What is the purpose of MSPA offering certification?
Is it required?
Am I guaranteed more work or higher pay if I am certified?
Who will benefit most from the programs?
I have always been told, “Do not pay to shop.” Why is this different?
How long is my MSPA European Certificate valid?
Will the test change frequently?
Do all Mystery Shopping companies know about certification?
Can I get Certified if I do not have a credit card?
What if I fail the test?
Once I take the test, how do I notify the companies?
Summary
I have some questions?
What is the purpose of MSPA offering certification?
The goal is to OFFER education to shoppers. We have heard from shoppers for years that they are ignored and there are no programs for them since they are Independent Contractors. The goal for the entire MSPA this year is education. These certification programs allow us to help you make personal and professional improvements for yourself and your industry. (Back to top)
Is it required?
No. The MSPA represents 150 mystery shopping companies worldwide. We do not know of any company who will not hire you (assuming you are qualified) if you are not certified. However, each company has the right to do as they see fit. If you are a good shopper for a good company, I cannot see you losing shops because you are not certified. However, it may help you get your foot in the door with other companies and expand your business…and in that regard, you might answer “YES.”(Back to top)
Am I guaranteed more work or higher pay if I am certified?
No, however the certification may give you an edge with some companies. Imagine two shoppers in the same town, with the same experience and work performance. One is certified and one is not. All other things being equal, the certification sets one shopper above the other with some companies.
If the same scheduler has a reliable shopper who has done excellent work in the past, I would expect they would give that reliable shopper the job over a person who has never done any work for the company but is certified. Again, the difference is if all candidates have the “Same” qualifications, the certification may give you an edge with some companies. (Back to top)
Who will benefit most from the programs?
Anyone who wants to learn. Knowledge is priceless. The people this program will help most are shoppers who are relatively new to the industry. They have the most to learn. It is also helpful for shoppers wanting to open the doors with more companies. Again, assuming all applicants are the same and one is certified, the certified shopper has set himself or herself apart. They will of course have to prove themselves and work themselves up the ladder like everyone else, but they at least got in the door.
I have always been told, “Do not pay to shop.” Why is this different?
We agree with that. You are not however paying to get more shops; you are paying to learn more about an industry that is changing every day. You may learn some tricks to help you work smarter and do your work in less time. You may not have booked more shops, but you are taking less time to do your current shops. Time is money as well. Here’s another thing to consider: Cathy Stucker has a great book on mystery shopping, if you buy her book, are you paying to shop? No, you are paying to learn.(Back to top)
, when this test will have to be retaken. We will keep you informed of the details.
Also keep in mind that not all mystery-shopping companies are MSPA members. If you called a non-MSPA member about certification, they will have no idea what you are talking about.
Some MSPA members have their own certification programs and I would expect them to continue using their own program and not focusing on the MSPA program. There is nothing wrong with that. (Back to top)
If you are not sure what to do please re-read the instructions – they are very simple. If you still have a question please email to the following email address
It may take a day or two to get back to you.
