"Certified Paranormal Investigators"

[seaspiritnw]

This one is a touchy subject with some. Do you think a piece of paper makes a better investigator? Is it even legit? What are your thoughts?

[Denise]

Well I'm not sure about that.  But I did take the class, got a Certificate from the school, and an ID card that states I'm a Certified Paranormal Investigator.  Not sure if it makes me a better investigator or not, but I wasn't sure if it was legit; until I got the paper.  I wouldn't even know if I'm a good investigator or not because I've only been on two investigations with y'all, so you guys can be the judge on that one.

[seaspiritnw]

Can you say refund...lol......      Just kidding!!

[Denise]

I often wonder about that.  I know that TAPS has Ghost Hunting 101 Classes and it's the same one that I took.  Not sure if they make you pay for it, or not: but I do know that they don't certify you after the class either.  In the class that I took, I had to do an investigation for the essay question and show evidence.  So maybe that's the difference.  Not sure though.

[mnky81]

I personally think that experiance makes you a better investigator.

[seaspiritnw]

I have nothing against taking paranormal classes and I think they can help you learn. The whole "certified" thing is what I have a problem with. I could teach you a class on investigating then certify you when you're done but I don't have the authority to really do that. I mean, there are no state boards on paranormal investigating that give me the power to certify anyone. A plain certificate that says you completed a course is ok. If you have something that says you are certified does that make you a better investigator that someone that doesn't? I don't think the paper makes the investigator better. They may pass the class but in the field thay may totally lose it. I think it's what you have inside that makes you a good investigator.

[MPNC Joey]

I am sure that there are several of us in MPNC that could be referred to as "certified", but I do not believe that is the type of "certified" that this topic is addressing. 

I agree with Carol. There is no universally accepted standards or a governing body that has set the standards for the Paranormal Investigation field.  There are many self proclaimed experts, however they are no more qualified to award certifications than anyone else.  We are, at this stage, required to set the standards within the individual groups unless the group is affiliated with other groups and adhere to the standards and training of that affiliation .  However, the certifications issued by those affiliations only indicate that the investigator has met their standards.    I beleive that there still remains something positive to be said for attending training courses if for no other reasons than to gain knowledge, discipline of methods and demonstrate your sincere attempt to grow as an investigator. 

[Stevensc1]

Well, it's kind of like the chicken and the egg.  Who certifies the certifier, etc etc.  Experience is what makes investigators.  I don't say that lightly as my own experience is limited but there are tons of sites and resources available online.  In my opinion, if someone is charging me to certify me, I figure their group needs a nice, new 32 inch flat screen, about 8 IR cams, some wireless transmitters and recivers and a DVR with a 1.5 terabyte drive (if there is such a thing).  There are so many schools of thought regarding paranormal investigation, I personally believe one would be better served to find groups who's thinking aligns to theirs and learn from them.  It's been working for me.  My group (although it remains nameless) is finally about to get on it's feet.

[seaspiritnw]

  In my opinion, if someone is charging me to certify me, I figure their group needs a nice, new 32 inch flat screen, about 8 IR cams, some wireless transmitters and recivers and a DVR with a 1.5 terabyte drive (if there is such a thing). 

lol.... I agree with you. I have had several people email me for advice on starting groups and stuff and I have always done what I could to help them. When I first started thinking about having my own group there was a very nice couple that gave me alot of good advice and even loaned me a couple of things to try out.  There is nothing wrong wrong with having paranormal classes and giving out a certificate saying someone passed that class, but not to certify someone. I could hold classes and even charge for them but I have no authority to certify anyone..even myself!  The thought of having a title is appealing to people and that's how they get you in I think.