If you’ve been following my work for a while, you probably already know that I started reading tarot professionally around 2014. By 2016, things shifted for me in a big way. It was one of those years that felt like everything was happening at once, and somewhere in the middle of that, I discovered that tarot certification was actually a thing.

Naturally, it ended up on my bucket list.

But it wasn’t an easy yes. It took me months to decide whether I actually wanted to go through with it.

What Held Me Back

The hesitation was real, and honestly, it came down to two main things:

1. The cost

Certification isn’t cheap. And if you’re anything like me—practical, always weighing decisions—it’s hard to justify spending that much on something that isn’t technically required. I kept going back and forth, trying to convince myself it was worth it.

2. The mixed opinions

I did my research. I asked other readers, looked into different programs, and read what people were saying online.

Most professional tarot readers don’t have certification, and many believe it’s completely optional. That made me question everything.

If it’s not necessary, why invest so much money into it?

At the same time, from a client’s perspective, certification can feel like reassurance. It signals that you’ve studied, that you’ve put in the work, and that you know what you’re doing.

So I was stuck between two truths:
It’s not required… but it can matter.

Why I Decided to Do It Anyway

Even with all the hesitation, I eventually chose to go for it. It wasn’t an impulsive decision—it was something I thought through carefully.

1. The reality of the market

As I continued offering readings, I noticed a pattern. People were curious. They were open. But when it came to actually paying, there was hesitation—especially if you weren’t already well-known.

I experienced this firsthand when I became a certified Usui Reiki Master. The difference was immediate. Clients came in more easily, with less convincing, less explaining.

That’s when it clicked for me:
Certification creates a sense of trust.

People are more willing to invest when they feel assured, whether that comes from popularity or credentials.

2. Confidence

This one surprised me.

Even though I was already reading professionally, getting certified gave me a different kind of confidence. It quieted a lot of the internal doubt that most of us don’t talk about.

It wasn’t about validation from others—it was about being able to say, “I’ve done the work.”

3. Growth

I’ve always believed that tarot is something you keep learning. There’s no finish line.

Certification, for me, wasn’t about proving anything. It was about going deeper, expanding what I already knew, and staying curious about the practice.

What to Consider Before Getting Certified

If you’re thinking about it, here are a few things that actually matter:

1. Know your mentor

This is huge. You’re not just buying a course—you’re learning from a person. Do your research. See if their teaching style resonates with you. The connection matters more than people think.

2. Look at the curriculum

Not all programs are created equal. Some are surface-level, others go deep. Compare options. Make sure it actually covers what you want to learn.

3. Be realistic about your time

Online doesn’t mean easy. You still need discipline. If you’re juggling work, life, and everything else, it can get intense quickly if you’re not managing your time well.

My Experience

I had been following Ethony for a while, and something about her approach felt aligned with what I was looking for. That’s what led me to enroll in her academy.

Going into it, I thought it would be manageable. I was already reading intuitively and offering sessions, so I assumed it would be straightforward.

I was wrong.

Certification is not a walk in the park.

There were weekly activities, practicums, and structured assignments that required real effort. It pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. Balancing it with my daily life and work wasn’t always easy.

But I loved it.

After a long day, I’d still show up for the coursework because it didn’t feel draining—it felt grounding. It gave me a different kind of balance between my everyday life and my spiritual practice.

More than anything, it deepened my relationship with the cards. It wasn’t just about reading anymore. It was about understanding, structure, discipline, and connection.

By the time I reached the final week, I wasn’t ready for it to end. That says a lot.

And even after completing the course, the support didn’t just disappear—which, to me, made a big difference.

Was It Worth It?

For me, yes.

Not because certification is required.
Not because it suddenly made me a “real” reader.

But because of what I gained from the process:

✦ deeper understanding
✦ stronger connection to the cards
✦ more confidence in my work
✦ a structured way to grow
✦ the people and community I met along the way (like Jenna (@moonlit.faye), Jessi Huntenburg (@geniusgardentarot), Chris-Anne (@pixiecurio), Victoria Maxwell (@newagehipster333) and more.)

It expanded my practice in a way I wouldn’t have experienced on my own.

That said, certification is still a personal choice. Some readers thrive without it. Some build incredible practices through self-study alone.

There isn’t one right path.

But if you’re someone who wants structure, mentorship, and a deeper dive into tarot, it can absolutely be worth considering.

At the end of the day, it’s not the certificate that makes you a good reader.

It’s the work you put in.

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