More Certification Discussion: DVD v. Gold

While filling out the application for an MSP, I came across a question that made me curious. The question asked if you were MSPA certified and if so, is your certification silver, gold, or DVD. I assumed that the DVD did offer certification, but, at least for some MSPs, is that not the case.

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It does. I think they just made a new category to distinguish those who attended workshops vs. those who did the DVD.

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dee shops Wrote:
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> It does. I think they just made a new category to
> distinguish those who attended workshops vs. those
> who did the DVD.

Yes. This.

That's what I was wondering though. If they are separating those who attended from those who didn't, is the DVD really the same as being gold certified?

I've wondered about that myself.

If it puts around $100 in MSPA's pocket then they'll say it's the same.

Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain

If I understand correctly - when they started the DVD, they wanted to track to see if the behavior of a DVD Gold was the same as a Workshop Gold. So some of the software companies were asked to create a distinction for this purpose. The point is moot now though as they don't offer in-person certification anymore.

One of the other differences that is not publicized is that an old (non-DVD) gold certified shopper did not have to write a narrative as part of the test to become certified. Gold DVD shoppers do have to write a narrative.

I don't think there is any company that explicitly states a policy on differing treatment for old golds and DVD golds.

Edited because I used the word member instead of shopper which is incorrect and could be confusing. Sorry.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/26/2010 03:14AM by MickeyB.

They do offer in house certification. They recently had a workshop in Burbank, CA for $110.00. I might have gone, but was out of town. I think you get much more out of it in person, so, the DVD should be much less.

Live consciously....

Yes - you are correct Irene in that they did offer that one - but it isn't really in person certification I don't think. There was no instructor. I believe it was just a group of people watching the DVD together with some company reps there as well so that there could be some discussion.

But different than the old way of actually having an instructor and no DVD.

I agree that there are significant differences between in person and the DVD and I also think there should be a price difference.

MickeyB Wrote:
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> Yes - you are correct Irene in that they did offer
> that one - but it isn't really in person
> certification I don't think. There was no
> instructor. I believe it was just a group of
> people watching the DVD together with some company
> reps there as well so that there could be some
> discussion.
>

Group movie watching? How lame. The MSPA must really need the money they make off this.

FYI, the Burbank class was cancelled due to lack of interest.

See my rant elsewhere on this subject...

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More Certification Discussion: DVD v. Gold

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