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Gem-A Approved Practical Providers

Learn more about Gem-A’s global network of Approved Practical Providers (GAPP), spanning throughout the UK, North America, Europe, the Middle-East, Asia and more.

Take your lab class anywhere

Gem-A Approved Practical Provider (GAPP) centres allow our Online Distance Learning (ODL) students to study the practical lab class component in a number of locations throughout the world, whether that’s in the UK or internationally.

Some Accredited Teaching Centres (ATCs) also act as GAPP centres and offer this practical tuition separately from their other courses. Please contact the relevant ATC in your area to see what courses they have available. You may also contact a GAPP centre to enquire about additional practical study options such as revision classes that they may offer.

For a full list of Gem-A Approved Practical Providers, lab class availability and their contact details, use the list below.

Jill Towers

Exam Centre

Auckland, New Zealand

Gem Research Japan Inc.

Exam Centre

Osaka, Japan

Ayako Naito

Exam Centre

Tokyo, Japan

George Brown College

Exam Centre

Toronto, Canada

Ross Chapman

Exam Centre

Brisbane, Australia

Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT)

Exam Centre

Manama, Bahrain

Rachel Warner

Exam Centre

Berkshire, UK

Katharine Aleks Training and Education (K.A.T.E.)

Exam Centre

Coventry, UK

BrankoGems

Exam Centre

Vancouver, Canada

JTV Gemological Training Center

Exam Centre

Tennesse, USA

FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology)

Exam Centre

New York, USA

Corbeille Gemology

Exam Centre

Texas, USA

George Brown College

Exam Centre

Toronto, Canada

David Craft, Gabriel Arredondo

Exam Centre

Geneva, Switzerland

Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF)

Exam Centre

Basel, Switzerland

Craig Thomas

Exam Centre

Guateng, South Africa

The Gem Lab

Exam Centre

Cape Town, South Africa

Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT)

Exam Centre

Manama, Bahrain

Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand

Exam Centre

Bangkok, Thailand

Ross Chapman

Exam Centre

Bangkok, Thailand

Taiwan Gemmological Institute (TGI)

Exam Centre

Taipei, Taiwan

Chuang-En Gemmology Consultant Institute

Exam Centre

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Chao-Ming Wu

Exam Centre

Taipei, Taiwan

Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory (AGIL)

Exam Centre

Hong Kong

Gem Research Japan Inc.

Exam Centre

Osaka, Japan

Ayako Naito

Exam Centre

Tokyo, Japan

Jill Towers

Exam Centre

Auckland, New Zealand

Ross Chapman

Exam Centre

Brisbane, Australia

Is your institution or teaching centre interested in becoming a Gem-A Approved Practical Provider?

If you operate a school, college, university or teaching centre, contact education@gem-a.com to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can contact education@gem-a.com for guidance on available examination centres. Please note that not all examination centres are guaranteed to be available for every exam session.

Examinations may be possible in the following locations, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, France, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America.

Please note that Diamond Practical examinations are limited to a smaller selection of locations. 

Students will be using refractive index (RI) liquid in their practical gem testing sessions or lab classes when using a refractometer. RI liquid is commonly used in gemmology when using a refractometer. The Gem-A course extensively covers the appropriate use of refractometers, and therefore, to successfully complete the Gemmology Diploma, you will be required to use the RI fluid. In a classroom environment, the Gem-A tutors will provide you with appropriate information regarding the RI liquid, and you will be taught the recommended handling procedures. Only a tiny drop of RI liquid is used in testing, and the cap on the bottle is always replaced. It is your responsibility to ensure that you appropriately follow the instructions and information provided by your tutor on the use of the RI liquid. Gloves will be provided if you require them when using the RI liquid at the London teaching center.

RI liquid contains diiodomethane, and you may need to exercise precautions if you are pregnant, if you have certain medical conditions, and if you have sensitivity to, or are allergic to, this chemical. Again, your tutors will provide the required information on handling procedures. Please inform your tutors so that they are aware of your needs. If you are unsure, contact your doctor for advice. If you are pregnant, please consider that you may also be sensitive to the smell, which may make you nauseous.

If you are unsure about using RI liquid or if your doctor has advised against using it, please contact education@gem-a.com for further advice or for a copy of the Material Data Sheet.