To become a Registered Master Farrier (RMF), a farrier must first qualify to join the Guild as a Registered Journeyman Farrier (RJF).

   To apply for RJF, a farrier must have at least four years' professional experience and be a full-time farrier. The exams include an advanced written test on applied farrier science and equine limb anatomy, evaluating and properly shoeing a test horse with handmade shoes appropriate to the animal's use and condition, and demonstrating a full range of horseshoe fabrication and modification skills.

   An RJF with a minimum of eight years' professional experience may apply for RMF status by submitting an outline for a thesis or project to the Guild. If the outline is accepted, the RJF completes the work and sends it in to be evaluated by a panel of Guild farriers who judge the work without knowing the identity of the applicant. The work must show not only advanced technical knowledge of farriery, but also the deep understanding of applied farriery gained from practical experience, and the ability to clearly express that knowledge and understanding to others.