What's the deal with Certification?

We get a decent amount of questions about certification -- what it is, why to get it, what to do with it, etc. It really is an excellent question -- and an important part of the mystery shopping industry. Certification isn't required, but it does help set apart the best from the rest, so to speak.

Certification is...
The MSPA has a two-level certification program that helps mystery shoppers improve their skills and marketability. It's a voluntary step you take to educate yourself on the industry in which you work. Certification was created to address shopper standarization and education. Basically, it shows schedulers that you know what you're doing -- and have taken the extra step to prove it!

Certification is an investment in your business.
More and more providers are seeing much better reports from certified shoppers. In turn, they're giving preference to shoppers who are certified. Some providers release shops to certified shoppers first -- and some shops go exclusively to certified shoppers. For you, the shoppers, this equals more shops and, in some cases, better/higher-paying shops. Essentially, certification makes you a better shopper -- and it also tells providers that you're serious about your business.

You're not paying to shop.
And MSPA strongly believes that you never should.

As we mentioned previously, certification is a voluntary step you take to make yourself better. Compare it to taking a gardening class or a painting class -- you can grow plants or paint a beautiful picture without taking a class. But if you take the class, you're better at it. You know technique, history and the "other side of the story."

The same is true with mystery shopping and certification. You're investing in your ability...and marketability.

Getting certified
Silver certification is an online program that you can complete at any time from the comfort of your home office -- or anywhere you have Internet access. The cost is $15. Once you've received Silver certification, you are eligible for Gold.

Gold is completed via a DVD that you can watch from your home. The MSPA also offers a couple in-person workshops each year at various U.S. cities. After the session, you'll complete an online test. Cost for the Gold certification itself is $99 (for in-person or the DVD), and the DVD has a $5 shipping and handling charge.

After you're certified
After you've completed the certification, you should inform the companies you shop for. Update your profile in their database, send them an e-mail, or tell the scheduler you work with. Some shoppers also add it to their e-mail signature line to serve as an ongoing reminder.

More questions?
Check out the details on the MSPA Web site:

• Certification FAQ
• Gold FAQ
• Gold DVD

How to Become a Mystery Shopper

Of all the questions we get, the one we're asked most often is how to become a mystery shopper.
There isn't a super easy answer to that question, as there are several ways to find legitimate opportunities and start working with mystery shopping providers.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Never pay to become a mystery shopper. Like any job, you shouldn't have to pay money for employment. Be cautious of opportunities that ask for an up-front fee. You're safe dealing with members of the MSPA, as it requires it members to follow a strict code of ethics, stating that companies cannot charge shoppers a fee or mislead shoppers on job opportunities.

Register with multiple companies. Mystery shoppers are independent contractors and can work for multiple mystery shopping providers at the same time. Look at the list of member companies on the MSPA Web site and start registering in their databases. You can also search for assignments in your area. Please remember that the MSPA itself does not hire mystery shoppers. The search form on the MSPA Web site is meant to help connect shoppers and providers.

Certification isn't required...but it can help. There are some certifications out there that are worthless and simply try to get your money. No certification is required to be a mystery shopper. The MSPA does offer a two-level certification program that can help you improve your skills and marketability. Some shops from MSPA companies are offered first to certified shoppers...and some only to certified shoppers. Visit the certification page on the MSPA Web site for more details.

Don't fall for a scam. There are scammers out there who try to take advantage of the allure of mystery shopping. One of the most common of these scams is a cashier's check scam where you're asked to wire money. Read more about how the scam works in the press release on the MSPA Web site. Be leery of any mystery shopping opportunities that promises you large sums of cash in a short time. Pay varies significantly based on the oppoortunity, but the average shop pays $8-20. The old adage is still relevant: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.