Certification is a topic that pushes a lot of buttons in the tarot community. There are many conflicting viewpoints – all potentially valid - on whether or not it is a necessity and both sides seem rather passionate in their opinions. My own personal belief is that it is difficult to truly certify someone’s ability to read tarot and no piece of paper can guarantee that a reader is any good.
However, I am not writing this article to debate the pros and cons as Mike Hernandez did that job brilliantly on his blog post, “Tarot And Certification”. My intention is to get you thinking about WHY you would want to get certified the first place as well as give you some really good points to consider when choosing a body to grant you that certification.
Contemplating your own perceived need for certification is the most important step you can take. I recommend that you do not rush this process or take it lightly. Self examination allows you to move into a decision with clarity and integrity. Here are the issues you should meditate on:
1. Is your need for certification based on a sense of insecurity about your abilities? Passing certification can give you a sense of “I can do this” and many readers find that this allows them to move forward with more confidence. That being said, if you struggle with self doubt, this is a good indicator that you need more introspection about whether or not tarot reading is the right path for you. I can tell you that this work is not easy by any stretch of the imagination and you need to be in a good, grounded place before you take the leap into making this into a career. Other confidence boosting options would be continuing your tarot education with classes or mentoring from a teacher that you respect. Continuous practice will develop your abilities and your faith in yourself more than any piece of paper or outside stamp of approval.
2. On the flip side, do you have the need to feel important or powerful? Are you attaching too much value to fancy titles such as “grand master”? Do you like showing everyone that you are more knowledgeable than them? Do you enjoy flaunting your “powers” and feel that a title allows you to be superior to your peers in the tarot community? If any of these examples sound like you, it’s time to check yourself before you wreck yourself. An egomaniacal tarot reader hell bent on power and prestige can do a lot of damage to clients. And consider this – does anyone ever really “master” tarot? Seriously, get over yourself and the need to “stand out”.
3. Is certification required in your state to operate as a tarot reader? There are different laws on the books for any kind of perceived “fortune telling” – in fact, some states outlaw it! If it is mandatory to have some sort of license or certification, then this would absolutely be an important step to take. Be sure to check your state’s laws and see what they require in order to get your papers together. The last thing you need is the long arm of the law shutting down your tarot operation!
4. Do you feel certification will make you more accepted by your peers? I’ll let you in on a little secret – most of us professional tarot readers are NOT certified. You don’t need to get certification to “fit in”. As long as you have something to contribute to the community, you will be welcomed with open arms. Most tarot readers are a friendly lot and could care less about whether or not you are certified, a master, an author or whatever. Just be yourself!
If you have reflected carefully on those questions and decided that certification is for you, then you need to do your research on the different certifying operations available so that you can make a choice that is most beneficial to your circumstances. Once you have chosen a organization to certify you, here are the things you need to pay attention to so that your certification is authentic and not some bogus piece of paper by some slip shod outfit designed to take your dollars and feed your ego:
1. Legitimate business structure. What kind of business are they? Are they non-profit, LLC, sole proprietorship, or a corporation? Are they legally recognized, meaning did they file all the proper papers? Are they registered with the Better Business Bureau and if so, what is their record? If they cared enough to do their business properly, then that is a good sign that they are SERIOUS and not someone who just threw up a shingle and declared themselves “certifiers” randomly.
2. Financial transparency. Before I turn over my hard earned bucks to a certifying body, I like to know where my money is going. Are their financial statements available to the general public? What are their intentions for the money they receive? A certifying organization that is not a non- profit corporation may not “have to” reveal its financial reports, but transparency would be a positive sign and an indicator that they are truly doing this as a service with regard for the community. The danger of for profit certifying bodies is that it is easier for them to operate as “dream vultures”, preying on insecure tarot aspirants who feel the need for validation.
3. Who is running the show? Are these people contributing to the tarot community in a positive way? Or are they divisive? Do they “lord power” over others? Be very careful that you pick an organization that you are proud to be a member of. If you cannot feel 100% good about the people who are granting you a title, then you need to step back and reconsider. Accepting a title from people whose ethics and validity are in question smacks of greed and self importance.
