I've received formal training in the National Hardwood Lumber Association
lumber grading standards. Grading hardwood lumber to NHLA standards
does not require a certified grader, although applying the NHLA
rules properly during grading greatly helps to optimize the value
of lumber.
There
are nine NHLA lumber grades, from First & Seconds (FAS) to Sound
Wormy. Lumber graded and tallied to NHLA standards makes it much
easier for a hardwood lumber owner to sell his lumber product, either
green or kiln-dried, because lumber buyers prefer to have the grade
of a lumber pack verified.