Q & A - Testing and Workshops

Q.
I was led to your site through an article in the Philadelphia
Inquirer, very interesting. I am interested in becoming DSWA
certified, 1st or 2nd level, and was wondering if you have any
suggestions for the Southeast PA area for testing or training.

A.
At this time the only DSWA test venue scheduled for 2009 in the USA is
in my home area, Dummerston, Vermont. Myself and other DSWA examiners
from both the US and Great Britain often travel to conduct
certification scheme examinations. Sometimes a group of wall building
enthusiasts will organize their own test day. Or a local sponsoring
agency may put together a venue and advertise for candidates.
Examiners can offer advice with planning details but it is ultimately
up to the organizer and participants to put together a successful test
venue.
Similar arrangements can be made with qualified instructors of dry
stone construction to conduct trainings. But perhaps the simplest way
for an individual to get training in the craft would be to attend a
workshop. The DSC in Kentucy, DSWAC in Canada and GRAI in Vermont are
three organizations offering walling workshops in 2009.