There are three examinations - Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced. When taken in this sequence they lead to the award of the Society's Diploma and the postnomial DipHS. The first two examinations require candidates to pass written papers, while the Advanced examination involves a dissertation. However, those who wish to write a dissertation on a particular facet of Heraldry and to have some official recognition of their efforts may take the Advanced examination without first sitting the Elementary and Intermediate examinations. A Pass will gain the Advanced Certificate.
The Elementary and Intermediate examinations each comprise two written question papers; each question paper is of three hours duration. Both examinations are held annually in July/August. Candidates may take the examinations at any time in that period; they are free to make their own arrangements and provide themselves with a responsible invigilator who is not a relative. A candidate who finds this difficult may ask the Examinations Board to arrange accommodation for the examination and/or provide an invigilator.

The first step towards taking (or learning more about) one of the examinations is to contact the Secretary at the Society at:
The Heraldry Society, PO Box 772, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 3ZX
email: heraldry.exams@theheraldrysociety.com