The SAFD Skills Proficiency Test ("SPT")
Students at the 1999 NSCW prepare for their Skills Proficiency Test in smallsword
Can I become Certified by the SAFD?Yes, the SAFD certifies Teachers and Fight Directors. As a student and actor, you can train for a Skills Proficiency Test (SPT) SAFD Skills testThe Skills Proficiency Test, formerly known as the Certification Test, and nicknamed the "Cert Test" or the "Fight Test", is offered as a service of the SAFD through its network of Certified Teachers, Fight Directors and Fight Masters. Only these qualified members may teach SPT classes (assisted, of course, by others) and only an SAFD Fight Master may adjudicate the test.The classes focus on specific disciplines with compulsory moves required to be performed in the test. It is these required moves that are tested for safety, theatrical commitment and believability within a dramatic context. The core training is reflected in the 2 core weapon disciplines: Unarmed and Rapier and Dagger. Other weapon disciplines are:
Each weapon discipline has a minimum contact hour requirement of 30 hours. Each weapon discipline may be taught, performed and tested separately. To attain the SAFD rank of Actor/Combatant, the actor must pass tests in 3 weapon disciplines (Rapier & Dagger and Unarmed are required, with any third discipline). Membership in the SAFD is not required for this rank, but is recommended. All weapon disciplines must be renewed every 3 years to keep their status current. There is no time limitation for students who have passed their SPT to renew their status - In other words, if it has been over 3 years since you passed a SPT, you may still simply renew your status instead of going through the entire SPT process from the beginning. Of course, if you have not picked a weapon up in over 5 years, a renewal workshop might not be enough to get you up to speed.... To attain the SAFD rank of Advanced Actor/Combatant, the actor must pass tests in 6 out of 8 weapon disciplines. Also, since this rank implies more of a statement of skill by the SAFD, the SAFD requires that the student who wishes this rank be an SAFD member in good standing for 2 consecutive years and that more than three years have passed since their first SPT. For information about SPT programs in your area, contact your Regional Representative Skills Proficiency Test? Is that the same as an SAFD Certification Course?Yes, they are one in the same. For years the word "certification" was used to describe the course, along with the paper one receives when the skills test is passed (after all - that is, for lack of a better word, a certificate). But the SAFD since the 1980's has tried to redefine this piece of paper and what it represents: The SAFD does not "certify" Actor/Combatants. A certification might imply that the organization sanctions and legally stands behind the practitioner. The SAFD does not. The "certificate" that states you passed a SPT simply proves that you were tested while performing a staged fight and you performed the minimum required moves safely and with an element of theatrical commitment. It is meant to give an indication to Directors, Fight Directors or Producers of your level of training as a standard - not that you are certified to do anything. There are powerful connotations to the words "Certified Actor/Combatant" and we need everyone's help while we continually redefine this perception. This is why we in the SAFD try our best to call this process and class the SAFD Skills Proficiency test, the SPT, or the Skills Test. The SAFD does certify Teachers and Fight Directors. These requirements, of course, are much different and more difficult than those in the performance track (Actor/Combatant, Advanced Actor/Combatant) and must demonstrate a lifelong commitment to polishing these skills. If you are interested in working toward a certification as a Teacher or Fight Director, the SPT is your first step in that direction. |
