Hello, Judges!
The month of January has come to an end, marking the annual deadline for completing Judge Level maintenance.
This is the first time the International Judge Program (IJP) has implemented this process, and we understand that there may be some errors—whether human or technical. But don’t worry! The Testing Managers, Regional Representatives, and Program Leads are here to help resolve any issues.
Why Is Maintenance Important?
Being an IJP-Certified Judge is a mark of quality. Your judge level represents your expertise, and you should be proud of it! But how does the Judge Program ensure that all judges continue to meet the required standards for their level? Through the maintenance process.
As part of this process, all IJP judges must complete a checklist confirming they meet their level’s requirements. You can find it here: IJP Maintenance Checklist.
Each level has specific activity and exam requirements. Higher levels may have additional obligations, such as self-reviews. By fulfilling these requirements, the IJP can confidently uphold the quality standards of its certified judges.
What If I Forgot to Submit My Checklist?
Don’t panic! Since this is the first year of maintenance, we understand that some judges may have overlooked the deadline.
If you did not submit your checklist by January 31, 2025, you will be demoted by one judge level. However, if you submit your checklist before February 28, 2025, your previous level will be automatically restored upon approval. Please allow a few days for manual processing.
This is a one-time exception. Do not expect this leniency in future years!
What If I Submitted My Checklist but Was Demoted Anyway?
If you submitted your checklist on time but were still demoted, it is likely a processing error on our end. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
To resolve this, please contact the appropriate Testing Manager based on your level:
What If I Had Extraordinary Circumstances?
If you were unable to complete your maintenance due to extraordinary circumstances—such as a temporary health issue or legal internet restrictions in your area—please contact the appropriate Testing Manager. We will review your case and explore possible accommodations.
Thank you for your dedication to the Judge Program! If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
International Judge Program Leadership Team
