How difficult is the certification test? I've been playing for 10 years, I'm the guy everyone in my area ASKS rules questions and I'm right a preponderance of the time. SO, I was just curious, how hard is it to get a low-level certification? What all is entailed? And what does it allow you to do?
Honestly, getting Level 1 was pretty easy. I can't (nor can any other judge) actually tell you what's on the test, but I thought it was simple. It's mostly game rules, but it also covers tournament procedure and DCI policy. There is also an interview.
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Quote from CynicalSquirrel »
Every time I destroy an opponent's creature, I jump on the table, yell "Boo ya, you son of a *****!", rip the card in half, urinate on it, then forcefully shove it down my opponent's throat.
Needless to say, I don't have many players in my playgroup anymore.
Oh, I don't expect a cheat-sheet, heh. But, what does it take to get certified? A judge actually has to administer the test, right? How many levels of Judgehood are there, and which way is up? (I mean, is level 1 the supreme highness, or, like I think, entry-level?)
Tournament Procedure and DCI policy... so, basically, the floor rules?
Level 1 is the first judge-level, and level 5 is the supreme high one, all in between are of varying degrees of rank. I was also thinking about the same thing just recently, but I don't think there's enough support for a judge in this small town I live in (aprox 5-10k).
Also been playing for 10 years, and also the guy asked for rulings on cards (and the latest oracle wording - jezz, I got to get another hobby)...
You need to get a Level 3 judge to test you. You also need to judge a little under that Level 3's observation. There are 3 different tests, with varying degrees of difficulty and percentages that you need to score to pass for a given level. On the test that most people get the first time, you must score a 70% to pass for Level 1.
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Quote from CynicalSquirrel »
Every time I destroy an opponent's creature, I jump on the table, yell "Boo ya, you son of a *****!", rip the card in half, urinate on it, then forcefully shove it down my opponent's throat.
Needless to say, I don't have many players in my playgroup anymore.
I won't be in the state for PT LA, but thanks for the good wishes, heh. I started reading the Comp Rules on a lark, nothing unexpected so far, just a little momentary confusion on the definition of 'object' and, naturally, phasing. Skimmed the Local Enchantment bit since it seems it's getting a rewrite soon enough.
It depends on the test. They construct the tests and then norm them with a target score. I believe the A1 is 70/85 and the A2 is 75/90, I don't know what the A3 is. (Don't quote me on this, I don't have access to the tests.)
I think A1 is indeed 70/85, but A2 is definitely 65/80.
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Quote from CynicalSquirrel »
Every time I destroy an opponent's creature, I jump on the table, yell "Boo ya, you son of a *****!", rip the card in half, urinate on it, then forcefully shove it down my opponent's throat.
Needless to say, I don't have many players in my playgroup anymore.
It depends on the test. They construct the tests and then norm them with a target score. I believe the A1 is 70/85 and the A2 is 75/90, I don't know what the A3 is. (Don't quote me on this, I don't have access to the tests.)
I was under the impression that each Level 3+ writes their own tests... or maybe I just got my Level 1 test from the writter of the test (it was James Lee... does anyone know if he wrote the tests?).
Anyway, to study for the test, make sure that you check out the Delphi test. If you can do those, you're in good shape for the rules questions. Also, it hasn't been explicit here, but there will be questions over the floor rules, things not covered in the comp rules... questions like "How much time is allowed for the first pick in a draft?". Things like that. (That wasn't on my test... I'm just using it as an example.) If you know only the comp rules, even if you know them well, you will likely fail the exam.
Also, all of the L3s that I have worked under require that you work under them (or a Level 2 they trust) for a minimum of 2 events as a "Judgeling" or "Level 0" before even consenting to test you, so I recommend you work that out first with a Level 3 (There is a list of Level 3s on the Judge page somewhere.) Good luck!
Edit: I couldn't find a list of just the L3s, but there is the "Worldwide List of Certified Judges" here. You can sort the list any way you like. This list is not complete, unfortunately, but it will give you a start.
Really, any top-level event should have a Level 3 judge at it (PT's, GP's, etc.). I'm actually making plans to take a trip to Nationals to take my exam.
I was under the impression that each Level 3+ writes their own tests... or maybe I just got my Level 1 test from the writter of the test (it was James Lee... does anyone know if he wrote the tests?).
The DCI develops and writes the Judge Tests internally, and are given to all L3+s, in order to promote and ensure a uniform standard. I don't know who is exactly involved, but I do not think it is any one person who does this. L3+s certainly do not write and administer their "own" tests.
I passed the A1 about 3-4 months ago... I'm almost convinced it goes 75/85.
I know I didn't study for the test, I believe that the best thing to do is to answer rules questions. If you read the whole Conp. Rules it gets realy boring ant it doesn't give you the hard cases. Furthermore, it doesn't give you the confidence you get by judging real events.
