This is the certification I received when I took the certification test offered by the NSSG. I took first place and qualified as a Master Sharpener.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

The NSSG certification test is done with two pair of severely damaged shears. These shears, one convex honed and one bevel edge, have been bent, dulled, nicked, and parts removed. The contestant has 90 minutes to repair and sharpen both shears to as near new condition as possible.

This test is not easy and the organization certainly does not just train sharpeners and issue a certificate saying you are a sharpener. The judges are all master sharpeners (a minumim of 3) and some are also stylists making the judging team a well rounded group of professionals. This test is the ultimate test of a sharpener as IF you pass the test you truly do know how to sharpen scissors.

There are two levels of certification;

Guild Member: Is a sharpener that has achieved status in the field.

Master Sharpener: Is a sharpener that has achieved Master Sharpener status in the field which means you are considered at the very top of the sharpening industry.