We are not ready for our EXAMINATION!
- Thread starter becka
- Start date
D
Dermot
Guest
I have not taken the PPFA yet, but from what I can gather it should not cause anyone in the framing business who has tried to study and understand framing any great difficulty, the PPFA exam is a multiple choice exam…..IMHO this type of exam should be a breeze if you have put in a reasonable amount of preparation work.
The FATG (UK) exam is different in that it has a hand on element to the exam you have to make frames as well as doing a written exam.
Good luck to you all.
The FATG (UK) exam is different in that it has a hand on element to the exam you have to make frames as well as doing a written exam.
Good luck to you all.
Hobbes03
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Welcome to the grumble Becka from another framer down the road in Torrington! Good luck on the exam!
-Mike.
-Mike.
D
Dermot
Guest
BTW welcome to the Grumble.
The recommended reading list is very good and consists of books that most framers should have in their library anyway. If that isn't an option, some PPFA chapters have books you can borrow. Study them and, together with the knowledge you've gained from experience, you will do just fine.
Oh, and memorize every word of The Grumble - especially Warped. The latter won't help you with the test, but it will keep things in perspective while you're studying for it.
Oh, and memorize every word of The Grumble - especially Warped. The latter won't help you with the test, but it will keep things in perspective while you're studying for it.
Framing Goddess
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Before the test:
Study the reading list. Better yet read all that you can on it!
Day of the test:
Take a calculator. It's okay to do so.
-Edie the cpf Goddess
Study the reading list. Better yet read all that you can on it!
Day of the test:
Take a calculator. It's okay to do so.
-Edie the cpf Goddess
B. Newman
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I was just wondering why you're going to take it if you're not ready. It's not like there is a deadline to take it.
There is actually a booklet about the exam, do you have it? What books do you have?
Betty
There is actually a booklet about the exam, do you have it? What books do you have?
Betty
jvandy57
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Becka,
Contact your local chapter president or board member. They should now have the new information for chapter leaders that includes info about the CPF exam.
Yes the test is multiple choice, it's 150 questions you get three hours to take it. Beware those who say it should be a breeze because it's multiple choice, it's not easy.
It's also not easy being green.
It's also not easy being Dale Jarret.
Dale Drive the Truck!
Contact your local chapter president or board member. They should now have the new information for chapter leaders that includes info about the CPF exam.
Yes the test is multiple choice, it's 150 questions you get three hours to take it. Beware those who say it should be a breeze because it's multiple choice, it's not easy.
It's also not easy being green.
It's also not easy being Dale Jarret.
Dale Drive the Truck!
- Joined
- Nov 5, 1997
- Posts
- 3,828
- Business
- The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc
Dermot is correct in that if you have read the recommended materials, kept up with education on an ongoing basis at trade shows and traveling workshops, and have a few years of real experience, then you should have no difficulty. It's those framers that typically rely upon only one of these areas that have difficulty.
Despite the hands-on portion of the FATG's GCF scheme, it's interesting to note that the percentage that do not pass the CPF exam (all multiple choice questions) is still higher.
Having taken both tests, in their respective countries, I have to say that they are very similar, and that the PPFA's CPF exam is slightly more difficult. However both do an excellent job in testing the basic knowledge we all should posses.
John (Currently in Farmington, CT) Welcome Becka
D_Derbonne
PFG, Picture Framing God
Hi Becka,
If you have studied and have experience you should do just fine. I took it after one year of working part time and just didn't know enough. I think I might be able to pass it now. Just think about each question and make sure you take that calculator!
If you have studied and have experience you should do just fine. I took it after one year of working part time and just didn't know enough. I think I might be able to pass it now. Just think about each question and make sure you take that calculator!
I suggest learning *all* of what is recommended in the CPF Study Guide.
Yes, it is a multiple choice test, but don't take that to mean it is an easy one. The failure rate is around 40%.
Some framers who have decades of framing experience believe they don't have to study for it. The truth is that very few framers could pass the CPF exam without careful study of the recommended materials, regardless of their experience.
If you have any doubts about your mastery of the recommended study materials, then I suggest you delay taking the exam until you can do it with confidence.
Or, take it as planned and see what happens. If you don't pass it the first time, you'll know more about it for the second time. You'll be pleased to know that many good framers have taken it several times before earning their CPFcm designation. There is a discount for re-takes.
