The AMPS definitions:
JUNIOR -- modelers under the age of 17 that do not wish to compete in one of the other categories.
BASIC - modelers new to the hobby or those who display basic modeling skills. Modelers at this level generally build straight from the box - or with a few minor tweaks - and are people that have never competed before or are new to the hobby. The BASIC level is the introductory level to the AMPS system and serves to allow members that are developing their modeling skills to be evaluated and encouraged through the feedback provided by the AMPS judging system. Modelers may participate once at the BASIC level for their first AMPS show, where they will learn about the AMPS system and receive useful comments about how to build better models; afterward they will move on to the INTERMEDIATE level.
INTERMEDIATE - models built by the majority of modelers; those of average to above average skill levels and who have some work to improve the model, or have won before in other shows. Models built by modelers at this level show some modifications, changes, commercial upgrades or conversion work. INTERMEDIATE level modelers move to the ADVANCED level upon winning a Gold Medal in the INTERMEDIATE level of competition. An INTERMEDIATE modeler does some or all of these:
Adds photoetched and/or resin aftermarket details
Uses aftermarket conversion kits.
Scratchbuilds details and makes modifications to accurize kits.
Routinely uses reference material for ideas and accurizing.
Capable of cross-kitting for variations and to improve model.
Demonstrates increasing skill with adhesives and paints.
Builds full resin kits.
Developing presentation skills. Models are displayed on complimentary bases and figures are used to give life and sense of scale.
ADVANCED - models by very skilled modelers whose entries are heavily reworked, accurized, or display a great deal of non-commercial parts and or modifications. The evaluations of this class will be quite strenuous with accuracy and fidelity being the primary differentiators from INTERMEDIATE. An ADVANCED modeler does all of the things done by INTERMEDIATE level modelers plus these:
Major scratchbuilding from references.
Casts own replacement parts.
Well-developed construction and painting skills.
Well-developed presentation skills
Artistic use of materials and space.
MASTERS - models by those modelers who have consistently demonstrated themselves to be the very best. Modelers are selected for this level by achievement and are held on a list maintained by the AMPS leadership. Accession to MASTERS level is by receiving the "Judges' Best of Show" award at the AMPS National Convention.
Typical figure show level: (Miniature Figure Collectors of America)
The Standard Level
The Standard Level is for all artists with varying degrees of modeling skills who prefer not to exhibit in the advanced level. It typically includes but is not limited to painted stock figures, major and minor modifications, original sculpture, dioramas, ordnance and alike. All exhibits are judged on an equal basis for pewter medals, awards of excellence and certificates of merit.
Certificates of Merit - Standard Level
Awards for Excellence - Standard Level
Pewter Medals - Standard Level
This area is undergoing extensive revision to encourage more participation in the exhibit by journeymen painters and sculptors.
The Advanced Level
The Advanced Level is intended for artists of proven skill and ability. It is divided into three divisions: Painters Division, Open Division, and Ordnance Division (Ordnance is now sub-divided into Painters, for stock kits and Open for heavily converted and scratchbuilt vehicles.). Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals and Awards of Excellence are awarded in each.
Ordnance Division (Painters)
Ordnance Division (Open)
Painters Division
Open Division
The Advanced Level is intended for artists of proven skill and ability. It is divided into three divisions: Painters Division, Open Division, and Ordnance Division (Ordnance is now sub-divided into Painters, for stock kits and Open for heavily converted and scratchbuilt vehicles.). Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals and Awards of Excellence are awarded in each.
Ordnance Division (Painters)
Ordnance Division (Open)
Painters Division
Open Division
The Washington ShowThe Main Exhibition is divided into three levels of ability: Junior, General, and Advanced. Different display areas are set aside and labeled for each of this groups. Exhibitors are free to enter their work at whichever level they choose, but all exhibits must be entered at the same level. Exhibitors are free to move up or down a level from one year to the next, regardless of the awards they may have won the at previous shows.
AWARDS AT THE JUNIOR LEVEL
The Junior level is intended for novice painters under the age of 18. All qualified exhibits receive Certificates of Merit. The three judges make their decisions by consensus, and may give as many or as few awards as they feel the exhibits merit.
AWARDS AT THE GENERAL LEVEL
The General level is for painters of more developed skills, who don't feel quite ready to exhibit their work at the Advanced level. The General level awards consist of Pewter Medals and Certificates of Merit. As at the Junior level, the three judges make their decisions by consensus, and may give as many or as few awards as they choose.
AWARDS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL
The Advanced level is geared to modelers of proven ability who have won awards at similar exhibitions in the past. Exhibits at this level are entered in one of three divisions: Open, Painters, and Ordnance.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals and Certificates of Merit are awarded in each division. Modelers exhibiting at the Advanced Level are free to enter their work in all four divisions.
In the Painters Division, judging is based entirely upon painting skill. Although scratchbuilt and converted figures are not excluded, they are judged as if they were stock commercial castings. The Open Division, on the other hand, is intended primarily for scratchbuilt and converted figures, vignettes, and dioramas; exhibits are judged on equal measures of imagination and skill.
The Ordnance Category is for models without figures, such as aircraft, tanks, cars, and ships. Figures may be included, but they will not be considered in the judging.