I've graduated, What now?

Provisional RGD 
If you have graduated from a three- or four-year graphic design program, and you are actively engaged in the practice of graphic design (either working, freelancing or looking for work), but you do not yet have seven years of combined education and exper-ience, you are eligible for Provisional RGD membership.

Provisional RGD membership shall be granted to applicants with a two-year diploma in graphic design provided that they meet the following criteria:

• graduation from a two-year relevant educational graphic design program must be prior to December 31, 2004;

• passing a Portfolio Interview using the same format employed by the Examination Board for Registered Graphic Designers.

(Annual Membership Fee: $75 + GST) 

What are the benefits of becoming a Provisional Member?

Recognition of Membership to Employers
Members may request that RGD Ontario send a letter to their employer explaining the benefits of professional membership in the Association and how your membership benefits your employer. Contact the Association, to find out more.

Mentorship Program
RGD Ontario’s Mentorship Program pairs protégés (Provisional RGD members) with mentors (Registered Graphic Designers) to help the protégés develop the necessary skills to enter into or continue on a professional career in graphic design. For more, go to www.rgdontario.com/programs/mentorship.php.

RGD Creative Book
In Sept 2005 RGD Ontario is publishing a printed directory of its professional members called the RGD Creative Book which includes members' contact information, a list of specializations and portfolios and advertising in some cases. All R.G.D. and Provisional RGD members receive a copy.

Applied Arts Magazine – Free subscription
R.G.D., Provisional and Associate members receive a free subscription to Applied Arts Magazine. Applied Arts is a bi-monthly magazine offering insight into the techniques and challenges behind outstanding Canadian design work.

Studio Insurance
P.W. Harrison + Son Insurance Brokers Inc. presents members with a comprehensive insurance policy that protects professional graphic designers from a wide array of loss exposures common to the industry. These include: rental equipment; property away from premises; business interruption; standard $2,000,000 commercial liability; property in transit; broad form studio contents and electronic data processing and building coverage.

Health-related Insurance
KGF Insurance Services, with Sun Life of Canada, offers six levels of insurance for members. These include life, health, dental, disability, accidental death and dismemberment and critical illness.

Pearson Technology Group Canada – Product Discount
Members may purchase titles from Pearson Technology Group Canada at 20% off. Recent titles include Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers, Stylin' with CSS, Write a Business Plan in No Time and FileMaker Pro 7 Advance for Windows and Macintosh. For more, go to www.pearsontechnology.ca. Contact RGD Ontario for the RGD account number and order details.

What is a Registered Graphic Designer or R.G.D. 

A Registered Graphic Designer and R.G.D. is a graphic design practitioner, manager or educator who has met the Association's qualification criteria and has been granted the right to use these professional designations. No one else may use the designations Registered Graphic Designer
or R.G.D. A Registered Member receives a membership number, membership card, certificate and embossing seal. The R.G.D. and Registered Graphic Designer designations are signals of quality and competence to the profession, the public and the government.

For more info on becoming an R.G.D., go to www.rgdexamboard.com.

When can I become an R.G.D?
The Examination Board for Registered Graphic Designers administers the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Exam, the aim of which is to ensure that successful candidates fulfill the agreed definition of a Registered Graphic Designer (R.G.D.).

The R.G.D. and Registered Graphic Designer designations are signals of quality and competence to the profession, the public and the government.

The process to become an R.G.D. involves three possible steps:
• application to determine eligibility
• written test (exemptions apply for senior designers)
• portfolio interview

Eligibility

Regular applicants require:
• 7 years of education and professional practice (3- or 4-year post-secondary graphic design diploma or degree and 3 or 4 years of professional practice).
Seniority applicants require:
• 7 years of education and 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.

Atypical applicants require:
• 9 years of education and professional practice (3 or 4-year post-secondary degree or diploma and 5 or 6 years of professional practice, or 2-year post-secondary graphic design diploma prior to Dec. 31, 2003, and 5 years of professional practice.)
• 2 references establishing the good character of the applicant, from either R.G.D.s, clients or employers.