Q: What is the difference between a G7 Master, Expert, and Professional
A: G7 Master Qualification is granted to a physical facility, equipment or systems. Example: ABC Printing Company’s proofing and printing presses have been G7 Master Printer qualified. The Qualification is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually. [Note: This is not a Certification, it is a Qualification. No tolerances are imposed at this time. The program may evolve into full certification in the future as industry data is gathered to support a certification process.]
A G7 Expert is a leading expert in the field of color management, process and quality control for proofing and printing equipment, technology, and workflows. A G7 Expert is able to analyze color and print related issues and take corrective action to bring systems and processes in control to a set method, standard or specification with repeatable, predictable results. A G7 Expert has attended and passed the Idealliance G7 Expert/ Professional Training and Exam. Certification is valid for two years. Recertification is required every two years. A G7 Expert may submit both new and renewal applications.
A G7 Professional is typically an in-house controller of color management, process control, and quality for proofing and printing equipment workflows and technology. A G7 Professional has attended and passed an Idealliance G7 Expert/Professional Training. Certification is valid for two years. Recertification is required every two years. The G7 Professional must pass a recertification exam in order to maintain their G7 Professional status. A G7 Professional may submit only renewal applications.
Q: I want my print/proofing facility to become G7 Master qualified. How do I do this?
A: To have your location become G7 Master, the following must happen: A G7 Expert must work with you to educate your staff about G7 and calibrate your proofing systems and/ or presses. A G7 Expert will calibrate your systems and will submit an application to Idealliance on your behalf. If you have an in-house G7 Professional trained by Idealliance, that person may calibrate your systems, but a G7 Expert must review, approve and submit the calibration data to finalize the qualification. A G7 Professional may submit annual renewal applications directly to Idealliance without the review of a G7 Expert.
Q: What is the first step in having my location become G7 Master Qualified?
A: There are two options for qualification.
Option 1: Send an employee to a G7 Expert/Professional Training. Your employee may become a Certified G7 Expert or Professional, dependent upon the certification level they choose at registration and attain through examination. A Certified G7 Expert is authorized to submit a G7 Master application to Idealliance for G7 Master Qualification. A Certified G7 Professional can do all the qualification work themselves, but then must have a G7 Expert review and approve the calibration data to finalize the qualification process. Your G7 Professional will be able to submit the annual renewal application without the review of a G7 Expert.
Option 2: Hire a G7 Expert consultant to qualify your proofing/printing system. A G7 Expert Consultant can be found in The Official Directory of Idealliance Certified Experts, Professionals and Qualified Masters. G7 Expert consultants are fully trained to qualify your proofing and printing equipment & systems. G7 Expert fees are negotiated with, and paid to the G7 Expert. Idealliance does not set consultant fees. Some consultants may pay the application and membership fees directly to Idealliance on your behalf. Make sure this is fully explained before you hire the consultant. Idealliance strongly suggests you verify that your consultant has a valid G7 Expert certification by checking The Official Directory and suggest that you interview several to ensure that your specific needs are met.