Break Cards, Not the Bank

CGC uses world-class expertise, advanced technology, innovation and operational excellence to provide card collectors and dealers with accurate, consistent, affordable and fast certification services for all cards.

The Grading Process

CGC uses a proven, multi-step process to authenticate and grade cards that ensures the accuracy, consistency and impartiality. Here, you can explore the key stages that each card passes through.

Receiving

When a submission is received, it is opened by trained CGC staff under security cameras and immediately checked against the submission paperwork. The submission is then entered into CGC's proprietary tracking system with a unique submission number.

Verification

Each card gets a more detailed review to confirm that its description matches the information provided by the submitter. A unique ID and barcode are assigned to track the card throughout the CGC grading process. At this stage, the card is separated from the submission paperwork so that the CGC graders don’t know the submitter’s identity. This helps to ensure complete impartiality.

Authentication

Cards are stored in CGC’s vault until they are ready to be reviewed for authenticity. If a card is determined to be genuine, it will be graded according to the market-friendly CGC Grading Scale for cards. Note: A card will be rejected for grading if it is of questionable authenticity.

Grading

Card grading is a team effort, with multiple CGC professionals examining every card aided by advanced technology, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and consistency. Each grader enters their grade into CGC’s proprietary system. A consensus is then reached on the final grade of the card. TCG and non-sports experts evaluate those types of cards, while sports card experts evaluate sports.

Encapsulation

After grading, the card and a label bearing its description, grade, certification number and a QR code are inserted into a CGC holder, which is crystal-clear and provides superior long-term protection. Numerous security features in both the holder and label guard against counterfeiting and tampering.

Imaging

CGC images all graded cards after encapsulation. To check the legitimacy of a CGC-certified card, these images are available to view 24/7 on the CGC Cards website using the Verify CGC Certification tool.

Quality Control

A CGC Quality Control Specialist carefully inspects the card, label and holder. All of the certification details are reviewed for accuracy, and the holder is checked for any defects or contaminants.

Packaging & Shipping

Finally, encapsulated cards are individually counted and checked against the original submission paperwork. Cards are then securely packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with protective packaging materials. The CGC-certified cards are now ready to be sent back to the submitter.

What's in a Number? Find Out with the CGC Cards Grading Scale

CGC uses a highly accurate 10-point grading scale to evaluate TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. At the top of the grading scale is the CGC Pristine 10 grade, which is reserved exclusively for the best of the best, and receives the luxe, gold CGC Pristine 10 special label.

View Grading Scale

See How You're Protected by the CGC Guarantee

Collectors have greater confidence in CGC-certified cards because the cards are backed by the CGC Guarantee, the strongest in the industry. The CGC Guarantee provides one of several remedies in the rare event that an CGC-certified card is determined to be not genuine or overgraded.

Learn More

Check Out All of Our Services, Fees and Turnaround Times

CGC is proud to make the hobby safer, more transparent and more vibrant. Ready to get started on your collecting journey? Check out all of our services — including grading, autograph services and more — along with corresponding fees and turnaround times.

View Services and Fees

Join and Submit!

Who you trust with your collection is an important decision. CGC has proven expertise, longevity and strict procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency and impartiality. Become a CGC member today to get your cards graded and protected.

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