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.
Rachel Warner
Exam Centre
Berkshire, UK
Craig Thomas
Exam Centre
Guateng, South Africa
The Gem Lab
Exam Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
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.Â
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.
