为什么要颁发中华书法文凭？ Why Develop a Certification Program for Chinese Calligraphy?

The General Certificate of Chinese Calligraphy Education (GC3E) is a program developed and promoted by the Nanyang Calligraphy Centre (NCC) in Singapore.

Why is there a need to develop a Certification Program for Chinese Calligraphy?

The main reason for obtaining the credential is to give the learners of Chinese calligraphy an objective way of assurance that they have achieved and demonstrated what they have learned in their learning journey. The purpose of GC3E certification is help calligraphy learners to set learning targets so as to encourage them to achieve these targets as they travel through various phases of learning journey.

What Kind of Certification Program Do We Need?

The Nanyang Calligraphy Centre (NCC) will work closely with the Chinese calligraphy community to establish a minimum set of knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated by people who complete the program at various levels. The NCC will act as the Certifying Agent that will issue the official certification credential, and then determine how candidates will attain it. 

There are several ways the Chinese calligraphy community can approach certification:

1. Experience based. Through this process, the candidate participates in calligraphy gatherings, exhibitions, or attends short courses overseas. During this time, the individual records experiences and the number of hours attended.

2. Criteria based. With this approach, the Certifying Agent establishes specific criteria to be achieved through written assignments, tests, video recordings, or the submission of documents such as lesson plans.

3. Course based. The Chinese calligraphy community designs a series of in-depth courses to provide the knowledge necessary for candidates to demonstrate a set of competencies.

4. Mentor based. The candidate works with a mentor who guides the candidate through activities designed to show expertise in Chinese calligraphy.

A variety of approaches may be taken by the Chinese calligraphy community to implement the GC3E certification program. In fact, the NCC might require a combination of the different approaches – attending workshops yet meeting established criteria while working with a mentor. Thus, obtaining certification can vary from one approach to another depending on what approach best fits the Chinese calligraphy community.

Why Become Certified?

You might want to obtain your GC3E certification for several reasons. First is professional growth – as you go through an GC3E certification program, you should learn something new and challenge yourself. After you complete the process, others will recognize you as a leader in the field and respect you for your accomplishments.

Next is professional recognition. When you have completed the GC3E certification program, you can be distinguished from other similar professions (classroom teachers, calliraphy critics, etc.). You can say with pride that you are a professional calligraphy.

Third is the professional network that you build during the certification process. As you work toward your certification, you can build professional contacts, which can lead to new and exciting learning journey. 

Finally, the GC3E certification process is in its infancy, and by becoming one of the first certified Calligrapher in your community, you may have the opportunity to work with others not only your local area, but also on an international level – once again, providing you with new opportunities to demonstrate your skills.

How long will the certification process take?

Most programs involve a series of steps that applicants pursue at their own pace over a period of time.

Remember, accountants, teachers, electricians, hairdressers, and financial planners all have a certification process. 

Shouldn't calligraphers have one too?