4. What is the lineage of the people who certify? The people who run the certification board should be able to clearly and easily inform the general public of where they got their own certifications. Who gave them their title? How long ago did they receive their certification? What processes did they have to go through in order to achieve certification? There should be no mystery or evasion to these simple questions. If they granted certification to themselves, this is a conflict of interest and a huge red flag. Steer clear of any organization that cannot give a detailed and honest answer about their own origins.
5. What is the process you will have to go through in order to get certified? They should also be able to clearly articulate what you’ll be expected to do. What guidelines do they have established? Do they recognize all forms of tarot reading (ex: therapeutic, intuitive, Golden Dawn, etc.) and what is the criteria to insure that all methods are recognized? Is their testing objective? Is the cost reasonable or affordable for your circumstances? Do the benefits offered feel like a sound value for the sticker price? (Please do not go into debt for a plaque to hang on your wall!)
If you have taken the time to do the required quality introspection and research and still come to the conclusion that certification is the path you want or need to take, go for it!
All that said, let me share my personal take on this with you. No certificate that you frame and hang on a wall can replace or compare to the tears in my client’s eyes when I hit the nail on the head in their reading, the word of mouth referrals that have sustained my business for 20 years or the numerous requests to study with me personally. My validation comes from LIVING and DOING tarot, and the clients that benefit from the guidance the tarot can offer.
Blessings!
Theresa
What are your thoughts on certification? Are you certified? If so, how has it helped you? If not, why? Post your comments below.
image courtesy of taoxproductions
I couldn’t agree with you more Theresa. Living and doing is the best way. Having said that I do like to flick through my certificates (not just Tarot) from time to time as I find it brings back interesting memories (of the courses) and can cheer one up if needed but I wouldn’t dream of hanging any of them on the wall. They are all safely filed away for my eyes only.
Very interesting blog post. X
Hi Lori!
Thanks for dropping by and for the comment. I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed my post.
Blessings!
Theresa
Thank you once again, Theresa for getting to the heart of this and equitably showing the many sides of a tricky issue.
When I first opened as a full-time practitioner, I assumed I needed to run around and establish all the “right” credentials to say that I was legitimate (as opposed to Madame Woo-Woo up on Highway 99).
But having been reading Tarot already for over 28 years at that time, I had to wonder who was going to be testing me. And how? And by what standard??? Or was it just automatic, as long as I ponied up my money?
As it happened, it was right at that time that a certain scandal in certification land exploded and that halted my queries right then and there.
Since then, I’ve never looked back. Bottom line for me: certification does not automatically bestow skill or competence (I’ve seen plenty of evidence of this), nor does it automatically ensure integrity.
Legitimacy comes from walking the talk, from what kind of difference you REALLY make in peoples’ lives, and knowing your own areas of strength and what needs improvement. And being faithfully committed to a lifetime of honing your craft.
Blessings and keep up this great dialogue!
– Beth Owls Daughter
.-= Beth Owls Daughter´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Gemini! =-.
HI Beth Owl!
Thank you for your insightful comments. I also wondered if I “needed” to be involved in tarot organizations or if I needed certification and after my own experiences and research I have found the lone wolf path works best for me. While I can understand and do support people’s needs for either – I also agree that how you LIVE tarot is more important than a piece of paper or what club you are aligned with.
I intend to keep this dialogue going as my mission is to aid fellow tarot readers and get them to think for themselves and take the craft seriously.
Blessings!
Theresa
Great article and looks like you covered all the bases
A certification or certificate on the wall does not necessarily make someone a good Tarot reader. In my opinion, common sense, life experience and intuitiveness are the most important ingredients, top that with a love for what you do. A recipe for success! If you have some psychic ability to throw into the mix, all the better!
I must be thinking of having some desert, that made me hungry
.-= Koneta´s last blog ..Year Cards – Do you know yours? =-.
Amen, Koneta! I agree with you about those characteristics – a perfect recipe for success indeed!
Now don’t go and make me hungry too…..I know there is some peanut butter pie not far from here.
Blessings!
