Certification for Mystery Shoppers, Shadow Shoppers and Secret Shoppers

Do you need certification to be a mystery shopper? No. Do you need certification to get the best mystery shopper opportunities? No.  These are the first questions mystery shoppers have about certification.  Next you might ask if certification for mystery shoppers, shadow shoppers and secret shoppers is a scam?  No, certification is not a mystery shopping scam.

Serious shoppers have expressed interest in obtaining education and training in order to take their mystery shopping business to the next level. Certification can provide an extra level of professionalism and experience shoppers can offer to placement companies.  There are no companies that state they only use shoppers with certification. Some secret shopping companies are not even aware that there is a certification process. Other companies, do not use the certification and do not even ask if you are certified.

You are always reading that you should never pay a fee to shop. You will have to pay a fee to become receive certification.  The companies that provide certification do not see this as a fee to shop. They are offering shoppers education and an opportunity to learn.

There are two levels of certification – silver and gold. Silver Certification can be obtained by taking a simple online test that will test your knowledge and understanding of the mystery shopping industry. There is a component that will test basic reading, writing and comprehension skills.  The test for Silver Certification can be taken online for a $15 fee.  Shoppers must obtain Silver Certification before they can advance to Gold Certification.

Until recently mystery, secret and shadow shoppers were required to attend a one day Shopper Education Conference to obtain Gold Certification. These conferences also provide networking opportunities for shoppers. Representatives from mystery shopping companies are in attendance at the Shopper Education Conferences. For those not interested in traveling to a Shopper Education Conference, a Gold Certification DVD is now available so that shoppers can become Gold Certified in their own home.  The at home certification is another aspect making the secret shopper opportunity a perfect work from home job. The Gold Certification DVD is $99 and there is a $5 shipping fee. Shopper Education Conferences are still offered if a shopper desires the conference experience.

Because you are an independent contractor, any and all expenses related to your business are tax deductible.  Conferences, fees for testing and educational materials including the Gold Certification DVD are tax deductible.