American Handwriting Analysis Foundation

THE CHALLENGE OF CERTIFICATION

Heidi H. Harralson, CG, AHAF President

Previous examinees have reported on the challenges and difficulties surrounding the examination process. One certified graphologist reported that "there were times when I found it unclear just how far to go (or not) with a response to a question which was somewhat open-ended or nonspecific." However, she did report that she thought the exam "was thought-provoking and very challenging." Another examinee adds that "both parts of the exam were interesting and helped [her] consolidate [her] graphological knowledge." She did point out, however, that at least one of the questions on the exam was "problematic."

Doubtless, certified members will agree that certification is not an easy task. Many hours are spent researching each of the 30 questions in Part I of the exam and even more time writing "mock" reports to clients in a variety of "real life" scenarios in Part II of the exam. Such issues as compatibility, child guidance and vocational assessment are tested in the examination. The certification exam is not free from ambiguity and certified members will certainly testify that the exam is not only designed to test the observing skills of the analytical graphologist, but also how the graphologist uses his/her knowledge in the application of real life situations. The certification committee bases its grading on the accurate interpretation of the handwriting as well as on the professional presentation of analysis reports and how diplomatically the findings are reported to the client.

Even for those members who do not feel certification has a practical purpose because they are not in the business of graphology, many certified members have commented that the challenge of the exam improved their skills as a graphologist and forced them to apply their knowledge and expand their scope.

Members who are not already certified and interested in improving and moving ahead with their graphological knowledge and training, please write to Darlene Randolph and she will send you information on the two part exam and guide you in directions that will help you prepare for the exam. Please e-mail her at Lookwrite@aol.com.

Whether for personal or professional reasons, I strongly recommend certification to individuals serious about advancing in this expanding and challenging field.

It is a prerequisite that applicants are members of AHAF prior to taking the examination. When the completed application and a $25.00 non-refundable fee, payable in U.S. funds and made payable to AHAF, is sent to the Certification Chairman, Part I of the exam is then mailed to the applicant. Part I consists of 30 essay questions on graphological subjects and a report to prepare on the handwriting of a client. A maximum of 60 days is allowed to complete Part I of the examination. Five copies of the completed exam is sent to the Certification Chairman before the expiration of the 60 days. Each page is marked by the examinee with the code indicated on the instructions which accompanies the exam.

The completed exam is then mailed to the graders who take from 6 to 8 weeks in grading the exam. When the report forms from the graders are received, the examinee is then notified of his/her standing. It is possible to pass all, one part, or none of the exam. Any parts not passed may be reworked one time. If any part is not passed the second time, a six month wait is required to retake the exam.

When Part I is passed, the examinee receives the application for Part II of the examination. There are four handwriting samples in this part of the examination. Specific questions are asked about each writing and written analyses are required for specific situations such as compatibility, vocational aptitude and child development. A maximum of 90 days is allowed to complete Part II. It is possible to pass any or all of the three analysis situations. Any part not passed the first time may be reworked one time. If any part is not passed the second time, a six month wait is necessary to retake the exam. Part II requires an additional non-refundable fee of $50, also payable in U.S. funds, which is sent to the Certification Chairman with the completed application.

The examination is judged on how well it fulfills the needs of the client, the professionalism of the presentation and the ability to analyze the script and present the essential facets of the personality as shown in their respective handwritings.