Adam’s Forge now has a series of classes toward earning a CBA Level 1 certificate.

As with any craft, blacksmithing progresses from basic skills needed for all tasks to the more

complex which are used in advanced creations. The California Blacksmith Association (CBA)

education program has three levels of certificates: the beginner (Level 1), apprentice (Level 2), and journeyman (Level 3) blacksmith. After completing level 1 you will have the skills needed to create basic blacksmith projects and the associated tooling.

The “Level 1 Check Off” form lists the items which need to completed. The items can be made during one of our classes, during an open forge day at the school, or on your own. The completed item is shown to one of our CBA certified instructors who will sign your form. The “final” is making a

Farm Gate Hook pictured in the handout below.

The textbook for this class is Mastering the Fundamentals Of Blacksmithing by Mark Aspery. It is available $60 from us at the school, the author at http://markaspery.net/Book%201.html, and at Amazon.com. This book covers all the projects for both Level 1 and Level 2. You can see Mark demonstrate many of these projects on YouTube, just search his name. The textbook is not required, but it really helps.

Although you do not need to be a member of CBA to take these classes, to receive a Level 1 Certificate from the CBA you do need to be a member of the CBA. It is strongly encouraged for any student with an interest in blacksmithing to join the CBA as this will give you access to additional classes and meetings throughout the year. You will also receive the CBA magazine containing pictures, projects, and listings of events.

This now coincides with the national curriculum for ABANA (Artist Blacksmith Assoc. of North America). A deal is being worked out now with NOMMA which should lead to employment opportunities as a journeyman in professional shops for anyone certified for all 3 levels in CBA (9 for ABANA).

You can sign up on the Classes page (just scroll down) The $40 fee is per class, not for the entire series.