Becoming a Registered Graphic DesignerReview of R.G.D. Handbook for the Registered Graphic Designers

Qualification Examination

All information and forms can be found at www.rgdexamboard.com

•Effective ethical, responsible graphic design professional

•Professionally competent in business, design principles, research and theory and ethics.

• Able to apply this knowledge to design problems, management and/or education

•Graphic design practitioner, manager or educator

OVERVIEW

What is a Registered Graphic Designer?

•Effective ethical, responsible graphic design professional

• Step 1: Application Process

• Step 2: Written Test

• Step 3: Portfolio Interview

• Step 4: R.G.D. Membership

OVERVIEW

Steps to becoming an R.G.D.

Regular Applicant(3- or 4-year post-secondary graphic design diploma or degree and 3 or 4 years of professional practice).

7 Years of education and

practice

HandbookPage 4

OVERVIEW

Who is eligible

7 Years of education and/or practice before

2000

10 Years of education and/or

practice

Seniority7 years of relevant education and/or professional practice prior to 2000 and continuous professional engagement in the field from 2000 to the present. Seniority applicants are exempt from the written test portion of the exam, except for the Rules of Professional Conduct section.

Atypical(10 years of relevant education and/or professional practice.

HandbookPage 5

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Application Requirements

(1) Completed application form(2) Sealed official transcript(s), if applicable(3) Payment of Applicable Fees ($150 + HST or $75 + HST)(4) Submission of Written Rationales (con’t on next page)

HandbookPage 5

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Application Requirements –Written Rationales

(1) Rationale for each of the six pieces(2) Visual reference to the portfolio piece(3) The following information: project objectives, target

audience, concept, design issues, design process, outcome/results,

(4) Date when produced(5) Consolidated into one PDF, named and posted

HandbookPage 5

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Application Requirements –Written Rationales

HandbookPages 7-11

THE TEST

Step 2: The Written Test

•All Multiple Choice Questions

•Approx. 1.5 hours

•Dates scheduled on an on-going, as needed basis

•Suggested texts available from RGD Ontario if you have scheduled a date to write in next 3 months

•R.G.D. Membership

HandbookPages 7-11

THE TEST

Step 2: Open Book Section1 (a) Design HistorySuggested Texts:A History of Graphic Design, by Meggs, Philip(ONLY the 20th century will be tested)Canadian Icons, Applied Arts Article by Saldanha, Errol

1 (b) Design ResearchSuggested Text:A Designer’s Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients, by Visocky O’Grady, Jen & Ken

HandbookPages 7-11

THE TEST

Step 2: Closed Book Section2 (a) BusinessSuggested Text:The Business of Graphic Design: A Professional’s Handbook Available at RGD Ontario Office

2 (b) Design PrinciplesSuggested Texts:Graphic Design: The New Basics by Ellen LuptonDesign Elements: A Graphic Style Manual by Timothy Samara(ONLY Chapter 3)

HandbookPages 7-11

THE TEST

Step 2: Closed Book Section(3) Basic Technology

• TechnologyChoose one of five: • Print OR • Electronic Media OR • Packaging Graphics OR • Environmental Graphics OR • Studio Management

HandbookPages 7-11

THE TEST

Step 2: Closed Book Section(4) Rules of Professional Conduct

• Based on RGD Ontario By-Law # 3 • 15 Multiple Choice questions • 25 Minutes to complete (If Seniority) • 75% passing mark to be eligible to complete portfolio

interview

Seniority applicants must pass the Rules of Professional Conduct Section and are exempt from the rest of the Written Test

HandbookPages 12-

16

THE PORTFOLIO

Step 3: Portfolio InterviewReview R.G.D. Exam Handbook in detail

25 Minutes

3 R.G.D. Examiners

6 Portfolio Pieces

HandbookPage 17

MEMBERSHIP

Step 4: Become a MemberWithin 2 weeks of completion of all 3 steps, you will be notified if you have Passed or Failed. You then have 3 months to submit your R.G.D. Application Form to RGD Ontario

“RGD is an active, committed, intelligent organization that supports Ontario designers.

I am proud to be a member and to have earned my

RGD designation.”– Ben Hagon R.G.D. Principal, Hagon Design

“R.G.D. next to my name is like a badge of excellence and passion that I, as a professional, get to wear.”

– Carl Poirier R.G.D. Creative Director, Cayenne Creative

“The R.G.D. designation is an acknowledgment of my commitment to high

standards and motivates me and my company to strive to new heights.”

– Diego Casco R.G.D. President and Creative Director Casco Design and Communications

“I really appreciate being part of a group that is continually strengthening and growing our

profession by empowering members to achieve their goals while creating an awareness of the

value of design.”

– Jeff Hardy R.G.D. Director, 211 INTERACTIVE

“I believe good design delivers a solid return to our clients; it's important that we educate

clients on the value of well-executed, strategic design communications.”

– Karl Thomson R.G.D. Creative Director and Managing Partner Compass360