The Society of Bookbinders' Certificates of Competence scheme has been established for two principal reasons: firstly, to set out the Society's standards for hand bookbinding, and secondly to give members a target to work towards.

Rather than being a curriculum or syllabus for a course of tuition, the scheme is designed to assess the products of training, experience and hard work.

Applicants might include students on courses, tutors of books arts courses, or members who just want to prove something to themselves! It is hoped that, as well as providing a yardstick against which to measure one's own abilities, the Certificates will become a recognized sign of assurance for prospective clients.

The scheme is modular and encompasses a range of different styles. To date there are five Certificates:

- Cloth cased books
- Cloth bindings (incorporating cloth Library style)
- Part Leather (incorporating tight-back leather Library style)
- Full Leather
- Library style (incorporating tight-back leather and cloth bindings)

Once an applicant has registered for a Certificate, additional information and advice on the certificate will be sent to assist the candidate with the expected standard. It is recommended that applicants register their interest early in the process.

Further information is available from the Society's web site at www.societyofbookbinders.com