Mod Certification programs are open for testing!

https://www.reddit.com/r/modnews/comments/pl3ka2/mod_certification_programs_are_open_for_testing/

created by agoldenzebra on 09/09/2021 at 18:27 UTC

353 upvotes, 47 top-level comments (showing 25)

Hello mods!

I come to you in lieu of u/liltrixxy as, while this is her baby, she is on leave right now dealing with a real baby. One that screams and poops and has wittle feet and somehow smaller socks and everything. So … *steps into u/liltrixxy’s shoes*[1] *....*

1: https://i.redd.it/efhus2s3qim71.gif

… We’re excited to let you know that the beta Mod Certification program we announced in the H1 Wrap-up here[2] is now open!

2: https://www.reddit.com/r/modnews/comments/p68emb/a_look_back_at_the_first_half_of_2021_from/

As a reminder, this is a program that will help new moderators learn how to moderate. Our goal is to make it easier for mod teams to train new moderators by providing resources to help all new moderators understand how to set up and run a community using Reddit’s suite of mod tools.

Similar to an online class you might take, each community will have different materials and resources that will act as guides throughout the course. Since this is a beta, we'll be evolving how we're sharing these materials, but right now, these courses are self-guided with several self-assessments sprinkled throughout to test your knowledge. There are now two courses available based on your moderation experience level:

And coming soon - we’ll be introducing a third segment of the program, Reddit Community Mentors ( r/RedditCommunityMentor)! If you have gone through the above program but still need some 1:1 advice or help, you can get it from experienced moderators through our new mentor program. We’ll be launching this program in a few weeks, so if you’d like personalized advice on any of the following topics, feel free to fill out this form[3] to get on our waitlist:

3: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6512713/Reddit-Community-Mentors-Request-for-Mentorship

Have a different problem not listed? Fill out the form anyways, or modmail r/RedditCommunityMentor to let us know and we’ll see if we can help. Please note you probably won't get a response for a week or two initially.

Please note that these programs are still in beta, and will be updated in the coming months based on your feedback! If you are interested, we’d love for you to go through the program. And, if your subreddit is adding new moderators in the next few months, please feel free to refer your new moderators to this program to better understand Reddit’s moderator tools before you train them on the specifics of your subreddit.

Once completed, take the exit survey (linked at the end) to share any feedback that you have, including any expansions you’d like to see in future iterations. We're also planning r/ModCertification301, a program that will be focused on advanced guides for those of you with ample existing moderation experience.

This was a big effort that could not be accomplished alone - huge shout out to the r/modguide mods who were a big inspiration to us. A few of those mods helped us create this program from the beginning and we couldn’t have done it without them!

Comments

Comment by mershed_perderders at 09/09/2021 at 21:35 UTC

40 upvotes, 2 direct replies

Do the mod certifications come with increased mod pay? Asking for a friend...

Comment by razzertto at 09/09/2021 at 19:53 UTC

39 upvotes, 3 direct replies

Does the training cover or mention third party applications like Mod Toolbox? Reddit’s native moderating tools have improved but the functionality of add-ins significantly enhances moderation capability for larger subreddits. I’ve been using toolbox for over a year now and I just learned how to tweak the settings to reduce harassment of individual mods.

Comment by Lil_MsPerfect at 09/09/2021 at 22:00 UTC

64 upvotes, 4 direct replies

From the locked FAQ

Who runs this course?
This course is run by Admins (who are paid Reddit staff members) **and moderators who are paid** to provide course support

So... you're going to pay us? Are you considering making moderator positions on subreddits paid positions?

Will this mod certification have any bearing on a current or new moderator's ability to moderate/create subreddits in the future or is it just for funsies all around?

Comment by rbevans at 09/09/2021 at 18:56 UTC

30 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I think this is great for new mods but what about mods who���ve been modding for x amount of years, can we test out of these. I feel like the trophy aspect is going to act like some sort of official modding flair.

Comment by iheartbaconsalt at 09/09/2021 at 18:59 UTC

29 upvotes, 2 direct replies

The tests seemed too easy. And the 201 test had an image question that required looking at New Reddit and squinting a lot. Not very screen-reader friendly.

Comment by KKingler at 10/09/2021 at 00:41 UTC

7 upvotes, 0 direct replies

It's a pretty neat program, and while some may say it's too easy or no-brainer stuff it is intended for newbie mods.

So yeah, nice for what it is.

Comment by kodemage at 09/09/2021 at 19:44 UTC

4 upvotes, 4 direct replies

This effort is interesting, but I don't know how much time I would have to devote to a program, is there a "Best Practices" document around I could read at my leisure? Maybe in a nice ebook format for my eReader?

Or, beyond that is there a recommended reading list to go with these classes?

