FHH Launches First International Certification for Fine Watchmaking, the HH Certification
The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) has launched a new program enabling individuals to test their knowledge of watchmaking. The initiative, called the HH Certification is aimed at sales staff who want to
While many other sectors routinely assess and certify an individual’s knowledge, the FHH has determined the system was lacking for the watchmaking industry, and specifically in the area of fine watchmaking.
The FHH has stated the exceptional growth of the fine watchmaking, especially in the area of distribution as potential risk for large numbers of inexperienced retail staff who lack adequate watchmaking expertise.
Individual brands such as the smaller and independent brands have tackled the issue by creating their own training programs, but the FHH is hoping the new Certification shift the focus from brand-only to industry wide knowledge.
The HH Certification was composed by an advisory committee of 15 specialists to approve a database of 2,500 questions, as well as a team of experts in evaluation methodology to design the scientific functioning of the test.
Candidates can access the HH Certification’s main interface online platform to enroll and study for the test. They will then join other candidates to take the exam at a dedicated center.
The testing session is two hours during which candidates must answer 160 questions on four subjects: watchmaking techniques; market players; materials; culture and history. Based on their final score, three levels of certification – Advisor in Fine Watchmaking, Specialist in Fine Watchmaking and Expert in Fine Watchmaking – will be awarded to successful candidates.
Register online as of February 1st, 2015 at www.hhcertification.org . Enrollment fee: $385.00
