Top 10 Poker Dealer Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for poker dealers because they demonstrate that the dealer is knowledgeable and qualified to perform their duties. Certified dealers are preferred by employers as they have a greater assurance of the skills and knowledge of the dealer. Certification also helps employers to establish standards, ensuring that all employees can provide a consistent level of service to customers. Furthermore, certifications help poker dealers stand out from other applicants, making them more attractive to potential employers. Finally, certifications may be required by certain jurisdictions or venues in order for a dealer to work there.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Poker Dealers and explains how they can help to advance a Poker Dealer's career.

What are Poker Dealer Certifications?

Poker dealer certification is a program designed to help aspiring poker dealers learn the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful poker dealer. It involves obtaining a certification from an accredited school or institution that teaches the fundamentals of dealing, including hand rankings, game rules, dealing etiquette, and more. The program also covers topics such as customer service, record keeping, and understanding the laws governing gambling in each state.

For those who wish to pursue a career in professional poker dealing, certification can provide access to higher paying jobs and better opportunities. Having a recognized certification will demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the game and are prepared to deal professionally and efficiently. Additionally, many casinos require that dealers have some sort of certification before they can be hired. By obtaining your certification, you will be able to prove that you have the skills necessary for the job.

In addition to helping aspiring dealers obtain employment opportunities in casinos or card rooms, dealer certification can also open up other job possibilities such as teaching dealer classes at local schools or working as an instructor for online sites offering virtual gaming courses. Certification can also help with networking opportunities within the industry by providing access to training seminars and events with experienced professionals.

Overall, getting certified as a poker dealer is beneficial for anyone looking to work in this field because it provides them with the necessary qualifications that employers look for when hiring dealers. Being certified also demonstrates professionalism and dedication which can go a long way towards helping you stand out from other applicants when seeking employment in this field.

Pro Tip: When looking for a poker dealer certification, make sure to check the requirements of the certifying body. Some certifications may require you to take an exam or complete a certain number of hours of training in order to become certified. Additionally, some certifications may expire after a certain period of time and require renewal.

Related: What does a Poker Dealer do?

Top 10 Poker Dealer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Poker Dealers today.

1. Certified Poker Dealer (CPD)

Certified Poker Dealer (CPD) is a certification program designed to provide poker dealers with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their profession. The program is offered by the World Series of Poker Academy and includes both online and in-person instruction.

The CPD program consists of five modules: Introduction to Poker, Table Management, Game Rules, Player Interaction, and Tournament Play. Each module takes approximately four hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion of all five modules, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the WSOP Academy.

To get certified as a CPD dealer, you must first register for the program through the WSOP Academy website. The cost of registration is $399 USD. After registering, you will have access to all five modules which you can complete at your own pace. Once all five modules are completed, you will be able to take an exam which covers the material presented in each module. If you pass this exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your CPD certification.

Overall, it should take about 20 hours to complete the entire Certified Poker Dealer program if you work at a steady pace.

2. Certified Professional Poker Dealer (CPPD)

Certified Professional Poker Dealer (CPPD) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professional poker dealers. The CPPD certification is administered by the Poker Dealer Certification Program, which is affiliated with the World Series of Poker Academy.

The CPPD program consists of two components: an online course and a hands-on assessment. The online course covers topics such as game rules, dealing procedures, customer service, chip handling, and more. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the online course. After completing the online course, participants must pass a hands-on assessment in order to receive their CPPD certification. This assessment can be taken at any one of the WSOP Academy’s locations around the world or at select casinos that are certified by the WSOP Academy.

The cost for taking the CPPD program varies depending on location and whether you choose to take it online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$200 USD to take the program.

Overall, becoming a Certified Professional Poker Dealer requires dedication and hard work but can be very rewarding. It provides dealers with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge while also giving them recognition within the poker industry.

3. Certified Casino Dealer (CCD)

Certified Casino Dealer (CCD) is an industry-recognized certification program that provides dealers with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the casino industry. The CCD program is designed to give dealers a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of dealing, from game rules and regulations to customer service.