Theresa
For me, Tarot is a lifelong on-going study and a way to celebrate my spirituality and the gifts I was born with. How can those be certified? Certificates that hang on a wall are guarantees only of successful completion of a study or program. Study of Tarot is ongoing for me. The catch word is qualified not certified. There are those who have certification in their particular fields who are lousy at practicing their craft that they are certified for. Then, there’s Grandpa who has experience no college diploma can top. It’s subjective. Common sense, experience, on-going study and open mind, genuine interest-and the almighty word of mouth and referral are better badges of honour than a certificate. Always enjoy your take on Tarot subjects, Theresa. Thank you, Donna
Hi Donna! Thanks for your comment. I agree completely that tarot is a lifelong on-going study (as well as a way to celebrate spirituality). How can you ever truly master it?
Blessings!
Theresa
A well-written blog piece, Theresa
Speaking personally, I wanted to undertake TABI’s training when I signed up because I felt like I needed a physical reference point for when my own confidence was feeling a bit shaky at the beginning. That’s just the sort of person I am.
Speaking as Chair, TABI’s training is based on the content of a popular Tarot course book (course delivered with the author’s permission) and I’m happy that it covers all the bases to offer a good, basic foray into learning about Tarot. And it’s delivered free by volunteers.
However, it’s not the only way to learn
I believe that Certification only really counts within the framework of the organisation that issued it. That’s not a criticism of anyone’s scheme!
If another organization wanted me to demonstrate ability before they would let me become, for example, a member of their Training team, I wouldn’t be offended.
I accept that we all teach differently and would echo the other posters to this blog that all potential students should explore all their options before they sign up for anything
Alison Cross
TABI
Hi Alison!
Thanks for stopping by and for your insightful comment. I do understand why someone would want that reassurance – it is helpful to have a marker that says you understand your craft. There are many fine readers who lack the confidence to get their work out there and some sort of certification can be a confidence boost!
Blessings!
Theresa
Nice article, but I think your criteria are a little black and white. Not everyone is motivated by insecurity or ego. I don’t think it does anyone harm to have their work scrutinised by their peers and indeed it can be a mutually beneficial experience. There are good, bad and mediocre practitioners in any profession, but the good generally enjoy the recognition of their peers through observation. The mediocre rarely recognise their own mediocrity when it is reinforced by self-confidence or ego and very few people are impolite enough to point it out
As for the bad, well, scrutiny is hardly in their interests. Why should the Tarot world be any different?
Of course, one can obtain recognition from one’s peers through writing books, articles, blogs and generally being open, (at least in terms of one’s knowledge rather than application of same), but the public are not usually aware of whether you are one of the “great and good” in the Tarot world. We work in an industry where there are so many scammers and charlatans that there really should be some reassurance available for the punters, many of whom are insecure and vulnerable. Testimonials can be invented and cannot be checked, whereas endorsement or certification from a reputable organisation can be verified.
I realise that a lot of “certification” isn’t worth the paper it’s written on and who’s to know if an organisation is reputable, but wouldn’t it be nice if the public could seperate the sheep from the goats?
Hello Ania!
Thank you for your comment. I agree that it would be nice if the general public had a way to be reassured that the tarot reader was “authentic” but again, no piece of paper will ever give us that guarantee. As far as my criteria, perhaps it does appear to be “black and white” but in most cases, when people sit down and do the introspection a lot of things do boil down to fear and ego. My goal is to get people to do the introspection. If they find reasons beyond the ones I pointed out, that’s great – that was the purpose!
Blessings!
Theresa
An “Association Of Professional Psychics” required that everyone ‘be certified’ to work on their lines. It was a really short while before we realized that we should have vetted them.
This is a great article.
It’s the same in this industry as any other – degrees and certifications are nice but people who do not have talent or ability but simply a knack for passing tests can get them — and talented, gifted people don’t usually need them because their reputations precede them
Hi Candice! Thanks for your comment. And yes, reputation is always more credible than a fancy title. D’accord.
Blessings!
Theresa
For me, grin, I have always wanted to certification. That’s been an ongoing thing for me since the early 90′s when I realized it was even possible!