I've read some well known stuff like the classic, "How to Win Friends & Influence People" but that's a pretty ancient/archaic perspective when your goal is moderating on reddit.

And I'd prefer a long form book format or a youtube video series for picking up non-fiction content, not sure exactly why those two forms of media but if you're looking for feedback that's what I'm offering :p

Thanks!

Comment by Merari01 at 10/09/2021 at 19:29 UTC

8 upvotes, 4 direct replies

I took the 101 and 201 and I am very, very impressed.

It's comprehensive, it contains a lot of data and lays out best practices.

The only thing I am maybe missing a little is an explanation of features of old reddit.

I will definitely direct new mods who have never moderated before to these pages.

Up until now you more or less got thrown in the deep end as a new mod. There are subreddits which have wiki pages explaining mod practices but I have never seen any subreddit with a guide this comprehensive and complete.

Kudos to everyone involved in creating this.

Comment by GetOffMyLawn_ at 10/09/2021 at 01:22 UTC

5 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Way overdue. Should bring some consistency to how mods do their thing.

Comment by MajorParadox at 09/09/2021 at 18:38 UTC

20 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I come to you in lieu of u/liltrixxy

as, while this is her baby, she is on leave right now dealing with a real baby.

Congrats!

Comment by Khyta at 10/09/2021 at 04:40 UTC

3 upvotes, 0 direct replies

uhhh that's cool!

Comment by bigbysemotivefinger at 10/09/2021 at 05:17 UTC

3 upvotes, 1 direct replies

As creator of the mostly-undiscovered /r/catishelping (for pics of cats being adorable but in the way), I'll be looking into the 101 course for newbies, y'know, when it's not 1am and I am actually sort of awake.

Comment by hoosakiwi at 09/09/2021 at 19:29 UTC

6 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I'm relieved to report that I passed both tests. I especially liked some of the gotcha questions about full legal names and social security numbers. Not today, admins! Not today!

Comment by Dirish at 09/09/2021 at 21:25 UTC

5 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I love this idea and the 101 and 201 programs are well structured and graded, and the tests are good and interesting.

This is specifically for 201: I'd have loved to have all the assessments grouped together in one post and have some sort of way to see if I'd already done a test before. Barring that, if you could number the tests 1 to 5 or something like it and mention how many there are to complete 201.

Today I barrelled through the lot in one go, but say, if I was new and had to read through all the material, I might have taken a break and continue a week later. In which case I'd have likely forgotten which ones I did and didn't do.

BTW I seriously think this is a perfectly good reason to check up with the other mods :) :

To get caught up on the latest community gossip

Comment by Trowaweg123 at 09/09/2021 at 18:40 UTC

5 upvotes, 1 direct replies

this is cool and all but teh real question is, how do I get the trophy

Comment by 1-760-706-7425 at 09/09/2021 at 18:47 UTC

7 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Please sign me up for r/ModCertification301 when it’s ready for pilot. I completed both available courses recently and found them useful. The community engagement section in 201 was especially helpful.

Comment by [deleted] at 09/09/2021 at 18:29 UTC

6 upvotes, 2 direct replies

[deleted]

Comment by Cuttlery at 09/09/2021 at 20:14 UTC

5 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Thats a pretty nifty idea and program. Really cool

Comment by hubwub at 09/09/2021 at 20:45 UTC

2 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I've been taking these self assessments. At the end when it says Thank You should I be getting a message aside from Tally Quiz Score?

Comment by ButtsexEurope at 10/09/2021 at 00:11 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

My biggest problem is trying to grow an already established sub. We have 50k subs and content has been slow due to new paywalls and the pandemic. So /r/promotereddit doesn’t seem like the right place.

Comment by [deleted] at 10/09/2021 at 02:26 UTC*

2 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I have been a mod for 4 years now which one would be a good fit for me?

Update: I just passed the 101 test.

Comment by DrinkMoreCodeMore at 10/09/2021 at 02:44 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Very neat. Did both of em.

Comment by SquareWheel at 10/09/2021 at 04:28 UTC*

2 upvotes, 2 direct replies

On this question in a prep:

If you're feeling confused about moderating on reddit, what should you do?
* Contact r/ModSupport, r/ModGuide, and/or r/NeedAMod for assistance

Shouldn't that be /r/ModHelp, not /r/ModSupport?

Comment by ryanmercer at 10/09/2021 at 10:56 UTC

2 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Monthly might be easier for you for trophy awarding but weekly might be less discouraging. People like instant gratification, taking a half dozen 'tests' and having to wait up to a month to know that it actually 'took' is a bit discouarging. At no point does ita actually confirm that "yes, you did enter your name correctly every time and this will 100% be applying to user ryanmercer at the next awarding".

Comment by SillyTheGamer at 10/09/2021 at 16:05 UTC

2 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Are already experienced mods able to take the courses and provide feedback?