The CCD program typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete, depending on the school. It consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on practice dealing various casino games. During the course, students learn about game rules, procedures, customer service, and other important topics related to working as a dealer in a casino environment.

To get certified as a CCD dealer, you must first find an accredited school that offers the program. Most schools offer online courses or in-person classes at their campus locations. Once you have completed your coursework, you will need to pass a final exam administered by the school in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the school you choose and whether you take online or in-person classes. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing the program.

4. World Series of Poker Dealer Certification (WSOPDC)

The World Series of Poker Dealer Certification (WSOPDC) is a program offered by the World Series of Poker (WSOP) that certifies professional poker dealers. The certification program is designed to ensure that all WSOP dealers are knowledgeable and competent in the rules, procedures and etiquette of dealing poker.

To become certified, applicants must complete a three-day dealer school, which covers topics such as shuffling techniques, chip handling and game protection. After completing the school, applicants must pass a written exam and demonstrate their ability to deal various forms of poker. Once certified, dealers can work at any WSOP event around the world.

The cost of the WSOPDC program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly an applicant completes the dealer school and passes the written exam.

5. International Casino Dealers Association Certification (ICDA)

The International Casino Dealers Association (ICDA) is a professional organization that provides certification for casino dealers. The ICDA Certification Program is designed to ensure that casino dealers have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality customer service in a casino environment. It also ensures that dealers are familiar with all gaming regulations, laws, and procedures.

The ICDA Certification Program consists of two parts: a written exam and an on-site practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as gaming regulations, customer service, game rules, and dealing procedures. The practical assessment tests the dealer’s ability to deal various games accurately and professionally.

It typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete the ICDA Certification Program depending on the individual’s availability. To get certified, applicants must first register with the ICDA by submitting an application form along with a fee of $100 USD. After registration, applicants will receive instructions on how to access the online course materials and take the written exam. Once they pass the written exam, they can then schedule their practical assessment at one of the approved testing centers around the world. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, applicants will be awarded an ICDA Certificate of Completion.

The cost for getting certified through ICDA varies depending on country or region but typically ranges from $100 - $200 USD for registration plus any additional costs associated with taking the practical assessment at an approved testing center (e.g., travel expenses).

6. American Casino Dealers Association Certification (ACDA)

The American Casino Dealers Association (ACDA) is a professional organization that offers certification to casino dealers. This certification program is designed to recognize and reward those who demonstrate exceptional knowledge and skills in their profession. The ACDA Certification Program is open to all individuals who are currently employed or seeking employment as a casino dealer.

The ACDA Certification Program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person interview with an ACDA representative. The online assessment covers topics such as customer service, game rules, dealing procedures, math calculations, and more. It typically takes about 45 minutes to complete this portion of the certification process. After passing the assessment, applicants must then pass an in-person interview with an ACDA representative. This interview covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, game rules, dealing procedures, and other relevant topics.

To become certified through the ACDA Certification Program, applicants must pay a one-time fee of $150 USD which includes both the online assessment and in-person interview fees. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, applicants will receive a certificate from the ACDA acknowledging their achievement.

Overall, it typically takes about 1-2 weeks for individuals to complete the entire certification process from start to finish.

7. Professional Blackjack and Poker Dealers Association Certification (PBPDAC)

The Professional Blackjack and Poker Dealers Association Certification (PBPDAC) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and expertise of professional casino dealers. It is offered by the Professional Blackjack and Poker Dealers Association, an organization that promotes the highest standards of professionalism in the industry.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical test. The written exam covers topics such as basic game rules, dealing procedures, customer service, and gaming regulations. The practical test requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to deal blackjack and poker accurately and efficiently.

The certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of experience in dealing blackjack or poker. Once approved, applicants will receive study materials for the written exam and instructions on how to register for the practical test.

The cost of obtaining PBPDAC certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought (blackjack or poker). Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD to obtain either type of certification.

8. Professional Poker Tour Dealer Certification (PPTDC)

The Professional Poker Tour Dealer Certification (PPTDC) is a program designed to certify professional poker dealers. It is an official certification offered by the World Poker Tour (WPT). The program is open to anyone who has a minimum of one year of experience dealing in live poker tournaments.

