Education

CBA has developed Curriculum and Certification protocols for three levels of blacksmith certification – Level I: Novice, Level II: Apprentice, and Level III: Journeyman which is recognized by ABANA as the National Curriculum.  In addition, CBA has an Instructor Certification program ensuring students are taught appropriate safety and techniques.  These programs are described on the CBA Education and Certification Program page.

There are several opportunities to study with certified instructors and earn your certification. These opportunities range from individual instructors working from a local shop or museum and regularly held CBA events.  

Annual events include Spring Conference, Oktoberfest, Roaring Camp Hammer-In, and special workshops. Major events are listed on the events page.

Individual instructors can be found under Forge Workshops and are located throughout the state.  These are low-cost workshops with the payment usually covering the cost of materials.  Workshops are typically held in a member's business or home shop but sometimes at museums or other public facilities.

For beginner smiths in areas without a local instructor, we have resources available to assist you in learning how to complete the curriculum.  There are recommended textbooks, videos, and handouts available on this page.  You are encouraged to bring your completed items to an event or send photos to an instructor or the Education Chair.  

The instructors are all qualified smiths volunteering to keep the craft of smithing alive.  Some instructors have years of experience as working smiths.  All certified instructors have met the qualification standards set by the CBA education committee.  They are also required to undertake additional annual training.

Education Leadership

CBA's team of dedicated instructors have made the CBA Education program second to none. Here are some of the leaders of our education program: