Heraldry Proficiency Program

There are three levels to the Heraldry Proficiency Course offered by the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada or RHSC. The courses are designed to be completed through self-directed learning, with mentoring provided on-line. The Level 1 and 2 examinations are based on the material outlined in the Syllabus for each of those levels.

Please note: The Proficiency Program is conducted by the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, and not by the Toronto Branch.

Heraldry Courses

Level 1
Introductory Heraldry

Heraldry Course

This Introductory Level Course is for individuals who wish to learn the basic fundamentals of the art and science of heraldry.

Level 1 Study Book List
Boutell’s Heraldry - J. P. Brooke-Little
The Complete Book of Heraldry - Stephen Slater
A New Dictionary of Heraldry - Stephen Friar
Beddoe's Canadian Heraldry
A Canadian Heraldic Primer - Kevin Greaves
A Guide to Blazonry- Kevin Greaves

Level 1 Optional Books
Book of Traceable Heraldic Art
Pictorial Dictionary of Heraldry
The Complete Guide to Heraldry (Wikisource)

Level 2
Intermediate Heraldry

Heraldry Symposium

The Intermediate Level Course is for individuals who wish to further their study of heraldry. Level 2 builds upon the successful completion of the Introductory Heraldry Examination. A more comprehensive study of blazonry, a survey of a range of special topics, and a broad overview of international heraldic practices are the highlights of this course. Individuals who complete this course will have mastered a core knowledge of heraldry and will have demonstrated fluency in blazoning heraldic achievements.

Level 3
Advanced Heraldry

Learn Heraldry

The Advanced Level is for individuals who wish to achieve the designation of Licentiate of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada (LRHSC). Individuals who wish to advance to this level must first have passed the Intermediate Heraldry examination (Level 2). They will be required to undertake further research and study culminating in a thesis that makes an original scholarly contribution to heraldry.

How to Register

You must register for the examination and pay the approved fees before you are enrolled in the Heraldry Proficiency Courses. The three courses are to be taken sequentially. There are no examination waivers for prior study or equivalencies provided for individuals who have completed other heraldic courses. All new applicants should register first for the Level 1 Proficiency Course and Examination.