Certification
The AHAF Certification Program
- In order to apply for the certification program, you must be an AHAF member in good standing. If you are not yet a member, please Click here to apply for membership.
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Members in good standing may click here to pay the non-refundable application fee of $25.
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Once an application is accepted, the first step in the examination process is to pass an Ethics test. With a passing score of at least 80%, the applicant is ready to submit the application and testing fee (see below), a personality profile that you have personally prepared, along with the handwriting sample, and two letters of reference.
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The AHAF certification program is not an "easy pass" test. First, you must earn the "AHAF Associate" designation, which means that you have passed a rigorous examination of your knowledge and experience in the field of handwriting analysis, and that you are committed to adhere to professional standards of practice and ethics (this is not certification, but a step towards it). Second, in order to attain the "Certified Graphologist," or "CHA, Diplomate," designation, you must pass Level 2, which requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise by analyzing multiple handwriting samples of various types and for various purposes. Candidates must apply advanced handwriting analysis techniques to identify psychological traits, put them in a helpful context, and provide well-reasoned conclusions supported by evidence. This level assesses not only technical proficiency but also the ability to interpret complex writing patterns with accuracy and professional judgment.
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There are no specific testing dates. The examinations may be completed at your convenience. However, each part of the test has a time limit.
The following documents are provided to help you prepare for the certification program. Applicants are expected to read them:
Mentor guidelines - If you would like to be introduced to a mentor, please read this document
Syllabus - Describes the material with which you need to be thoroughly familiar before applying for the examination
History of Graphology - A comprehensive review by Marc Seifer, Ph.D.
Appendix A - Guidelines for obtaining a good handwriting sample
Appendix B - Guidelines for preparing a report
Study Guides and Study Samples
Questions? Contact: [email protected]
NOTE: the payment links below are for PayPal. If you prefer to use a credit card, please log in with your member credentials and pay here
Two levels of Certification
Ethics Examination
The Ethics exam is included in the application fee of $25. With a passing score, the applicant is eligible to continue. The next step is to submit a handwriting sample of your choice along with a personality profile--a sample of your work.
Level One: Associate
Although the Level One test is open book, it is not an "easy pass." It covers the fundamentals of graphology and is comprised of multiple choice, true/false questions and short form answers, as well as a written personality profile. In order to successfully complete the examination, the applicant must have a good understanding of gestalt principles and a grounding in basic psychology as it applies to handwriting analysis. Applicants have sixty days to complete and submit the test (requests for an extension will be considered for good cause). Those who receive a passing score are awarded a certificate of completion and the designation, AHAF Associate. (Note: this is not certification) Fee: $175
Once the applicant has achieved the Associate level, s/he may continue to Level Two.
Level Two: Certified Handwriting Analyst Diplomate
Also known as "C.G., or Certified Graphologist," Level two is a rigorous assessment and evaluation of applied knowledge. This will be accomplished by preparing detailed reports for various situations. Applicants have ninety days to complete and submit the test (requests for an extension will be considered for good cause)Upon passing the Level Two examination, the applicant will be granted full certification and receive the designation "Certified Handwriting Analyst, Diplomate" with permission to use the credentials (CHA Dip.) or CG, for as long as they remain a AHAF member. Fee: $200
