Off-Campus Exam Options

This page outlines everything you need to know to prepare for this option, including proctor guidelines, setup requirements, and equipment checklists.

1. Who Can Supervise Your Exam

To ensure exam integrity, all off-site examinations must be invigilated by an approved supervisor. Your supervisor must:

• Be present throughout the exam
• Ensure exam protocols are followed
• Collect and send completed materials to the CGA immediately after the exam

Acceptable supervisors include:

• A justice of the peace
• A clergyperson
• A teacher
• A qualified gemmologist

If none of the above are available, the CGA will consider another trusted individual you nominate (not related to you) who holds a position of integrity in your community. Final approval rests with the CGA.

2. Exam Timing and Supervision Details

• Exams must be written on the official CGA exam date
• Two theory papers (3 hours each) are written morning and afternoon, or afternoon and evening, with at least a 1-hour break
• The supervisor must remain with you for the entire exam duration

3. Exam Location

You are responsible for arranging a suitable location.

Acceptable spaces include:

• The supervisor’s home
• A church or school hall
• Any quiet location free from noise, children, and other distractions

4. Fees and Responsibilities

• You are responsible for any fees charged by your supervisor or for use of facilities

• All arrangements must be confirmed in advance

5. Required Forms

Once your arrangements are in place, submit the appropriate forms:

• Request to Write Exam(s) in the Home Community
• Fellowship Exam Registration and Payment of the Exam Fee (if not already completed and submitted)

Submit your completed forms to CGA by the deadline indicated. Once received, CGA will contact your supervisor for their formal agreement to act in the capacity of exam proctor.

6. Before the Exam

A few weeks before the exam, CGA will send your supervisor an exam package containing:

• Sealed exam question papers

• Blank answer booklets

• Return envelopes

• A declaration form for supervisor signature

The sealed papers may only be opened at the start of the exam period.

7. After the Exam

• Your supervisor must seal the completed answer booklets in an envelope
• At the end of the second exam, seal both envelopes in a third envelope
• Send the package via registered mail to CGA immediately
• Include the signed declaration form confirming proper conduct and no assistance was given

8. What You Can Bring

Permitted:

• Pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, geometry sets

• Answers must be written in ink

• Diagrams may be drawn in pencil

Not Permitted:

• Books (any taken into the room must be closed and handed to the supervisor before the exam begins)

• Notes, electronic information storage and retrieval systems, or internet-based tools

• Assistance from others

9. Receiving Your Results

Results will be sent to candidates within 6–8 weeks after the exam. All submitted materials become CGA property. No further correspondence about results is possible beyond your letter grade.

Professional Level Practical Exams

• The Practical Exam can be held on the Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of your exam week.
• It is strictly limited to 4 hours. You should allow sufficient time to have all of your instruments set up and prepared before the start of the examination period.
• You are responsible for having available the required equipment.
• Answers must be written in the booklet supplied.

Required Equipment:

• Microscope

• Polariscope

• Dichroscope

• Spectroscope + light (preferably fibre-optic)

• Refractometer with light (monochromatic yellow or sodium)

• Polarizing filter

• UV light (if available)

• Loupe

• Tweezers

• Cleaning tissues

• Chelsea filter

• Pen, pencil, eraser

• Basic calculator and geometry set are allowed

Prohibited:

• Thermal conductivity testers
• Infrared reflectometers
• Destructive testing
• Reference books (except Gem-A Practical Handbook), papers or notes in any form, including electronic information storage/retrieval system, may be used. A sheet listing mean R.I. and S.G. values will be included with the examination stone set.
• For crystal identifications (specimens A-1 to A-5 on the exam), NO instruments or tests, other than examining with a loupe, are allowed. These specimens must not be put in specific gravity liquids.

AUGUST 2026 SESSION

Preliminary level

August 24, 2026

Professional level

• Theory: August 25, 2026
• Practical: August 26, 2026