It’s part of my social make-up really. I wanted a HS diploma. I wanted a college diploma (missed it by thatmuch!) I like tests. What can I say?
So I am pursuing certification through a group that’s rather new on the scene. It’s for me, myself and I. And that pretty much covers it.
I don’t know if it will impress others or make them more willing to choose me as a consultant.
I know it won’t make me more confident as a reader. I will always wonder if the crazy off-the-wall statement that seemed to have nothing to do with the card in my hand was right.
That’s just me. Grin. I do know that it will be one more thing for me to check off on a list of personally-set goals.
Hopefully my reputation as a reader will be the key defining point for choosing me though.
.-= Arwen´s last blog ..May 2010 Tarotscopes =-.
LOL Arwen! You crack me up! I have a friend who also likes to take tests and get those diplomas, etc. It’s like a game for her!
By the way, can I just say that you are a FABULOUSLY talented tarot reader. I can attest from my personal experience with you that you have a gift. Although you desire the little piece of paper and I totally understand – you really don’t need the “proof” on paper – those who have used your services are the only testament you need. And I think you ROCK!
Much love,
Theresa
Thank you so much, Theresa! Just realized I misspelled your name in a recent post. sigh. Off to fix that!
.-= Arwen´s last blog ..Twitter Updates for 2010-05-23 =-.
It’s easy to misspell my name Arwen! I even do it sometimes. ;P
Shanti,
Theresa
Theresa, in my 20 years of working as a high school teacher, I have found that some people are extrinsically motivated and some intrinsically. That means that some can get up every morning, go in the studio and paint without any external pressures, but others will only work if they have a contract or a deadline or a promise to keep. We all *intend* to study more about our subject, Tarot, but some of us do better when we put ourselves under that little extra external pressure–a formal course of study.
This means that we need to know a little about ourselves. (And that, as you and other Tarot teachers have written many times before, is one of the best reasons to undertake Tarot in the first place.) As for me, I am firmly in that second group. If I have made a promise to another, I’m 1000 times more likely to deliver than if I make it to myself. I wish I weren’t that way. I even try not to be. But I recognize that now about myself, and I find that signing up for a program is the way that I will ensure that I progress. I bet there are a couple of other people out there that are like me.
Thank you for a valuable blog post (and you have some great comments, too.)
Pingback: “Should I seek Tarot certification?” | Tarot by Paris
Who do we contact in our state to see if a license is required?
Thanks!
Hi Theresa
I have no idea to be honest with you.
Blessings!
Theresa
Certification is NOT a requirement by any state that I am aware of. However, many municipalities require business licenses. Call your county/parish tax assessor’s office.
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Thanks Arwen for providing clarity!
Blessings!
Theresa
Hello Theresa,
I wanted to share my experience with a certification
process that I started to go through this week. Although this certification organization is well known as the primary board in the USA there are a couple of things people should know.
1) I grew concerned when I submitted by payment and did not receive a professional welcome to the process. Only an e-mail stating that they had received my payment and that I should follow the first step which was to submit keywords for each Tarot card in the upright position. When I completed that exercise I sent it in ane was promptly told that I had to resubmit because they only accepted one keyword per card. Who amongst us has only one keyword for each card? It might just be me but I feel that at least three keywords would more accurately reflect what one knows about the cards.
2) The most concerning thing however was that after I submitted my list of keywords I was contacted by the same person that had e-mailed me about my payment. She stated that there were many “tests” that she needed to contend with so there would be a few weeks delay. I became suspecious because this agency states on their page that they have volunteer(s) who deal with each applicant. I contacted the person and her response was that she is the only volunteer that is handling the certifications. It seems to be that if this is a serious certification organization there should be more people involved.
I will say that when I stated my concerns I was told that my money would be refunded.
After this experience I would agree that people should carefully research any organization that “certifies” Tarot professionals. I will not be seeking certification in the future.
Susan
Hello Susan
Thank you for that feedback about your experience with certification. And this is a perfect example of why anyone should approach this issue with great caution. I am a firm believer that you should examine any organization or certifying body in depth before you sign that dotted line. Never jump in without doing your homework.
Blessings!
