The AHAF Certification Program
AHAF certification is a credential that can make you proud. Adding the designation "AHAF Assoc.," or "CHA, Dip." to your name lets others know that you care about standards of practice and ethics.
These examinations are completed at home at your convenience. While there are time limits on each part of the test, there are no specific testing dates.
You must be an AHAF member to apply for and take the tests. If you are not yet a member of AHAF, you can apply for membership. Click here.
Ethics: When an applicant is accepted, the first step in the examination process is to pass the Ethics test. While this is a vital part of the process, the test should not require extensive study. Note, all questions must be answered correctly. Once having passed, you will be ready to begin your journey to the next level.
Three levels
Level One: Associate. The AHAF Assoc designation ensures that the applicant has acquired a basic knowledge and understanding of gestalt handwriting analysis, its terminology and practice. This examination is to confirm that the candidate has an accurate working knowledge of graphological theory and terminology. It is comparable to an Associate (AA) degree and is a step towards full certification.
Level One must be successfully completed before applying for Level Two
Level Two: Certified Handwriting Analyst Diplomate, formerly Certified Graphologist (CG). The CHA, Dip. designation ensures the applicant has advanced their knowledge of gestalt handwriting analysis and has demonstrated that knowledge, competence, and acquired skills in various areas of practice, such as education, psychology, career coaching, human resources, and areas of personal growth. CHA Dip. is a full certification and comparable to a Master's Degree.
Level Three: Certified Master Handwriting Analyst (MCHA). This is the highest designation AHAF offers its members. Beyond passing the basic and advanced levels of education and practice of a professional in the field, the applicant must be prepared to contribute to the field through research.
What to expect of the three examinations
- Exam 1: This test is comprised of is a basic question/answer format that includes multiple choice, true/false and short form answers. It is an open book test that covers the fundamentals of graphology. The applicant must have an understanding of gestalt principles and a sufficient grounding in basic psychology as it applies to handwriting analysis. Those who pass the test will receive a certificate of completion and the designation, AHAF Assoc.
Note: passing Exam 1 does not merit full certification. It is the next step in the process. - Exam 2: A rigorous assessment and evaluation of applied knowledge. This will be accomplished by preparing detailed reports for various purposes. Upon passing the Level 2 exam, the applicant will be granted full certification and receive the designation Certified Handwriting Analyst, with permission to use the credentials (CHA Dip.) as long as they remain a AHAF member.
- Master Certified Handwriting Analyst is the most advanced level of certification offered by AHAF and requires that the applicant participate in a formal research project approved and supervised by the Research chair. Only active members who have earned a CHA Dip. or CG are eligible to apply. Successful applicants will receive the designation Master Certified Handwriting Analyst (MCHA)
Path to the MCHA credential
Complete the AHAF research course and a research project that meets the criteria for a Master Certified Handwriting Analyst as approved by the Research Chair.
Recommended study before applying for the MCHA examination
- Complete approved advanced courses in graphology, psychology or forensics.
- Complete the delivery of, or participation in, a prescribed number of public presentations, discourses, class instruction or publish acceptable materials.
- Complete ten hours with an MCHA mentor. A current list of participating MCHA mentors will be provided to applicants. Once matched with a mentor, the mentee pays that person at a rate to be decided on between the two parties. In order to satisfy the requirements of this path, the MCHA mentor will write a recommendation attesting to the applicant's knowledge level and proficiency at a MCHA level, AND complete a form that they have reviewed your knowledge and demonstrated application of graphology at this level.
AHAF does not sponsor any specific course of study or method. Therefore, what constitutes an “accepted” course or instructor is determined on a case-by-case basis, as detailed here.
For more information about becoming AHAF-certified please email ahaf@ahafhandwriting.org.