Frequently Asked Questions
| Q. | What is involved in undergoing 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 test has been administered. 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 |
| Q. | I have a design degree and over 20 years experience as a Senior Graphic Designer. My partner has many years of experience as a graphic designer but no diploma or degree in graphic design. Do we still have to write the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination if we want to become R.G.D.s? |
| A. | Currently, no-one may become an R.G.D. without successfully completing the portfolio interview portion of the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination, including seniority candidates. Seniority applicants are exempt from the written test portion of the exam, except for the Rules of Professional Conduct section (as of April 26, 2008) and this section has a 75% passing mark. If you have seven years graphic design experience, or seven years of design education and experience combined, prior to the year 2000 and have been working continuously since then, you are exempt from the balance of the written test. |
| Q. | I have worked as a graphic designer for over 20 years, but I only have a degree in fine art. Am I eligible to undergo the exam? |
| A. | Graphic designers who have a fine art degree or related education,
and who can demonstrate years of graphic design work experience, such
that education and relevant work experience total at least nine years, may be eligible to undergo the examination. Such applicants must also supply R.G.D. or industry references who support their application. |
| 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, the portfolio and examination fees will be refunded to you. |
| Q. | When is the next examination? |
| A. | The written test is usually held twice a year in Toronto in May and November, and twice a year in Ottawa in February and August. Dates and locations are announced on the web site at www.rgdexamboard.com. Additional administrations of the examination may take place in locations more than three hours travel time from Toronto where there are five or more approved candidates. |
| Q. | If I apply now, when will I find out if I am eligible to undergo the next examination? |
| A. | 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 within approximately one week and you will be notified as soon as a decision has been made. |
| 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 follow the procedures outlined in this Handbook. |
| Q. | Is there a limit to the number of books that I can bring to the open book section of the written test |
| A. | No, there is no limit. |
| Q. | Can I bring handwritten notes to use for the open book section of the written test |
| A. | Yes, you may, but no electronic notebooks. |
| Q. | What happens if I apply and then I am unable to be present at the scheduled examination? |
| A. | You may defer both the written test and portfolio interviews to a future date. |
| Q. | What is the cost to undergo the examination? |
| A. | The application fee, which is not refundable, is $50 plus GST. The fee for the written portion of the test is $75. The fee for the portfolio interview portion is $25. Fees are subject to change without notice. Fees for the written test and portfolio interview are refundable if they are not attempted. |
| Q. | Do I need to read all of the suggested texts? |
| A. | You may choose to study all or some of the books on this list, however we strongly suggest The Business of Graphic Design: A Professional's Handbook and A History of Graphic Design.
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If you have a question that has not been answered here, please contact us at info@rgdexamboard.com
Last Updated August 2005