Theresa
Greetings,
previously I apologize if my language a bit messy, because I’m Indonesian, and I only use Google to translate.
I give comments because I was tempted when I saw comments that susan give, because I also experienced something that happened by susan, and it just happened on this week, and I know who is the one – the only volunteer: D.
I also wish to share about my experience taking certification from one of the certification organization in the USA.
and because of language problems so any answer I use Google to translate.
1. when I apply myself, I also just received by mail only, which said the charge of my test results.
2. The first just like susan, I was told to provide 78 keywords, and each only 1 keyword. I try to give answers as requested, and passes in the second stage.
3. the second stage I was told to do the reading with 3 questions put by using the 3, 5, 7 spreads and with instructions that are not clear, whether to each question using all spreads, or whole. Finally I tried to use all spread to answer three questions, I explain one by one in detail, and because in my country, the tarot can be accepted when using basic psychology, so I explain in psychology. And the answer given was quite surprising, to say I did not pass the test because of using psychology which is said in the USA it is illegal. And that funny anymore, it is said that the answer I give is not focused on the keywords that I have provided first (who is doing readings with only single keyword focused ????), and also because I do not include the question that made him confused because he said he did not just do a test to me alone.
4. But I was given another chance to repeat, I try to give answers and focused on one keyword only, and try to describe by using card image interpretation. But it was disappointing, that in fact the answer was the same, and said that I did not meet their standards because look at my previous use basic psychology to say illegal, so useless to me to test again, because it still refers to the first answer.
but one thing that make me keep smile, I have not been making payments at all… and it seems I do not intend to repeat again to take any certification.
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Hello Indra
Wow. Thank you for sharing that story. I’m sorry you had this experience. I would sure like to know which certification board this is. It’s further proof to me that one needs to be very careful before buying into this whole certification. I have yet to see any real benefit.
Blessings!
Theresa
Hi Theresa,
Just an update. I am still waiting to be reimbursed my 100.00. I have been told that they completed the transfer but it has not shown up in my account.
Susan
Hi Susan
Wow. I have to admit that I am feeling a bit shocked by these latest stories. It goes to show that we need to QUESTION the hell out of these “certification boards” to make sure they are legit before we even consider jumping in.
And there are other people who want to start new certification boards – be even more careful of them. They have power and authority in their minds and dollar signs in their eyes.
Blessings,
Theresa
HI:
I JUST WANT EVERYBODY KNOW MY EXPERIENCE:
I HAVE BEEN READING TAROT FOR 40 YEARS, HAD HUNDREDS OF CLIENTS ALONG ALL MY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND A FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT THE AMERICAN BOARD FOR TAROT CERTIFICATION ” WELL I CALLED AND EMAIL TO GET THE INFORMATION WHAT I GOT AN INSULTING LETTER FROM “LADY MICHA” “EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR” THAT APPARENTLY RUNS THE SHOW TELLING ME THAT SHE WAS A VOLUNTEER ONLY AND TOLD ME MY EMAILS AND QUESTIONS WERE ANNOYING AND THE FACT I HAD EXPERIENCE DID NOT MEAN I WAS READY TO PASS HER EXAM AND SHE GRANT ME THE CERTIFICATION !
IT WAS AN EYE OPENING FOR ME TO MUCH NEGATIVITY ONLY FOR MY INTEREST AND QUESTIONS. THIS PEOPLE ARE NUTS SO IF YOU REALLY THINK IN A CERTIFICATION I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLEASE TO ANYONE I DON’T EVEN BELIEVE THEY WANT YOU TO PASS THE EXAM OR GIVE YOU ANY CERTIFICATION AS LONG AS YOU ONLY PAY THE FEE FOR THE EXAMS. I AM A MIDDLE AGE WOMAN AND AS A TAROT READER I ALMOST CAN SMELL THE SCAM, SO THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE “AMERICAN BOARD FOR TAROT CERTIFICATION” KEEP LEARNING ALL YOU CAN BECAUSE THE REAL EXAM OR CERTIFICATION YOU ARE GOING TO GET IS FROM YOUR CLIENTS IF YOU ARE GOOD THEY KEEP COMING, HOPE BE USEFUL MY BAD EXPERIENCE.
