’s application process.
- Any and all expenses related to pursuing certification through the QJCP are solely the responsibility of the applicant/accepted judging candidate
- Applicants/accepted judging candidates must successfully meet the objectives of each module of the program in order to move forward to the next level.
- Decisions made by the QJCP Coordinators are final. There is no appeal process.
QJCP Coordinators
Carole Gold
Carole Gold is a CQA/ACC certified quilt judge who enjoys judging guild shows across Canada. She often works behind the scenes of the National Juried Show (NJS) as a juror, jury coordinator, or judge.
In 2021, Carole became a CQA/ACC Quilt Judge Certification Program (QJCP) instructor and helped shift the program into the online world. More recently, she helped revise the program again – this time with an eye to its future sustainability.
Carole believes strongly in the need for a Canadian certification program. Certified quilt judges who are professional, knowledgeable and strive for kindness and objectivity are an asset to the Canadian quilting community. Show entrants benefit from constructive feedback, and organizers can assure sponsors that prizes are thoughtfully and fairly awarded.
Beyond judging, Carole is active as a fibre artist, longarm quilter, teacher, and offers guild presentations and workshops. She can be found online at FreshofftheFrame.com
Bonnie Rankin
Bonnie Rankin is a CQA/ACC Certified Quilt Judge who works at the National Juried Show (NJS) as a jury coordinator, juror and judge. Additionally she judges Canada wide at guild shows, fairs and other quilt events as requested.
As Past President of the CQA/ACC as well as through her quilt related executive positions in various provinces she realizes the importance of having a National Quilt Judge Certification Program to constructively support and encourage quilters across the country in their quilting journey.
Bonnie offers lectures and presentations sharing what she observes as a judge and providing advice on common quilting challenges. She can also be found in the NJS giving tours and interacting with attendees, encouraging them to someday enter the NJS.
Bonnie is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Carole Gold coordinating the QJCP and can be contacted at: rankinbon@gmail.com.