The Canadian Institute of Gemmology (C.I.G.) is a nonprofit, post-secondary educational institution incorporated with Letters Patent, dated September 28, 1990 under the Canada Corporations Act.
It has been certified as an educational institute and approved by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRDC) under subparagraphs 118.5(1)(a)(ii) and 118.6(1)(a)(ii) of the Income Tax Act. Accordingly, a student may claim fees paid to the institution for purposes of the tuition, education and textbook tax credits provided that the fees qualify as eligible tuition expenses, the student has attained the age of 16 years before the end of the year, the course can reasonably be regarded as providing or improving skills in an occupation and all other criteria for eligibility have been met. Additional details are also available on the Internet at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca
The Canadian Institute of Gemmology was registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) as a Private Career Training Institution from 1983 until 2006. With changes to the PCTIA Bylaws and transformation of our diploma and certificate programs into a course credit system the school was no longer required to maintain full accreditation status and upon request has been deregistered. As a consequence courses are not eligible for Canada Student Loan requirements. Foreign students are welcome to take our courses by correspondence and attend local classes on a visitor’s visa. Please contact us at 604-530-8569 for further info.
All credit courses offered by the Canadian Institute of Gemmology are eligible for the above tuition tax credit. Tuition fees are exempt from the HST. For funding contact your local manpower agency or job placement counsellor. Part-time student loans and bursaries may be available in your province under certain conditions.
For more information call the Registrar at (604) 530-8569 or one of our area instructors. If you wish to obtain your certification as an Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)® a grade 12 high school diploma or equivalent is required. Students can start their course work at any time.
J. Wolf Kuehn,, Director of Education, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, F.G.A., F.G.G., Professional Member B.C. College of Teachers
Accreditation Policy
Individual courses must be completed within 12 months; accreditation credits must be submitted within 24 months and supported by documentation if credits were obtained from other institutions. Students may apply for extensions but may have to pay additional fees for new text-books and study materials. Students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia) may need a professional tutor and should consult their medical practicioner before registering. View/Download and read carefully our refund policy.
The passing mark for all written exams is 65%, for practical exams 100%; the “Diamond and Fine Gem Expert” certificates require a 80% mark and expire after ten (10) years. All examination fees (with exception of the diploma exams) are included in the tuition. The administrative fee for a second written exam is $ 100 and for a practical exam $ 200. Students may attempt to re-write a failed exam two times after paying the required fee within 6 months (after a waiting period of 1 month). A failed third attempt will lead to the dismissal of the student from the accreditation program.
In the Gem Identification I and II (course 150 or 250) classes an organic liquid (methylene iodide) saturated with sulphur is being used in conjunction with the refractometer. The school cannot assume any liability for any allergic or medical reactions a student may experience from its use. Please consult your health practicioner.
The Canadian Institute of Gemmology
The C.I.G. has been operating in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1983 serving the jewellery trade and the general public; many students taking our gemmology courses have found job opportunities in the jewellery industry and other professions. Class-room instruction is presently offered in the Vancouver region, travelling workshops in cities across Canada; long distance training courses are also available (in English, Spanish and Chinese).
The Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)® designation is a registered certification mark and is recognized internationally as a symbol of excellence in gemmology. The school works closely with other international schools and publishes an electronic newsletter GEMMOLOGY CANADA in conjunction with The Gem Connoisseur Club – the Alumni Association of the Canadian Institute of Gemmology.
Selected C.I.G. courses offered by community colleges in several cities have been accredited and may count as credits towards C.I.G.’s certificates.
After completion of all credits and submission of a scientific paper the student will receive the internationally recognized ACCREDITED GEMMOLOGIST (C.I.G.)® diploma.