Hello Nancy,
I am sorry to hear that you have had such a negative experience.
Others have told me that their experience was a good one with that board. I don’t even know what to say about this except: caveat emptor. Once again, anyone who decides that they “need” to be certified also needs to do their homework.
Blessings,
Theresa
Hi Theresa,
Nancy was brave to name the American Board for Tarot Certification. It is is the same organization that I mentioned in my e-mails above. One of the most unprofessional experiences I have encountered. If they only have one volunteer running the organization why don’t they just disband and save everyone a lot of trouble.
In my last email I mentioned that I had not yet been reimbursed but I have received my money back. Took a while though.
Susan
Hi Susan
I am glad you got your money back. It sounds like that ABTC is having some issues lately. Perhaps this is just a recent development? At any rate, it does show that the process of certification hasn’t been perfected yet. Let’s hope that lessons are learned and things improve.
Blessings!
Theresa
For the Tarot Readers seeking certification here is a web-site named Ripoff that you can check before you pay for any “Certification” for example just type the organization name like TCBA and you will see if they have cases pending. I think the reputation speaks volumes so better check before pay or select any organization.
Somebody told me about this site and I got all the info about the “certifications business”
Hi Claudia
In my opinion, all tarot readers need to pause before they go through the certification process. Look carefully, do your homework and be sure that you are getting something that you feel will actually enhance your business. In the long run, certification is not necessary. I’ve never bothered to get certified and I have no intention of ever doing it. All that yarn after my name means nothing to me.
Blessings!
Theresa
I have been reading Tarot since 30 years ago, I read always for my nice and her friends (18 and up ). I went four months ago to Mexico, I was not available so she decided to make an appointment with a lady member of the American Tarot Certification the same mentioned by Nancy ! Lady M….a as my nice found the reference there to her website “where she brags about the certification” and the difference between a certified tarot reader (her) and the ones that are not . My nice had a reading with her says any of the description match with the fiance, she is engaged and she did not see the weeding coming? told her about her job, she does not have one since last year!, paid $80.00 per 1 hrs. My nice words to her friends: My aunt “is not certified” but never miss a situation or person in my readings or my best friends readings!. I wanted to offer this experience in this page for the ones that are looking for the certification because could be the case that you may know more than the joker that you have in front doing the exam!, you do not buy talent with a piece of paper that you hang in the wall because at the end of the day a client cares less if you are certified or not they want facts and quality in a reading!. This is the best example that you cannot buy quality! Nice got marry and pregnant!!
I’ve been reading since 1972 and have never had a teacher other than the oracle itself, supplemented by my own study and experience. Occasionally this includes discussion with other readers about a specific detail or (many years ago) to check something I’d seen in a reading, or a pattern within subsequent readings, against their practical knowledge. If potential clients want ‘proof’ of my ability, they get a short reading for free. So far, nobody has complained
I’ve never been comfortable with the process of certification, much as I was never comfortable in school. So I’ve avoided it. The central issue, for me, is not whether I’m doing things “right”–I’m highly conscientious, and constantly working to improve my skills, so I don’t believe it’s necessary for my approach or conclusions to be formally verified. Instead, I try to stay focused on whether I’m being sensitive to my clients’ needs and what they bring to the interaction, and (always!) gently setting aside my own projections so that I can most fully perceive the information we’re seeking together. These processes are about trust, in the oracle and in myself. They are not, at least for me, about being initiated or anointed or graded by people who, as these comments clearly show, may not be trustworthy.
Hi Theresa,
I found your post very helpful, especially the part about why we need certification. It is true that the confidence as being a reader should come from our dedication and skills, other than anything else. Just as you put it, from living and doing.
I am a reader from China, and for my part I have confidence in myself. But While there isn’t any certification available here, I’ve seen quite a number of people interesting in it. I’d like to share your post in my blog and hope it would enlighten more people, but naturally many Chinese cannot read English, so may I translate it into Chinese and post it in my blog? Sure I won’t forget to put your name and a link to your blog in the post.
Thanks against for this wonderful post.
Sharuo
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