In the world of taxidermy, art and science come together. The National Taxidermists Association (NTA) is a shining example of excellence. It offers a certification program that boosts the reputation of taxidermists in the United States.
Those who get this certification wear it as a badge of honor. It shows their hard work, skill, and deep love for the craft.
Getting NTA certified is a challenging but rewarding journey. To start, you must be an NTA member. This shows you’re part of the taxidermy community.
You also need experience judging or helping at three competitions. Or, you can use your own awards and achievements to meet this requirement.
What is NTA Certification?
The National Taxidermists Association (NTA) certification program is for taxidermists. It shows their skills, knowledge, and love for taxidermy. To get this honor, they must meet certain standards.
Requirements for NTA Certified Judge
To become an NTA certified judge, you need to:
- Be a current member of the National Taxidermists Association
- Have judged or helped judges at three taxidermy competitions
- Pay an annual fee of $5 to cover the costs of the program
You can also meet the judging experience requirement in two ways:
- Winning an NTA “Award of Excellence,” which counts as two judging experiences
- Winning two blue ribbons at NTA competitions, which counts as one judging experience
But, you must have at least one real judging experience to get certified as an NTA judge.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| NTA Membership | Current member of the National Taxidermists Association |
| Judging Experience |
|
| Annual Fee | $5 to cover the costs of the NTA certification program |
By fulfilling these requirements, taxidermists show their skills. They become NTA certified judges. This helps the taxidermy industry grow and become more professional.
Benefits of national taxidermists association certification a plus
Getting the National Taxidermists Association (NTA) certification brings many benefits. It shows a taxidermist’s top skills and knowledge. This boosts their credibility and reputation in the field.
One big plus of NTA certification is judging at competitions. This lets taxidermists meet others and might even make extra money. Plus, they get to learn from the NTA’s programs and resources. This helps them keep their skills sharp and know the latest in taxidermy.
Learning taxidermy can cost over $20,000 a year. Getting a state permit in Michigan for taxidermy is $100 and lasts three years. With more taxidermists around, the NTA certification helps stand out. It also attracts new clients.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Credibility | The NTA certification shows a taxidermist’s high skill and knowledge. This boosts their reputation and credibility in the industry. |
| Competitive Advantage | In a field with more taxidermists, the NTA certification sets taxidermists apart. It helps attract more clients. |
| Judging Opportunities | NTA-certified judges can judge at competitions. This offers chances for networking, learning, and extra income. |
| Access to Resources | NTA-certified taxidermists get to use the NTA’s educational programs and resources. This helps them improve their skills and keep up with trends. |
The NTA certification benefits taxidermists and the industry as a whole. It promotes excellence and professionalism. This raises the craft’s standards and opens up more career and business opportunities for taxidermists.
Judging Criteria and Process
The National Taxidermists Association (NTA) has a detailed judging process and criteria for its competitions. NTA certified judges evaluate entries in many NTA competition categories. These include Whitetail, Gamehead, Lifesize Mammals, Birds, Waterfowl, Fish, Reptiles, Reproductions, Shellfish, and Amphibians.
Judging Categories
The judging looks at craftsmanship, artistic detail, and technical accuracy. Entries are scored on NTA-specific scoresheets. The top-scoring mounts in each category win blue, red, and white ribbons.
The NTA also gives out “Best of Category” and “Best of Masters” awards. These awards highlight the exceptional work of NTA taxidermy competition participants.
The NTA’s judging criteria and process make sure judging criteria for NTA competitions are fair and consistent. This evaluation recognizes the skill and artistry of NTA taxidermy competition participants. It helps maintain high standards in the taxidermy profession and encourages taxidermists to keep improving.
Conclusion
The National Taxidermists Association (NTA) certification is key in the taxidermy world. It gives taxidermists a respected badge that boosts their skills and career chances in the U.S. By getting NTA certified, taxidermists show they are true experts and dedicated to their art.
NTA certification brings many benefits. Certified judges can judge at top competitions, get access to learning resources, and get more respect in the taxidermy world. For those wanting to grow in their field, NTA certification is a big plus. As more people look for top-notch taxidermy, this certification’s worth grows too.
For taxidermists aiming to judge or improve their skills, NTA certification is a smart choice. It rewards their hard work and skill. By setting high standards, they not only advance their careers but also help the taxidermy field grow. The 2024 Missouri Taxidermist Competition and Convention is a great place for NTA-certified taxidermists to show their talents and meet others in the field.