PPFA Master Certified Picture Framer® (MCPF®)
Program
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MCPF Equipment Sponsor |
History of the Certification Program
The CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER® (CPF®) examination was developed in 1986 in conjunction with
Educational Testing Services (ETS) to provide professional recognition to individuals successfully completing
the established criteria. In 2000, the Certification Board outlined a plan for advanced certification and
over the next two years developed the plan for the MASTER CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER program.
How the Examination was developed, ongoing review
The emphasis of the first advanced level in the PPFA Certification Program is
preservation framing of various media. The Certification Board worked with a number of conservators and
utilized existing published methods of framing to develop a set of criteria on which to base the evaluation
of candidates. As with the CPF program, the Certification Board will continue to review the examination
criteria on an ongoing basis.
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"Taking the MCPF test has been, by far, the most challenging thing I’ve done in my
25 year picture framing career! The standard set by this practicum has fined tuned my skills, has taught me
points about preservation framing, and has further set my attitude to offer only the highest standards in
picture framing. I feel honored not only to be tested by my industry leaders, but that they found my framing
worthy of issuing me the MCPF designation!"
Adela Davis, MCPF
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Eligibility
Any picture framer who has a minimum of four years of hands-on experience in retail
or wholesale picture framing, who has been a CPF for a minimum of four years and has taken a Recertification
course within the last four years, may apply for the MCPF examination.
Upcoming Exam Dates
| Monday, March 2, 2009 |
Las Vegas, Nev. |
| Tuesday, March 3, 2009 |
Las Vegas, Nev. |
How to Register
To register, complete the registration form. Include full payment in the form of
check, money order, VISA, MasterCard or American Express and send to:
PPFA
c/o Certification
3000 Picture Place
Jackson, MI 49201-8898
Or fax to (517) 788-8371
Registration includes processing, examination, scoring and document fees. Shipping,
transportation, lodging and meals are the responsibility of the candidate. Registrations should be received
by published deadlines. If the number of applications received are in excess of the number of available exam
slots a random drawing will be held to determine the candidates to be examined. Application fees will be
returned to those applicants that are not selected in random drawings. Be sure to complete your application
carefully, as the information that you provide will be used to communicate with you. Upon receipt of your
application, PPFA will confirm receipt of your application by sending a confirmation letter.
Cancellations/Refunds
Requests for refunds should be made in writing to PPFA at least 6 weeks prior to
the examination date. Requests made within the six-week period will not be refunded. PPFA reserves the right
to approve the transfer of fees to another testing date. A non-refundable $40 administrative fee will be
accessed for all cancellations.
The Examination
The MCPF Exam consists of two parts. The first part of the exam is the presentation
of four framed works for disassembly and examination by the examiner(s). The candidate will submit one each
of the following:
• Framed work of art on paper
• Framed work of art on canvas
• Framed textile
• Framed object
These pieces will be disassembled, examined and scored using the established criteria
set forth by the Certification board. Each piece must be accompanied by a written description including
description of the artwork, handling issues, framing methods and materials used. The second part of the
examination is a practical exam.
The candidate will be given 90 minutes in a permanent or temporary frame shop to
complete a randomly selected framing project. Each candidate is given time to familiarize themselves with the
exam site on the date of their exam. During the practical exam the candidate will:
• Complete a condition report
• Cut and join frame
• Size and cut a double mat
• Size and cut backmat and filler
• Attach artwork
• Size and cut glass
• Fit and finish
• Complete a framing description form including methods and techniques used and the reasons for using
them
All operations will be evaluated per the Official Evaluation Form.
Candidates will be provided with an inventory of equipment available in the testing location prior to the
exam date.
Continuing Education
Those who pass the MCPF exam will be required to complete the following continuing
education:
• Complete or instruct one (1) Recertification Class every four (4) years.
• Complete three (3) approved preservation courses every four (4) years.
Examination Fees
Exam fee is $400 US for members, $565 US for non-members, and must be submitted by
check, money order, VISA, MasterCard or American Express at the time of application. No credit will be given
for previous exams taken. In the event that more applications are received than examination slots available,
candidates will be selected in a random drawing and applicants not accepted will receive a refund of their
application fee.
Notification of Exam results
Candidates are notified onsite of their results.
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"Once I achieved the MCPF status, the new level of expertise was promoted in our ad
publications, on our store website and in our newsletter. As a result of this campaign new clients from the
surrounding area found us and traveled with their framing needs to our store to have an MCPF exhibit the
superior level of framing expertise and commitment to professionalism. The superior level of framing is
enjoyed and promoted by these new clients who continue to travel long distance and they bring their friends
to share the experience. It has been a great investment for me and our clients."
Jini Lumsden, MCPF
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