Tools included in the Woodwork Manufacturing Skill Standards have three skill levels specific to each tool: basic, intermediate, and advanced woodworking skills. As a woodworker completes one level, he or she will move on to the next two levels. It will be these levels that are reflected as stamps on their Passport.

Level 1 - Basic Woodworking Skills (Output Oriented)

Woodworkers at this level will:

• Exhibit awareness and understanding of woodworking safety rules and practices.
• Complete woodworking tasks and operations on machines that are set-up for them.
• Use any necessary hand tools and portable power tools safely and effectively
• Make parts to specification

Level 2 - Intermediate Woodworking Skills (Set-up Oriented)

Woodworkers at the intermediate level will:

• Apply all the skills and knowledge of Level 1 woodworkers
• Complete their own set-ups of machines and tools. (install tooling, set fences and stops, set tool positions, feeds & speeds, etc.)
• Be able to use jigs and fixtures in addition to standard fences and guides.
• Read and understand prints and specifications
• Select tooling and materials to meet the specifications
• Be able to identify and use various wood and wood-based materials
• Be able to select adhesives, abrasives and fasteners to meet the specifications
• When necessary, use hand tools at an advanced skill level

Level 3 - Advanced Woodworking Skills (Solutions Oriented)

Woodworkers at this level will:

• Select materials and joinery to meet job requirements
• Make advanced machine and tool set-ups, including the use of CNC
• Create programs for CNC operated machines
• Design and build jigs and fixtures to meet manufacturing requirements
• Calculate machine and tool feeds and speeds, based on tooling and material specifications
• Calibrate machines and troubleshoot operational problems
• When necessary, use hand tools at a high skill level

The Woodwork Passport is a portable record of accomplishments unique to each woodworking professional. The Passport Program is not tied to specific occupations or jobs. Rather, WCA provides a menu of certifications from which employers can select the skill and skill level relevant to their jobs or training needs. Woodworkers receive their individual Passport when they Enroll in the Credentials area. As they pass additional skill standards evaluations throughout their career, more stamps are added to their Passport.

This permanent record stays with the woodworker. It is a record of their skills and abilities.

Tool stamps are awarded to Woodworkers who demonstrate their tool competency to a WCA Skill Evaluator. A Woodworker's skills and knowledge are assessed by a WCA approved evaluator who observes the candidate as he/she uses a tool and then inspect the final product, ensuring that the candidate's technique and product complies with WCA standards. Evaluators record and submit their evaluations to WCA electronically and issue the appropriate "stamp" in the candidate's Woodwork Passport. WCA maintains a record of each Woodworker's stamps and provides verification to educators or employers as requested by the Woodworker.