SHS members are able to enhance and develop their knowledge and skill with respect to heraldry by applying to undergo an examination to achieve the designation of Licentiante of the Societas Heraldica Slovenica or LSHS. The program is a self-directed program, comprised of three levels of skill and expertise. A member who is designated as a LSHS is one who is granted a license by the SHS who can practice the art and science of heraldry as a full-time or part-time profession. The LSHS designation will appear in the individual's post nominals. The examination and post nominals are applicable to SHS members only.

Self-directed learning comprises three levels, each level building on the previous one and adding more sophisticated material. Examinations are available from the SHS in either English or Slovene. Progress to Level 2 requires a passing grade in the examination for Level 1. Additional requirements for those candidates who wish to achieve the designation of LSHS is described below.

Level 1

This is an introduction to the art and science of heraldry, and is intended to form a foundation of knowledge in the history of heraldry, explore the component parts of an achievement and introduce the individual to the contemporary place of heraldry in Europe, in particular, Slovenia today. An important capability at the conclusion of Level 1 is the ability of the candidate to correctly blazon a relatively simple coat of arms. Topics covered by the examination include but are not limited to:

• The origins of heraldry as it developed in Slovenia.
• The various Heraldic Authorities and Registrars and their heraldic philosphies.
• The component parts of an achievement.
• The tinctures of heraldry.
• Hatching and tricking.
• The ordinaries, sub-ordinaries and the most commonly used charges as well as their attributes and attitudes.
• The furs used in heraldry.
• Party fields.
• The most common types of cross.
• The marks of cadency.
• The rules of blazon.

Level 2

This level is based on the same material as required for Level 1, but requiring a greater range of knowledge and greater detail. More intimate knowledge of the component parts of an achievement is required, including familiarity with heraldic beasts, monsters, birds, fish, reptiles, insects, flora, inanimate objects and helmets. Familiarity with other component parts such as crowns, coronets, mantling, supporters, mottoes, etc. This level of training will also include heraldic activity and history with respect to Slovenian heraldry. The candidate must first successfully achieve a passing grade on the Level 1 examination.

Level 3

Those candidates who wish to achieve the designation of Licentiate of the Societas Heraldica Slovenica -- LSHS, must not only successfully complete Level's 1 & 2 examinations, but must also successfully complete one of the following:

1. Must submit a presentation (in duplicate) of an original scholarly thesis on some aspect of Slovenian heraldry on a topic first approved by the board of examiners prior to the candidate undertaking the research.
    
2. Or obtain twelve (12) credits by presentation of evidence of being instrumental in the process of obtaining grants of armorial bearings to:
1. Group 1: - 12 credits
• A grant to one of the following:
1. an incorporated municipality
2. a university, a college of a university, or a community college
3. an official government body (national, provincial or territorial) or equivalent
4. a professional governing body (national or provincial)
5. a nationally recognized private corporation
6. a grant of a badge to a Slovenian Forces unit or formation
    
2. Group 2: - 6 credits
• A grant to one of the following:
1. a nationally organized association
2. a nationally organized charitable organization
3. a national ecclesiastical organization
4. a major ecclesiastical body (diocese, cathedral or equivalent)
    
3. Group 3: - 4 credits
• A grant to one of the following:
1. a provincially organized association or charitable body
2. a provincially organized private corporation
3. a church or synagogue
    
4. Group 4: - 3 credits
• A grant to one of the following:
1. other corporate body
2. individual (personal arms), with crest
    
5. Group 5: - 2 credits
• A grant to one of the following:
1. officially recognized cadet unit (as a badge)
2. individual (personal arms), without crest
3. other acceptable heraldic work
    
6. Equivalency: - Where a question of equivalency arises, it shall be determined by the Society, at its absolute discretion.

Fees and Instructions
 

Fees	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Member	€ 40.00	€ 40.00	€ 80.00

A cheque for the fees should be made payable to the Societas Heraldica Slovenica and enclosed together with the name, address and telephone number of some person who will agree to receive the examination and to supervise the writing of it.

In order to request more information regarding the examinations, or to apply for an examination, candidates should write to:
 

English

address1 address1 H 123-1234 B 123-1234

Slovene

address1 address1 H 123-1234 B 123-1234

Bibliography

Sources upon which the examinations have been most principally based have been set out in bold text. Some are still in print. Others may be obtained second hand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it may be possible for candidates to obtain help preparing for the examinations through individual instruction from members of the Society or through lectures organized by the individual branches.

Note: The heraldic bibliography is presently under development. A listing of general heraldry, most likely in English will be listed below. Other material such as an introduction to heraldry may be translated into Slovenian and made available to members of SHS. Other developments is the design and implementation of an online examination which will ensure that the student working towards a LSHS can be tested regardless of their physical location.

Slovene Bibliography

• Janez Vajkard Valvasor, "Opus Insignium Armorumque 1687 - 1688 Das Grosse Wappenbuch, re-published by the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, January 1993 (999 copies only), ISBN 86-7131-070-1.
   
• Alfred Ritter Anthony von Siegenfeld, "Das Landeswappen der Steiermark", Graz 1900
  The history and development of the heraldic panther and history of the coat of arms of the Steiermark

English Bibliography

• Basic Heraldry, Stephen Friar & John Ferguson, Bramley Books, 1993
   
• A Complete Guide to Heraldry, A.C. Fox-Davies
   
• Shield and Crest, J. Franklyn, Macgiggon & Kee, 1960
   
• Heraldic Design, Heather Child, Bell & Hyman, London, 1965
   
• Elvin's Dictionary of Heraldry, C.N. Elvin, Heraldry Today
   
• The Art of Heraldry, A.C. Fox-Davies
   
• Heraldry, Customs, Rules and Styles, C.A. von Volborth, Blanford Press, Dorset, 1981
   
• The Art of Heraldry, C.A. von Volborth, Tiger Books International, London, 1991