Good luck.
Yes, it is a multiple choice test, but don't take that to mean it is an easy one. The failure rate is around 40%.
Some framers who have decades of framing experience believe they don't have to study for it. The truth is that very few framers could pass the CPF exam without careful study of the recommended materials, regardless of their experience.
If you have any doubts about your mastery of the recommended study materials, then I suggest you delay taking the exam until you can do it with confidence.
Or, take it as planned and see what happens. If you don't pass it the first time, you'll know more about it for the second time. You'll be pleased to know that many good framers have taken it several times before earning their CPFcm designation. There is a discount for re-takes.
Good luck.
Puppyraiser
PFG, Picture Framing God
Ah, I remember back to the Dear Days of Yore, when I took the CPF exam. It was 1986; the first time it was given. No Study Guides; heck, there weren't even many books besides Paul Frederick's. I knew I would find myself in San Francisco (although I still had my heart...) and so I thought "What the hay.." and signed up. The day of the exam I felt like one feels when the nightmare begins. It's the end of the semester, final exam time, and somehow I had forgotten to go to class. (Those who know me won't be too surprised to find that this actually could be a likely scenario). But I took it, along with, I discovered later, many of the Luminaries of the Framing World. Of course I didn't know them, and I didn't yet have my permanent badge (Hi! I can't remember your name either!) I passed the thing, but it was rough.
You already know a lot of the stuff from everyday framing, but some of it is info that you SHOULD know, but just haven't gotten around to really researching. If you have done the reading, you will have no problem. Eat a high carb breakfast and you will do swimmingly!
You already know a lot of the stuff from everyday framing, but some of it is info that you SHOULD know, but just haven't gotten around to really researching. If you have done the reading, you will have no problem. Eat a high carb breakfast and you will do swimmingly!
JackBingham CPF
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Welcome to the Grumble Becka. Read the books on the reading list. Be well rested, have a good meal before the test, and take your time taking the test. You'll do fine, best of luck.
Sincerely
Jack
Sincerely
Jack
As Ellen points out, in the beginning there were no study guides or other preparation materials for the CPF exam. Those who took the exam 16 years ago relied mostly on their framing experience to pass the test. It was a long time ago, and I would not suggest that strategy today.
The CPF exam has been revised several times since Ellen and the "pioneers" winged it in 1986.
The most recent update was in 2000, when the Certification Board spent the entire year reviewing and extensively re-writing the pool of questions, which also resulted in several changes to the Study Guide. If your Study Guide and reference library are out of date, you could be missing important information.
The CPF exam is kept up-to-date and represents the most comprehensive test of framing knowledge available. That's why it's recognized as the highest credential in framing, and why it is a tough test.
The CPF exam has been revised several times since Ellen and the "pioneers" winged it in 1986.
The most recent update was in 2000, when the Certification Board spent the entire year reviewing and extensively re-writing the pool of questions, which also resulted in several changes to the Study Guide. If your Study Guide and reference library are out of date, you could be missing important information.
The CPF exam is kept up-to-date and represents the most comprehensive test of framing knowledge available. That's why it's recognized as the highest credential in framing, and why it is a tough test.
Amy
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Welcome Becka! My 3 colleagues and I just took the test last year at this time. The advice you have gotten so far is great! One caution, calculators are allowed, but only simple ones...frame calculators or note book types are not allowed. Trust yourself and your study. Get a good nights rest and eat well, take some water with you and go with your FIRST instinct!
Good Luck!
One other thing. I had been framing for 20 years when I took it, and I was still nervous! It's good that you are nervous because it shows you care about it.
Good Luck!
One other thing. I had been framing for 20 years when I took it, and I was still nervous! It's good that you are nervous because it shows you care about it.
Well in 1987 they had a study guide, or at least a recommended reading list. I still use those books today and I took them to Chicago with me to cram the night before the exam. (College flashback.) A change of clothes, a toothbrush and about a hundred pounds of books - everything a weary traveler needs!
No, that wasn't the first time I looked at those books.
No, that wasn't the first time I looked at those books.
