CGA Fellowship

Fellows of the Canadian Gemmological Association are gemmologists with a strong grasp of both theory and practice who have demonstrated their mastery of the field through their success on standardized qualifying examinations.

Students who have completed the CGA’s professional gemmology program and wish to earn credentials that demonstrate their mastery of the field of gemmology are invited to write the CGA Fellowship Qualifying Examinations. FCGmA (Fellow of the Canadian Gemmological Association) credentials are widely recognized by organizations around the world working in the field of gemmology, and are accepted as a prerequisite to becoming a qualified gem appraiser.

Fellowship Qualifying Examinations

Examinations provide a standardized objective assessment of a candidate’s grasp of gemmology and demonstrate that course material has been retained well enough to be applied under pressure and in the absence of the internet and reference texts.

Examinations are divided into two levels which correspond to the two portions of the part-time professional gemmology program. Candidates who have completed either the part-time or full-time programs with the CGA or an affiliate (Vancouver Community College, George Brown College or Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) are eligible to write these exams at the discounted rate of $500.00 per exam. Beginning January 2023 others who wish to challenge the CGA Fellowship Qualifying exam will be required to pay the rate of $1,000.00 per exam.

 The exams are structured as  follows:

  • Preliminary-level exam
    • consists of two written papers, each of three hours duration
    • written the morning and afternoon of the same day
    • a certificate is awarded to acknowledge a pass of 67% or higher.
  • Professional-level exams
    • Theory
      • consists of two written papers, each of three hours duration
      • written the morning and afternoon of the same day
    • Practical
      • normally scheduled for the day after the theory papers

Examinations are written in Toronto and at affiliate sites in January and June of each year with a special sitting in August for BC students

Fellowship Exam Dates                                                    

January  2025 Session

  • Preliminary level: January 27, 2025
  • Professional level
    • Theory: January 28, 2025
    • Practical: January 29, 2025

June 2025 Session

  • Preliminary level: June 16, 2025
  • Professional level
    • Theory: June 17, 2025
    • Practical: June 18, 2025

Gem-A Exam Dates                                                                   

January 2025 Session  

  • Foundation level: January 21, 2025
  • Diploma level
    • Diploma: January 22, 2025
    • Practical: TBA

June 2025 Session  

  • Foundation level: June 23, 2025
  • Diploma level
    • Diploma: June 24, 2025
    • Practical: TBA

Fellowship Exam Fees and Registration Forms

Examination Fees for CGA Students and / or CGA affiliates (Vancouver Community College, UBC, George Brown College or Nova Scotia College of Art and Design)
Preliminary-level Theory:    $500.00
Professional-level Theory:   $500.00
Professional-level Practical: $500.00

Registration forms may be downloaded from the Course Forms page.

Examination Fees for all others that would like to challenge the CGA Professional Gemmology Exams
Preliminary-level Theory:    $1,000.00
Professional-level Theory:   $1,000.00
Professional-level Practical: $1,000.00

Registration forms may be downloaded from the Course Forms page.