I attended the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School in Purcell, OK. After successfully completing the Professional Horse Shoeing Course (consisting of 72 hours of lecture, 360 hours horseshoeing and more lab hours than I can count) I was able to complete the course. Only then was I allowed to take the written and practical hot & cold shoeing exams under a certified licensed Master Farrier's supervision.

Although you do not have to pass the exams to receive a course Certificate of Completion (which means if you can just make it through the class and stay alive you get a Certificate of Completion) you MUST pass all exams to receive your Certified Journeyman I status and license.

This is why using a Certified Farrier is so important. Anyone can open a horseshoeing school, even your grandmother. Anyone can attend a horseshoeing school. There are no guidelines or requirements. But choosing a school that will teach you what you need to know to get your certification and passing your certification tests. That's another story.

Every farrier that has actually completed a professional horse shoeing school course of study should have a document certifying completion of the course and should be able to produce such a document. Every farrier that is ALSO certified and licensed will be able to produce a card from their association showing their level of certification and licensing. Anyone can say they have attended school or are certified. Unfortunately it doesn't always mean they have.