Though members are not required to participate in the ranking system, the guild does recognize five ranks based on demonstrated expertise. They are: Apprentice, Journeyman, Craftsman, Artisan, and Needlemistress/master.
New members to the guild are Apprentices; this level is open to anyone with an interest in the needle arts.
Journeyman requires ranking in four of the needlework categories recognized by the guild, including competence in two.
Craftsman requires ranking in eight categories, four of which must be competent.
Artisan requires ranking in all twelve categories, with competency in eight.
Those who hold Craftsman or Artisan rank may add the word “Pearl” to their rank if at least half of the required number of Competencies (at least two for Craftsman or four for Artisan) are Period Competencies.
Needlemistress or Needlemaster requires expert rank in at least four categories, competency in at least four categories, and working knowledge in the remaining four categories.
