Gem-A Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the full terms and conditions governing the Gem-A Courses.

What courses are available at the JTV Gemological Training Center?

Students can take the Gemology Foundation Course and the Gemology Diploma Course.

What are the prerequisites for entry into a Gem-A course?

No prior qualifications are necessary for enrollment in the Foundation Certificate in Gemology course. To enroll into the Gemology Diploma course, you must have first completed the Foundation Certificate in Gemology course.

Do I have to be a Gem-A member to enroll in a course?

No, students are automatically registered as members when they are accepted as a student in the Gemology Foundation or Diploma courses.

How far in advance must I register for the Gem-A Courses?

Students must be registered 28 days before the course start date. Students registering after this time will not be guaranteed a spot in the class. To guarantee a place in a course, we suggest that you enroll before June/July for a course starting in the Fall and before October/November for a course starting in January. Courses are filled on a ‘first come first served' basis. If a course becomes fully booked, you can be placed on a waiting list and we will contact you if and when a place becomes available.

Why must I provide my name and other contact information to the JTV Gemological Training Center?

This information is required to process the Training Center registration and provide the course. 

How much do the courses cost?

The Gemology Foundation Course costs $4,480.00 and the Gemology Diploma Couse costs $7,700.00. These prices are subject to change. 

Can I cancel the Gem-A course I previously purchased and receive a refund?

Refunds will only be given in accordance with the schedule below:

• 100% refund if the request is made more than 60 days prior to the ATC Course commencement date; the study materials have not been opened; and they are returned to Gem-A/the ATC in resaleable condition.
• 50% refund if the request is made between 30 to 60 days prior to the ATC Course commencement date, the study materials have not been opened and they are returned to Gem-A/the ATC in resaleable condition.
• 0% refund if the request is made within 30 days of the ATC course commencement date.

When will I receive my course materials and do I need to bring any materials?

Course materials will be available on the first day of class as long as the student registered 28 days before the course start date. Students should have access to a computer to complete the online learning portion for each course.

How much time does each course require?

Classroom Foundation:  6.5 hrs per day;  16 total day classes.  1 day per week.  104 classroom hrs.     
Classroom Diploma:  7 hrs per day; 16 total classes. 1 day per week. 112 classroom hrs.  

(There is a 1-hour break each day for lunch in both courses.  This break is not factored into the hours above.) There is an 80 percent attendance rate requirement for in-house classes. 

When are exams for the courses?  

Students must be available to take the exam on the scheduled date by Gem-A. Exams are scheduled for January and June of each year. Students starting a course in February would take their exam in June of the same year. Students starting a course in September would take their exam in January of the same year. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are available to take the exam on the scheduled date before registering for any course.

Are there any other policies I must abide by when I take a course? 

Yes, there will be additional information provided to students at the beginning of the class. Also, Gem-A has standards and policies applicable to students. Please visit Gem-A for more information.

How does a Gem-A course differ from those of other gemological organizations?

Gem-A courses and qualifications are officially accredited in the UK. Gem-A is an awarding body.