What We Grade

Collectible Grading Authority currently offers grading services under 4 different divisions based on the type of item you’d like to have graded. A general outline of the divisions and the grading scales offered by each is as follows:

VGA (Video Game Authority) – for packaged and prototype video games and related items

  • Standard Grading Scale – for sealed/new in package video games, systems, and accessories from all years
  • Qualified Grading Scale (items are accompanied by documentation) – for opened package with new contents video games, consoles and accessories from all years
If you need help determining which VGA grading scale or tier categories to submit your items under, please visit our category examples page or let us help by contacting us with your questions.

When submitting items to VGA for grading, please be aware of the following policies: 

VGA WILL NOT grade any item which exhibits the following:
  • Restoration defined as any foreign and permanent addition to an item (examples include ink used to cover flaws, added or re-sealed cellophane etc.) VGA reserves the right to determine what constitutes restoration.
  • Holes or cracks large enough to allow an item or part to be removed from a box
  • Reproduction Items
  • Incomplete Items
  • Re-sealed Packaging
  • Hand-made pieces excluding prototypes, pre-production items, and licensed release items.
  • Double-Taped items in which the bottom layer of tape has been cut
  • Extensive damage which is deemed likely to worsen if sealed in a case
  • VGA reserves the right to refuse any item for any reason.
VGA WILL grade unsealed boxes if the following criteria is met:
  • For grading under the standard grading scale, an item must not have originally come sealed from the factory. This must be the exclusive or most common way the item was released and the contents must be verified as new. We will only grade boxed items which are no longer tape sealed (i.e. tape cut or lifted) under this grading scale if a boxed item also has an intact interior blister seal, and all of the accompanying contents and paperwork are stilled sealed in their respective bags when applicable.
  • For grading under the qualified grading scale, an item can be opened, but must contain unused contents. To qualify, all parts must be present in their original factory state, including all cardboard, styrofoam, or plastic inserts, as well as documentation and paperwork. Tears and other internal wear must be deemed unintentional to qualify (i.e. happened at the factory or from contact with a sharp part within the box). However, these flaws may be noted on the qualified COA which accompanies each item graded under this scale.


AFA (Action Figure Authority) – for packaged, loose, and prototype action figures and related toys

  • Modern Grading Scale - recommended for sealed in package toys produced from 1995 – present
  • Standard Grading Scale - for sealed/new in package toys, new in mailer box toys, and proof material from all years
  • Loose Grading Scale – for loose, complete action figures from all years Qualified Grading Scale (items are accompanied by documentation) – for open packaged toys with new contents, hand-made prototype toys, incomplete rare and pre-production loose toys, and autographed toys  

For more information, please visit the AFA - What We Grade web page

CDA (Collectible Doll Authority) – for packaged collectible dolls and related toys

  • Modern Grading Scale - recommended for sealed in package toys produced from 1995 – present
  • Standard Grading Scale – for sealed/new in package collectible dolls from all years

For more information, please visit the CDA - What We Grade web page

DCA (Die-Cast Authority) – for packaged die-cast vehicles and related toys

  • Modern Grading Scale - recommended for sealed in package toys produced from 1995 – present
  • Standard Grading Scale – for sealed/new in package die-cast collectibles from all years

For more information, please visit the DCA - What We Grade web page.