A. Laurie must put her Cradle into the graveyard when the Tidal Warrior effect ends.
B. Ingo must put his Cradle into the graveyard when the Tidal Warrior effect ends.
C. Laurie must put her Cradle into the graveyard the next time a player receives priority.
The answer is non of them. With the Kamigawa rules both are put into the grave when the tidal warrior's effect ends. I'm not sure if this is a good source to use right now.
In what universe? If you build a deck like that, and ever draw that hand, I will personally come to wherever you live, perform complicated acts of awestruck ********, then disembowel myself to escape the world that allowed something like to to occur and validate you.
I took the first Delphi test, figuring out it was pre-kamigawa rules (probably a bit earlier than that even). Got something arouhg 85%, one question was wrong because i wasn't paying attention to the answers (I knew what i meant but selected the wrong thing), and at least half the other wrong answers involved Opalesence or Humility. Just seeing why the answers were wrong helped me out.
The Delphi test hasn't been updated since around 7th Edition, it seems like. But nonetheless, most of the questions' answers haven't changed and it's still a good training tool.
Before I took the L1 test, I took both Delphi tests, and made sure to read all relevant rules documents. I'd been judging store events as a Level 0 for some time, so I also had that experience to help me. Most L1s are fine with their rules knowledge, but many could use more policy knowledge, and a lot of them take several months to develop self-assurance and confidence. Me, I'm just an arrogant bastard who doesn't get intimidated by anyone, so that always helps.
And we all forgot rule #1: Always read the cards. Even if it's in your deck for years.
I got an answer wrong for assuming an effect worked differently than it did.
for example (This is not from the test!):
You have a question with Meddling Mage. Everybody knows what it does, but in a test the difference betwin "As" and "At" is crucial.
Confidence is realy important. I remember the firs time I got to judge a Prerelease (Training as a level 0), I was asked the sinplest question (Something about a creature with a sac. ability who gets targeted). I called the HJ to confirm my answer, and when he saw the case he asked me "Why did you call me for? That was an easy one". The point here is that when you get to deside who wins or loses (And some times big prizes are involved), if you're not confident enaugh you may do mistakes.
A. Laurie must put her Cradle into the graveyard when the Tidal Warrior effect ends.
B. Ingo must put his Cradle into the graveyard when the Tidal Warrior effect ends.
C. Laurie must put her Cradle into the graveyard the next time a player receives priority.
The answer is non of them. With the Kamigawa rules both are put into the grave when the tidal warrior's effect ends. I'm not sure if this is a good source to use right now.
Actually, both Cradles go to the grave next time SBEs are checked. The Legend rule only cares about names of the cards, and Tidal Warrior's ability doesn't change the name, or remove the Legendary supertype.
The rules bits I found were problematic for me where:
Occasions where two effects modify something and time stamp is not the answer (Conversion + Phantasmal Terrain, for example, and why +1/+1 counters don't effect creatures with Humility in play even if they came after the fact)
Some of the more peculiar possabilities of cards coming into play without being cast, usually thanks to Replenish.
IS it just me, or do 80% of all rules problems come from Rath and Urza blocks, with 10 more percent involving phasing?
Anyway, I'm slowly working my way through the Comp Rules, just finished the 300 section. Though, come to think of it, I REALLY should wait, oh, a week to let all the 9th changes come in. Might not be much, but then again, base sets are a good time to change rules.
Vest, you need to read the section on layers. CCTTOpt. (Copy, Control, Text, Type, Other, power/toughness) (418.5. Interaction of Continuous Effects in the CompRules) That'll clear up a lot of confusion on this subject.
When the 9th rules come out, I'm pretty sure there'll be a summary of changes, so you can just go back and learn what's new instead of learning it for the first time.
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Actually, both Cradles go to the grave next time SBEs are checked. The Legend rule only cares about names of the cards, and Tidal Warrior's ability doesn't change the name, or remove the Legendary supertype.
Bleh, I saw that after I posted. Good catch. I was doing the test in a 6E mindset after seeing a few of the other questions. I was wondering when someone would see that.
In what universe? If you build a deck like that, and ever draw that hand, I will personally come to wherever you live, perform complicated acts of awestruck ********, then disembowel myself to escape the world that allowed something like to to occur and validate you.
The Y, the judge who gave you the test may have told you you needed a 75 to pass your particular version of the test. As there are 3 versions of the test, that may very well be the case. On the one I took, it required a 70 to pass for Level 1 and 85 for level 2.
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Tournament Procedure and DCI policy... so, basically, the floor rules?
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Also been playing for 10 years, and also the guy asked for rulings on cards (and the latest oracle wording - jezz, I got to get another hobby)...
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75.
Anyway, you also need that judge (The level 3 or more) to recomend you (That's why you have do judge with him some tourneys) and to enterview you.
I recomend you to know well the Comp. Rules, Floor Rules and Penalty Guidelines. Those three get most of it.
I hope you'll pass...
Edit: I see you're from California. If you could find some one fast enough, you could test at PT L.A.
