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In order to succeed at hosting largePokemon TCGevents, it takes quite a bit of background work. While there are venues and vendors, as well as organizers, much of this work is completed by Pokemon Professors. These Professors may not focus on research and filling out the Pokedex like those of the video games, but they do play a crucial role in the journey of Pokemon TCG trainers around the world.
In this guide, learn more about Pokemon Professors and their role and responsibilities. Plus, learn about the steps involved in becoming a Pokemon Professor and the rewards you may be able to reap.
What are Pokemon Professors?
Professors can have various responsibilities.Their main role, however, is to act as a Judge for Pokemon TCG events.This includes those such as League Challenges, League Cups, and even pre-releases. Outside of local events, Judges may also volunteer to help with regional and international events.
Some Pokemon Professors may serve as a Judge only, while others serve as an Organizer. There are different, but similar steps involved in earning the certifications for both roles.
As a Judge, it is their responsibility tomake sure that all players are following the rulesof the Pokemon TCG. Sometimes, this can mean working in a preventative action, ensuring that players keep their hands in sight and similar etiquette. Judges may also be called to help answer questions or resolve disputes.
However, Professors can also help bolster the success of events in other ways as well.They may be League Leaders, which means that they hold a regularly scheduled Pokemon League events for free play. Professors can also be Tournament Organizers. This means that, rather than just judging events, they also help schedule and run them.
How to Become a Pokemon Professor
There are many steps involved in becoming a Pokemon Professor. However, the entire process is free and is open to anyone aged 18 or older.
The first step in becoming a Pokemon Professor is registering aPokemon Trainer account.This will give you a number that is known as a POPID, a unique identification number used by the Pokémon Company International, Inc. to know who you are. If you have played in any Pokemon TCG events, you likely are already registered.
In order to become a Professor, you will be required to take an exam. This exam covers a variety of content, from card interactions to understanding what an Ability or attack does. It may also often require you to understand the mechanics of the game, such as the parts of a turn, Pokemon Checkup, and Sudden Death rules.
Much of the information covered in the exam can be learned about through the Pokemon TCG Handbook. Some of the information may revolve around cards that are no longer in rotation, so brushing up on older cards and mechanics can be beneficial. If you don’t pass the exam the first time, you will be able to take it again at a later date.
After you pass your exam, you will be required to submit a background test.This is essential because, as a Professor, you may be working with adults and children alike. A professional background test helps keep the Pokemon TCG a safe place for trainers of all ages. After your initial background test, regularly scheduled and random background tests are conducted periodically on all Professors.
If you are more interested in the organizer part of the Pokemon TCG and not so much the judging, there are opportunities to test for and become a specific event organizer. These are still a type of Professor, but they often do not serve in a judging position. Much of the admissions process for this role are similar to that of becoming a Pokemon TCG Judge.
Do Pokemon Professors Earn Rewards?
Much of the work revolving around judging and organizing Pokemon events is done on avoluntary basisfor the love of the game. However, while many of the hard-working Professors do so for their own joy, there are also some benefits to becoming an active Professor in the community.The main reward is Pokemon Professor Reward Points.
Pokemon Professor Reward Points are given out each time a Professor attends an event to help. During these events, Professors must be recorded as an event member, not as a competitor or spectator. These points can be saved up and then spent in a special online store reserved only for those accepted into the Professor Program.
There are also special Professor-only events that you may wish to compete in. This includes the Professor Cup, a free-to-enter tournament that only those with Professor certifications may play in.
These traditionally do not follow the typical format of other Pokemon events, with specialized rules and formats that may change periodically.
