Location for Onsite Bench Certification
GIA World Headquarters
The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Session One: August 2025
Exam DateAugust 14-15, 2025
Bench Certification Level(s) Offered
JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ)
The CBBJ exam reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler generalist performing jewelry repair with about one year’s experience.
The written "open-book" online exam will be administered first and prior to the on-site practical exam and must be completed by August 8.
REGISTER FOR AUGUST SESSION
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GIA'S PREP WORKSHOP
GIA Alumni Collective will be offering an additional three-day prep workshop prior to the exam from August 11-13. GIA instructors will demonstrate test-specific techniques designed to improve workflow and review foundational jewelry-making practices found on the exam. Learners will benefit from detailed instruction on what to expect during the bench certification test, gaining confidence in their skills and preparing for an industry-recognized standardized exam. Learn More > |
Session Two: September 2025
Exam DateSeptember 11-12, 2025
Immediately follows CONVERGE
Bench Certification Level(s) Offered
All three levels available:
- JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ): Reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler generalist performing jewelry repair with about one year’s experience.
- JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ): Reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a bench jeweler generalist performing most jewelry repairs with two or more years of experience.
- JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ): The highest level of JA Bench Professional Certification. For the hands-on practical bench test, candidates at this level must demonstrate mastery at all skill levels.
The written "open-book" online exam will be administered first and prior to the on-site practical exam and must be completed by September 5.
REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER SESSION
Benefits of Taking the Exam Onsite
- Special pricing for on-site exam registrants
- No proctor needed; the exam will be administered by a GIA professional
- Take the exam at your own dedicated workstation at GIA’s brand new, state-of-the-art facilities
- Complete the practical exam in two-days without the distractions of your typical work environment
Plus you can’t top the experience of visiting the Robert Mouawad Campus at GIA’s world headquarters. It is home to the premier gem studies school, the famous GIA laboratory and an internationally recognized museum—all set amidst the stunning surroundings of Carlsbad, California.
Onsite Certification Fees
The fee schedule for the JA Bench Professional Certification is billed in two installments. 1st installment payment is due with the completed Bench Professional Certification application. 2nd installment payment is due upon successful completion of the written exam.1st Installment: Registration and Written Exam: $300
2nd Installment: Bench Certification Practical Tests: $2,236
Practical Test Estimated Pricing for Beginner Bench Jeweler Exam; Reflects the price of gold as of 3/1/2025
- The Bench Certification practical test materials cost is calculated based on the price of gold at the time of shipment.
- Payment is due upon successful completion of the Bench Certification written exam.
- Jewelers of America will send an invoice outlining the amount due before the credit card on file is charged. Practical test materials will not be sent if the invoice is not paid in full.
- Check payments must be received within 7-10 days of emailed invoice.
Steps for On-Site Certification
- Complete the application form and submit with your 1st installment payment to Jewelers of America.
- Successfully complete the “open book” written exam prior to taking the practical test portion of the Bench Jeweler Certification at GIA.
- The written exam must be completed by August 8 for the August session or September 5 for the September session.
- Successfully complete the practical test portion of the Bench Jeweler Certification at GIA.
- The completed test will be sent from GIA to the proctor, it will be graded, and the test results will be sent directly to you
Completing the On-Site Practical Test
Jewelers of America will provide the practical bench tests for your level to GIA’s campus in Carlsbad. You will be required to complete each practical bench test within the estimated time for completing the project during the two days allotted to complete the exam. These times are guidelines only; the candidate may take more or less than the estimated time to perform a specific bench test. However, the total test time must stay within the total time-frame requirement.
There is no need to select a proctor! A designated proctor will be provided on-site at the in-person JA Bench Professional Certification session at GIA’s campus in Carlsbad. They will track the time it takes the candidate to complete each test.