D
Dermot
Guest
“The CPF exam is kept up-to-date and represents the most comprehensive test of framing knowledge available. That's why it's recognized as the highest credential in framing, and why it is a tough test.”
Let me apologise, when I use the word “breeze” I use it in the context that if you have prepared well for the exam it should not be very difficult, I was not suggesting that it is an easy exam, in fact I fully endorse Jim Millers statement above and other statements, the PPFA exam in my view is the best exam for picture framers, by the very fact that it is based on your knowledge, knowledge is the foundation of good framing, you cannot be a good framer without fully understanding what you are doing, the weakness I believe in the UK FATG exam is that it contains a practical element, this open up the possibility that you could have a good or a bad day, your practical work could be good or bad, you could also be using equipment that you are not familiar with, if you make bad frames your customers would soon let you know by not returning to have further work done with you.
Again good luck with the exam.
Let me apologise, when I use the word “breeze” I use it in the context that if you have prepared well for the exam it should not be very difficult, I was not suggesting that it is an easy exam, in fact I fully endorse Jim Millers statement above and other statements, the PPFA exam in my view is the best exam for picture framers, by the very fact that it is based on your knowledge, knowledge is the foundation of good framing, you cannot be a good framer without fully understanding what you are doing, the weakness I believe in the UK FATG exam is that it contains a practical element, this open up the possibility that you could have a good or a bad day, your practical work could be good or bad, you could also be using equipment that you are not familiar with, if you make bad frames your customers would soon let you know by not returning to have further work done with you.
Again good luck with the exam.
Bob Shirk MCPF
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Read the material on the reading list. Take your time and understand the material.
On taking the test...
Read the question, read the entire question. Understand the question. Read all of the answers. Make the best choice.
Many people have problems taking tests because they do not read the entire question and all of the answers.
On taking the test...
Read the question, read the entire question. Understand the question. Read all of the answers. Make the best choice.
Many people have problems taking tests because they do not read the entire question and all of the answers.
keiki
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
All of the above, Becka, and good luck.
I took my test in '99 after 15 years in the business and spent most of my studying time re-reading all the past trade mags I could get my hands on as well as purchasing as many of the suggested reading that I could afford.
The test was tough but not daunting. I managed to go through the whole test in half the alloted time with about a dozen questions to take my time on. And I didn't know we could take calculators but managed to pass anyway.
My biggest complaint was that I never really found out how well I did, just that I had passed. Am I telling my score to those in the know?
Also, I would have appreciated knowing what I needed to improve on. After all that studying, I would have liked to polish what I was weak in.
Linda CPF
I took my test in '99 after 15 years in the business and spent most of my studying time re-reading all the past trade mags I could get my hands on as well as purchasing as many of the suggested reading that I could afford.
The test was tough but not daunting. I managed to go through the whole test in half the alloted time with about a dozen questions to take my time on. And I didn't know we could take calculators but managed to pass anyway.
My biggest complaint was that I never really found out how well I did, just that I had passed. Am I telling my score to those in the know?
Also, I would have appreciated knowing what I needed to improve on. After all that studying, I would have liked to polish what I was weak in.
Linda CPF
The reason PPFA does not publish the scores is that all CPF's are to be considered equally certified. If scores were available, then some misguided soul would consider one CPF to be more certified than another.
It's enough to know that a doctor successfully passed all of the requirements to be called a doctor. Likewise, it's enough to know that a CPF has met all of the requirements for certification. Beyond that -- for doctors and framers alike -- we all need to make our own judgements on the basis of performance.
You're right, Jim. Nobody wants to hear that their doctor graduated in the bottom half of their class. 
Bogframe
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Becka, Hi and welcome.
When I took my exam, somebody gave me a couple of pieces of advice, which I'll pass on to you.
1) Glazing does not touch artwork.
2) If one of the answers is Unbleached Muslin, pick it.
3) Neutral pH is 7
Good luck!
When I took my exam, somebody gave me a couple of pieces of advice, which I'll pass on to you.
1) Glazing does not touch artwork.
2) If one of the answers is Unbleached Muslin, pick it.
3) Neutral pH is 7
Good luck!
Puppyraiser
PFG, Picture Framing God
And 50% of them did! (I told this once to a doctor's wife. She failed to see the point...)Nobody wants to hear that their doctor graduated in the bottom half of their class.