IHGS Certificate

_posts/2025/2025-01-29-completed-the-ihgs-heraldry-course.md

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+---
+id: completed-the-ihgs-heraldry-course
+layout: post
+title: "Completed the IHGS Heraldry Course"
+date: 2025-01-29
+author: k3jph
+permalink: /2025/01/29/completed-the-ihgs-heraldry-course
+featured_image: /assets/img/2025/completed-the-ihgs-heraldry-course.webp
+categories:
+  - Blog
+tags:
+  - heraldry
+---
+
+Studying heraldry is both an intellectual and practical pursuit,
+requiring a strong grasp of history, art, and precise language. Over the
+past months, I have worked through the **Heraldry Course** offered by
+the **Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS)**, and as of
+this month, I have officially completed the program.
+
+### The IHGS and Its Heraldry Program
+
+The **[Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
+(IHGS)](https://www.ihgs.ac.uk)**, based in Canterbury, has long been
+one of the leading institutions for formal education in heraldry. It
+offers a structured approach to understanding the principles of
+heraldry, covering everything from the basics of blazoning to the
+application of heraldry in genealogical research. The **Heraldry
+Course**, which can be explored in more detail on [the IHGS
+website](https://www.ihgs.ac.uk/courses-heraldry), consists of six
+lectures, each with an accompanying assignment, requiring both
+theoretical understanding and practical application.
+
+The course provides an in-depth exploration of:
+- **Heraldic design principles** – The structure and rules governing arms.
+- **Blazoning and terminology** – The precise language used to describe arms.
+- **Heraldic practice in genealogy** – How heraldry informs and supports historical research.
+
+### Progress Toward the Diploma in Heraldry (DipHS)
+
+This certification is more than just a standalone achievement. It is a
+key milestone in my broader goal of earning the **Diploma in Heraldry
+(DipHS) from The Heraldry Society**. That diploma, which requires
+passing three examination levels, represents a formal recognition of
+expertise in heraldry. Completing the IHGS program provides a solid
+foundation for pursuing that next step, and more information about the
+requirements can be found on [The Heraldry Society’s examination
+page](https://www.theheraldrysociety.com/examinations/).
+
+### The Broader Journey in Heraldic Studies
+
+Beyond the IHGS program, I am also engaged in **the Royal Heraldry
+Society of Canada’s (RHSC) certification program**. [Last year, I
+completed Level 2 of their **Heraldry Proficiency
+Program**](/2024/08/16/completed-level-2-of-the-rhscs-heraldry-proficiency-program),
+which builds upon fundamental heraldic knowledge and introduces more
+advanced blazoning techniques. These two programs—IHGS and
+RHSC—complement each other, reinforcing different aspects of heraldic
+study. Those interested in learning more about the RHSC’s program can
+find details on [the RHSC
+website](https://www.heraldry.ca/content/pp_intro.php).
+
+### What Comes Next?
+
+With the **IHGS course complete**, my focus now shifts toward further
+advancing my heraldic studies. That means preparing for the **DipHS
+exams**, engaging in more advanced research, and continuing to refine my
+knowledge of blazoning, historical context, and the evolution of
+heraldic traditions.
+
+Heraldry remains one of the most fascinating intersections of history,
+art, and identity, and each step in this journey brings new insights
+into how it continues to shape and reflect cultural heritage.  For those
+interested in structured study, the **IHGS Heraldry Course** is an
+excellent place to start, whether as a standalone achievement or as part
+of a longer journey toward formal heraldic qualifications.
+
+{% include figure.html width="12"
+   image="2025/completed-the-ihgs-heraldry-course/JHoward-IHGS-Heraldry-Cert.webp" border=true
+   alt="Certificate from the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies awarded to Dr. James Patrick Howard, II for completing the Heraldry Course in 2025"
+   cap="Completion certificate from the IHGS, certifying successful completion of the Heraldry Course in 2025" %}
+
+Or you can [download the PDF here](/assets/docs/JHoward-IHGS-Heraldry-Cert.pdf)