Frequently Asked Questions
| Q. | I have over 20 years experience as a Senior Graphic Designer. Do I still have to write the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination if I want to become an R.G.D.? |
| A. | Currently, no one may become an R.G.D. without successfully passing the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination. |
| Q. | I have been working as a graphic designer for many years but I don't have a diploma or degree in graphic design. Can I write the examination and become an R.G.D.? |
| A. | Long-time practitioners of graphic design without the requisite formal education (currently graduation from a 3 or 4 year graphic design program is required) who have at least 7 years experience in the field of graphic design before the year 2000 and who have worked continuously in the field since January 1, 2000, may apply and may be eligible to write the R.G.D. Qualification Examination. Upon successful completion of the examination, they may then apply for R.G.D. membership in RD Ontario. Please note that no one may become a Registered Graphic Designer without successfully completing the R.G.D. Qualification Examination. |
| Q. | What is involved in writing the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination? |
| A. | The content of the examination is directed to
the knowledge and skills currently needed to practise graphic design
professionally. There are two parts, a written test consisting of
multiple choice questions, and a portfolio interview, to take place
on a separate day sometime after the written examination has been
passed. In the written section there are four topics: * Business * Technology * Design Principles, Research and History (this part is an open-book test) * Rules of Professional Conduct The Handbook for the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination describes the topics covered by the examination in some detail. Contact the Examination Board for Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario to receive a copy. |
| Q. | If I am unsure whether I am eligible, may I still apply to write the Examination? |
| A. | Yes. The Examination Eligibility Review Committee reviews each application on a case by case basis. It is up to the Committee to determine eligibility but there is no restriction to who may apply. If you are not deemed eligible, all submitted fees will be refunded to you. |
| Q. | When is the next examination? |
| A. | The written examination is usually held twice a year
in Toronto in May and November Dates and locations are announced on the web site at www.rgdontario.com/examboard/schedule.html. Additional administrations of the examination may take place in locations more than three hours travel time from Toronto and where there are more than five candidates approved to write the examination. |
| Q. | If I apply now, when will I find out if I am eligible to write the next examination? |
| A. | The Examination Eligibility Review Committee meets approximately every quarter. If you apply before the application deadline, it is likely that your application will be reviewed before the deadline and you will be notified as soon as a decision has been made. Applications received after the application deadline are reviewed by the Committee within approximately one week and you will be notified as soon as a decision has been made. |
| Q. | I live in Ottawa. Is there going to be an examination here? |
| A. | To date all examinations have taken place in Toronto, but additional administrations of the examination may take place in locations more than three hours travel time from Toronto and where there are more than five candidates approved to write the examination. |
| Q. | I am a professional member of the Manitoba Chapter of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC). May I transfer my membership to RGD Ontario? |
| A. | Your professional membership in the GDC is not transferable to RGD Ontario. RGD Ontario is an independent Ontario corporation. MGDC and R.G.D. are not equivalent. To obtain the R.G.D. designation you must write the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination. |
| Q. | Is there a limit to the number of books that I can bring for the open book section of the written examination? |
| A. | No, there is no limit. |
| Q. | Can I bring handwritten notes to use for the open book section of the written examination? |
| A. | Yes, you may, but no electronic notebooks of any kind. |
| Q. | What happens if I apply and then I am unable to write the next examination? |
| A. | You may defer writing the examination to a future date. |
| Q. | What is the cost of writing the examination? |
| A. | The application fee, which is not refundable, is $50 plus GST. This includes the cost of the Handbook for the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination. The fee to write the examination is $100 plus GST. Fees are subject to change without notice. Fees for the written section and portfolio interview are refundable if they are not attempted. |
If you have a question that has not been answered here, please contact us at info@rgdexamboard.com
Last Updated February 2004