new U.S. watchmaker certification program has been launched by the American Watchmaker-Clockmaker Institute, based at Harrison, Ohio. It is a major revision of the one offered by AWCI since 1960, and “the culmination of many years of efforts by dedicated horologists,” said James Lubic, AWCI executive director. “They realized the need to update and maintain a national proficiency standard in professional certification that supports the latest technological requirements for today’s watch industry.”

Instead of doing the exam through the mail, the new process for Certified Watchmaker takes three and a half days. Written exams of 20 to 25 questions must be answered within three hours. There are four performance-based sections, which must be done over three consecutive days. The exams will be proctored by agents of the board of examiners. AWCI is setting up exam centers in Harrison, Ohio; Seattle; Lititz, Pa.; Okmulgee, Okla.; and St. Paul, Minn.

AWCI is also designing eight to 10 courses “that support the skills necessary” for the certification exams, said Lubic. They should be ready later this year.

The AWCI Certified Watchmaker examinations cost $1,150. Two sessions were held in May (in Harrison) and June (in Seattle). A third is set for October in Okmulgee, Okla. Call AWCI toll-free at (866) 367-2924 ext. 304.