CGA Fellowship Exams
BECOME A CGA FELLOW (FCGmA)
This prestigious designation signals excellence, integrity, and advanced knowledge in the field.
These standardized exams provide an objective assessment of mastery and are a key step for those seeking global credentials or looking to pursue a career as a qualified gem appraiser.
Overview
- These examinations serve as a standardized, objective measure of a candidate’s understanding of gemmology, confirming that key concepts and skills can be applied confidently under timed conditions—without reliance on internet resources or reference materials.
- Students who have completed the CGA’s Professional Gemmology Program, or who have earned equivalent credentials through other recognized Gemmological Institutions, are eligible to write the CGA Fellowship Qualifying Examinations.
- Consistent with the CGA’s mandate to encourage the the dissemination of gemmological knowledge and to promote high technical and ethical standards, the CGA works with affiliated schools to offer the Canadian Professional Gemmology Program. These Canadian Affiliates teach the same material as the CGA offers directly, and graduates of these programs are eligible to write the CGA’s qualifying examinations for Fellowship with the Association.
- There are two levels of examinations – Preliminary and Professional – each aligned with a corresponding segment of the part-time Professional Gemmology Program.
- Exams are held each January and June, with an additional sitting offered in August for students in Vancouver.
- Exams are held in test centres located in Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax. An additional option is available for those who wish to write the exams in their home community – CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
The CGA Fellowship Qualifying Exams are structured as follows:
| Exam | Exam Fee for Students of the CGA or Canadian Affiliate (Vancouver Community College, UBC, George Brown College, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) | Exam Fee for All Others |
| PRELIMINARY LEVEL | ||
|
Theory
|
C$500 | C$1,000 |
| PROFESSIONAL LEVEL | ||
|
Theory
|
C$500 | C$1,000 |
|
Practical
|
C$500 | C$1,000 |
CGA Fellowship Exam Dates
JUNE 2026 SESSION
Preliminary level
June 15, 2026
Professional level
- Theory: June 16, 2026
- Practical: June 17, 2026
AUGUST 2026 SESSION
Preliminary level
August 24, 2026
Professional level
- Theory: August 25, 2026
- Practical: August 26, 2026
Gem-A Exam Dates
Students who have completed the CGA’s professional gemmology program, and have passed their Canadian exams and have earned their credentials as an FCGmA (Fellow of the Canadian Gemmological Association), now have the opportunity to write their Gem-A exams (Gemmology Diploma and Practical) and gain their FGA credentials WITHOUT taking the Gem-A course.
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s oldest educator of Gems and Jewellery. They taught their first first gem course in 1908. Today in 2018 Gem-A courses are taught in seven different languages and in 26 countries around the world and there designations are recognized around the world.
21 Ely Place London, London, England EC1N 6TD
JUNE 2026 SESSION
Foundation level
June 23, 2026
Diploma level
- Diploma: June 24, 2026
- Practical: TBA
JANUARY 2027 SESSION
Foundation level
January 19, 2027
Diploma level
- Diploma: January 20, 2027
- Practical: TBA

