In order to certify, members only have to pass one certification test. The reason that multiple tests are provided is because the certification test is relatively difficult and it takes most people around 3 tests to pass the test in order to initially certify. Furthermore, there are incentives to achieve a high certification score and some members will continue testing until they have achieved a high certification score (some aspire to score 100%). It takes most people around 5 tests to achieve a high score. Again, only one passing test is required to become certified and achieving a high score is entirely on any member's own accord.
Upon initial sign up, members receive 6 tests in order to initially certify and achieve a high score. 3 tests per month are available in order to maintain a current certification date. The test to maintain a current certification date, or to re-certify, typically takes between 10-15 minutes to complete.
There are incentives for members to score high and to remain current. The NABPOP directory sort order is determined by certification score as well as certification date (the more current the date and the higher the score, the higher the sort order). Also, some participating companies, that give preference to their BPO vendors that are certified through NABPOP, will give higher precedence to members that score high and remain current.
There is no requirement to take any set number of tests. Becoming certified is not a requirement to being a NABPOP member, nor is it a requirement to be a BPO vendor for any BPO company. Although not a requirement, it is highly recommended to become certified. Testing is on the members own accord and time frames. Available tests do not expire (other than membership expiration) so there are no set time frames for testing. The education and testing is delivered on-line and is entirely on the member's own time frames.