I’ve been a soap maker since 1999. I know what I’m doing. Still, I had wanted to get my Advanced Soapmaker Certification for a while. I’d put it off, because it was a lot of work.
From the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Website
CP/HP Soapmakers are expected to:
- Demonstrate a higher level of knowledge of the chemistry and terms used in soapmaking by showing competency in formulating, testing and evaluating their product
- Demonstrate their ability to not only diagnose but fix typical problems in the soap pot; and
- Have a general knowledge of common additives/colorants and their safe usage.
In addition, the CP/HP Advanced Soapmaker will be required to formulate, make and submit a recipe and one (1) bar of soap based on specific oils and guidelines.
For CP/HP soap, the evaluation sample must be made with at least three different oils/fats/butters, without any fragrance, color, or other additives. It should be 3.5 – 5.5 oz (100 – 156 grams) in size. The soap should be wrapped and labeled per the examinee’s country’s regulations. Along with the soap, complete documentation must be provided.
The criteria and scoring are based various aspects of the soap, labeling and documentation. Technical aspects (including scent, weight, appearance, hardness, residual alkalinity and lather) account for 60% of the score. Documentation and meeting all the labeling requirements each account for 20% of the score.
There was so much paperwork. Batch sheets to to be filled out. Labels to be made. SDS forms to be submitted along with my soap sample. Lye calculations to be done by hand. And there was the exam.
The HSCG hosted a 6 week study group and I signed up. All through the winter I worked, and my fellow soap makers in the group kept me on task.
I got my soap submission and paperwork in, and by the end of February I took the exam and passed.
I’m officially an Advanced Certified Soapmaker!
Yours in Gratitude,
Angela