Thanks for all the help!
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I was under the impression that each Level 3+ writes their own tests... or maybe I just got my Level 1 test from the writter of the test (it was James Lee... does anyone know if he wrote the tests?).
Anyway, to study for the test, make sure that you check out the Delphi test. If you can do those, you're in good shape for the rules questions. Also, it hasn't been explicit here, but there will be questions over the floor rules, things not covered in the comp rules... questions like "How much time is allowed for the first pick in a draft?". Things like that. (That wasn't on my test... I'm just using it as an example.) If you know only the comp rules, even if you know them well, you will likely fail the exam.
Also, all of the L3s that I have worked under require that you work under them (or a Level 2 they trust) for a minimum of 2 events as a "Judgeling" or "Level 0" before even consenting to test you, so I recommend you work that out first with a Level 3 (There is a list of Level 3s on the Judge page somewhere.) Good luck!
Recommended reading:
Judge Level Requirements
The Delphi Test
Edit: I couldn't find a list of just the L3s, but there is the "Worldwide List of Certified Judges" here. You can sort the list any way you like. This list is not complete, unfortunately, but it will give you a start.
The DCI develops and writes the Judge Tests internally, and are given to all L3+s, in order to promote and ensure a uniform standard. I don't know who is exactly involved, but I do not think it is any one person who does this. L3+s certainly do not write and administer their "own" tests.
I know I didn't study for the test, I believe that the best thing to do is to answer rules questions. If you read the whole Conp. Rules it gets realy boring ant it doesn't give you the hard cases. Furthermore, it doesn't give you the confidence you get by judging real events.
Anyway, here are some things you need (Some of them you know):
http://www.wizards.com/magic/comprules/MagicCompRules050201.doc
http://www.wizards.com/dci/downloads/DCI_UTR_20June04.doc
http://www.wizards.com/dci/downloads/DCI_PG_20jan05_EN.doc
In the last one there is a quick reference gude. It realy helps.
Laurie used her Tidal Warrior to turn Ingo’s Gaea’s Cradle into an Island. She then plays her own Gaea’s Cradle. What happens?
A. Laurie must put her Cradle into the graveyard when the Tidal Warrior effect ends.
B. Ingo must put his Cradle into the graveyard when the Tidal Warrior effect ends.
C. Laurie must put her Cradle into the graveyard the next time a player receives priority.
The answer is non of them. With the Kamigawa rules both are put into the grave when the tidal warrior's effect ends. I'm not sure if this is a good source to use right now.
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I used to write for MTGS, including Cranial Insertion and cube articles. Good on you if you can find those after the upgrade.
Always read the cards. Even if it's in your deck for years.
I got an answer wrong for assuming an effect worked differently than it did.
for example (This is not from the test!):
You have a question with Meddling Mage. Everybody knows what it does, but in a test the difference betwin "As" and "At" is crucial.
Confidence is realy important. I remember the firs time I got to judge a Prerelease (Training as a level 0), I was asked the sinplest question (Something about a creature with a sac. ability who gets targeted). I called the HJ to confirm my answer, and when he saw the case he asked me "Why did you call me for? That was an easy one". The point here is that when you get to deside who wins or loses (And some times big prizes are involved), if you're not confident enaugh you may do mistakes.
Actually, both Cradles go to the grave next time SBEs are checked. The Legend rule only cares about names of the cards, and Tidal Warrior's ability doesn't change the name, or remove the Legendary supertype.
The rules bits I found were problematic for me where:
Occasions where two effects modify something and time stamp is not the answer (Conversion + Phantasmal Terrain, for example, and why +1/+1 counters don't effect creatures with Humility in play even if they came after the fact)
Some of the more peculiar possabilities of cards coming into play without being cast, usually thanks to Replenish.
IS it just me, or do 80% of all rules problems come from Rath and Urza blocks, with 10 more percent involving phasing?
Anyway, I'm slowly working my way through the Comp Rules, just finished the 300 section. Though, come to think of it, I REALLY should wait, oh, a week to let all the 9th changes come in. Might not be much, but then again, base sets are a good time to change rules.
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When the 9th rules come out, I'm pretty sure there'll be a summary of changes, so you can just go back and learn what's new instead of learning it for the first time.
"Sufficiently advanced experience is indistinguishable from clairvoyance." -Carsten
"Ah those eyes, those horrible creepy eyes!" -Chaosof99
DCI Level 3 Judge & TO
"I do not consider myself a hero. I know only what the Vec teach:
justice must always be served and corruption must always be opposed."
Go read! I am one of the three authors of Cranial Insertion.
But seriously, if you can't remember "Woapalanne", just call me Eli.
And I must say, Woapalanne, your new avatar is creepy, but not in the same way as the old one.
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Bleh, I saw that after I posted. Good catch. I was doing the test in a 6E mindset after seeing a few of the other questions. I was wondering when someone would see that.
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