HomeIAMPETH Certificate Program

IAMPETH Master Penman

To be named an IAMPETH Master Penman is the highest honor in our organization. Between 2001 and 2015, fifteen members (pictured below) were recognized with that title for exhibiting a distinguished level of excellence in penmanship and the calligraphic arts.

In 2016, the IAMPETH Board of Directors set out to create a new Certificate Program: an incremental path through which it is possible to earn acknowledgements of proficiency and excellence in specific categories, leading ultimately the Master Penman designation.

Chris Costeras

Master Penman

David Fairbanks

Master Penman

Coats Brown

Master Penman

Brian G Walker

Master Penman

William Lilly

Master Penman

Michael Sull

Master Penman

John DeCollibus

Master Penman

Rosemary Buczek

Master Penman

Harvest Crittenden

Master Penman

Pat Blair

Master Penman

Rick Muffler

Master Penman

Jake Weidmann

Master Penman

Vivian Mungall

Master Penman

Mike Kecseg

Master Penman

Barbara Calzolari

Master Penman

IAMPETH Certificate Program

Certification Levels

The Certificate of Proficiency acknowledges an applicant is at the intermediate level. Candidates who score at least 18 of the possible 20 points in each of the five areas of judging will receive Certificates of Proficiency with their names penned by one of the judges.

The Certificate of Proficiency is a prerequisite for the Certificate of Excellence. The Certificate of Excellence signifies the highest level of lettering in the specific category entered. Candidates will create a certificate with predetermined text, similar to those submitted at the Zanerian College.

To qualify for the Master Penman Certificate, candidates must first have received one Certificate of Excellence in each of three categories: Pointed Pen (Engrosser’s Script, Spencerian Script, or Business Handwriting); Broad Nib (Foundational or Old English); and Decorative Arts (Illumination & Borders). Further requirements for the Master Penman Certificate will be available by May 1, 2025.

Honoring our Participants

We are proud of our members who have successfully received IAMPETH Certification.

View Certificate Recipients

Mike Ward, Engrosser's Script

Kalo Chu, Spencerian

2024 Program Information

Submission Timeline

October 31: Application postmark deadline
May 1: Samples are returned to to applicants

Certificate Program Areas for Submission

The areas available for submission for Certificate of Proficiency and Certificate of Excellence include:

Engrosser's Script
Spencerian Script
Business Handwriting
Foundational Hand
Old English
Illumination & Borders

Program Participation

Anyone who has been a member of IAMPETH for at least one year as of September 1, 2024 may participate in the Certificate Program, whether for specific certificates or with the intention of continuing forward with the full Master Penman program.
Candidates must remain members in good standing while they are participating in the Certificate Program.
There is no limit to the number of entries a participant may submit in any given year, but only one in any given category will be accepted.

Certification Application

Members must be logged in to view and complete the application form. Applications will be accepted beginning September 1, 2024.

2024 Certificate Application

Certificate Bill Lilly

Certificate Costaras