Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an ongoing necessity in the ever-changing technological world in which we live. The practicing professional gemmologists have to remain competent throughout their working careers so that they can properly carry out various duties and roles in the ever-changing complex environment. To this end gemmologists need to take opportunities to update their knowledge and expertise and to develop those personal qualities required to fulfill their roles in industry and in professional community as well.
In line with the global trends of CPD in leading professional bodies and institutions, The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) has considered that there is a need of implementing the mandatory CPD requirements for “Certified Gemmologist” (C.G.) [認可鑑證師] on specific fields of gemstone testing to instill a sense of professional responsibility amongst gemmologists, to strengthen consumer’s confidence on gemstone identification and certification, and subsequently to uphold our reputation as a leading professional gemmological institution in Hong Kong.
GAHK announced the Mandatory CPD Requirements for Certified Gemmologists in August 2006. GAHK’s “Standard Methods for Testing Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) for Hong Kong” (HKSM/JJT-2006) and “Standard Methods for Testing Diamond for Hong Kong” (HKSM/DT-2008) were adopted by the Custom and Excise Department as a key reference of the definition of the Fei Cui and Diamond in the Trade Descriptions (Provision of Information on Natural Fei Cui, Diamond) Order in 2009.
In April 2020, GAHK announced the new Guidance Notes for Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Fei Cui & Diamond Certified Gemmologists.
Initial Registration for Certified Gemmologist on Fei Cui (C.G. Fei Cui)
(Chinese: 認可翡翠鑑證師)
For the initial registration of Certified Gemmologist on Fei Cui, the candidate, who should be the Fellow Member of GAHK, has to complete the Essential Fei Cui (翡翠) Specific Training Courses which are recognized by GAHK and has progressively accumulated total 18 CPD-hour in the following areas in the past 24 months. The candidate is required to provide a complete description and record of the CPD activities/courses which he/she has attended in the past 24 months.
(i) Knowledge Update
A total of 9 CPD-hour, with a minimum of 4 CPD-hour on Fei Cui testing related activities, have to be accumulated in past 24 months. The attendance of “Essential CPD activities/events/programme” will be counted and considerably regarded in the course of registration.
(ii) Advanced Testing Instrument Update
Completion of the specific course of advanced testing equipment training on Fei Cui testing.
(iii) Understanding on ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Management System
Completion of the awareness seminars of ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Management System.
Referential information of the Essential Fei Cui Specific Training Course
The Essential Fei Cui (翡翠) Specific Training Course shall include, but not limited to, the following teaching and learning modules and activities:
A. Lecture based modules (classroom activities)
- Fundamental theory of Fei Cui, definition and nomenclature of Fei Cui and its three members of Jadeite Jade, Kosmochlor Jade and Omphacite Jade
- Set of visual examination skills and tactile discrimination techniques that enable the learner to recognize the features related to the visual stimulus of Fei Cui test items
- Classification of natural and treated Fei Cui (Type A, Type B, Type C, Type B+C)
- The comprehensive testing methodology and testing procedures for item of Fei Cui
- Basic principles of testing equipment including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer and Infrared Spectrum Fingerprint Identification method
- The analysis of testing results, data and technical specifications when issuing Fei Cui test reports or test certificates
- The formats and contents of Fei Cui test reports or test certificates
B. Hands-on practical modules (classroom activities)
- Practice the comprehensive testing methods of test items of Fei Cui including visual examination skills and tactile discrimination techniques
- Use the basic hand-held testing tools and instruments to examine and identify the test item of Fei Cui, treatment types of Fei Cui and visual stimulus of Fei Cui
- Understanding the operation principles of testing equipment including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
- Production procedures of Fei Cui test reports or test certificates
- Practical sessions (in gem testing laboratory, if achievable)
C. Other non-classroom activities
- Onsite visit to gem testing laboratory, jade trade fairs
- Attend professional seminars, workshops or forums
- Self-learning with additional learning materials provided
D. Assessments and examination
- Coursework & assignment
- Practical assessment
- Written examination
Note: Course duration: at least 75 learning hours including lecture and hands-on practical sections, practical sessions in gem testing laboratory, practical assessment and assessment by written examination.
The Essential Fei Cui Specific Training Course recognized by GAHK
The following courses are recognized as the Essential Fei Cui (翡翠) Specific Training Course. The GAHK Fellow Member, who has accumulated total 18 CPD-hour in the past 24 months and obtained the completion diploma/certificate, will be capable to apply the initial registration for Certified Gemmologist on Fei Cui (C.G. Fei Cui) (Chinese: 認可翡翠鑑證師)
Diploma of Fei Cui. Course organiser: Hong Kong Institute of Gemmology (HKIG)