The PPTDC is a two-day course that covers topics such as tournament structure, chip handling, rules and regulations, and customer service. The course also includes hands-on training with professional dealers. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their PPTDC certification.

To get certified, applicants must register for the PPTDC online or by mail. Applicants must also submit proof of their one year of experience dealing in live poker tournaments. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to pay a fee of $399 USD to cover the cost of materials and tuition.

The PPTDC certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. After three years, applicants must renew their certification by taking an additional two-day refresher course and paying another fee of $399 USD.

9. European Casino Association Certification (ECAC)

The European Casino Association Certification (ECAC) is a voluntary certification program that is designed to ensure the highest standards of safety, fairness and responsible gaming in Europe's online casinos. The ECAC certification process is designed to help online casinos meet the strict requirements set by the European Commission for providing safe and secure gambling services.

To obtain ECAC certification, an online casino must first submit an application to the ECAC. This application includes detailed information about the casino's operations, customer service policies, security measures, game fairness and responsible gaming practices. Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by a team of experts who will assess whether or not the casino meets all of the criteria for certification.

The review process can take up to six weeks depending on the complexity of the application and any additional information that needs to be requested from the casino. If approved, ECAC will issue a certificate which is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to remain certified.

The cost of obtaining ECAC certification varies depending on the size and scope of an individual casino's operations but typically ranges from €500-€2,000 per year.

10. International Gaming Institute Dealer Certification (IGIDC).

The International Gaming Institute Dealer Certification (IGIDC) is a professional certification program for casino dealers. It is designed to provide dealers with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of gaming environments. The program consists of two parts: a classroom-based course and an online exam.

The classroom-based course covers topics such as game rules, customer service, table management, and dealing procedures. The course typically takes about 40 hours to complete and is offered at most major casinos or through online learning platforms. Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to take the IGIDC exam.

The IGIDC exam is an online assessment that tests the knowledge gained from the classroom-based course. It consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as game rules, customer service, table management, and dealing procedures. The exam typically takes around two hours to complete and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive certification.

The cost of the IGIDC certification varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD. This cost includes both the classroom-based course and the online exam fee.

Do You Really Need a Poker Dealer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a poker dealer certificate to be a successful poker dealer. However, there are some benefits to obtaining one. Firstly, having a certificate shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to take on the job of dealing poker professionally. Secondly, having a certificate also demonstrates your commitment to the profession and provides evidence of your training. Finally, it can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs as it demonstrates that you have taken the time and effort to learn the rules and regulations of dealing poker correctly.

Overall, while there are many advantages of having a poker dealer certificate, it is not essential for becoming a successful poker dealer. Many dealers become successful without ever taking any formal training or obtaining certification. It is ultimately up to the individual whether they feel that obtaining a certificate will help them in their career or not.

Related: Poker Dealer Resume Examples

FAQs About Poker Dealer Certifications

Q1. What is a Poker Dealer Certification?

A1. A Poker Dealer Certification is a qualification that certifies an individual has the knowledge and skills to deal poker in a professional setting. It typically involves completing a course and passing an exam, as well as demonstrating proficiency in dealing.

Q2. How do I get a Poker Dealer Certification?

A2. To obtain a Poker Dealer Certification, you will need to complete a course and pass an exam, which are typically offered by gaming schools or organizations approved by your local jurisdiction’s gambling control board. You may also need to demonstrate proficiency through practical experience.

Q3. Is there an age requirement for becoming a certified poker dealer?

A3. Yes, the age requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally speaking, you must be 18 years of age or older in order to become certified as a poker dealer.

Q4. Are there any special rules I should know about when dealing poker?

A4. Yes, it’s important to follow all applicable rules and regulations when dealing poker games in order to ensure fairness for all players involved and ensure the integrity of the game being played. Additionally, some jurisdictions may have additional requirements such as wearing specific uniforms or having certain qualifications for dealers such as experience or training from accredited schools/organizations.

Q5. What kind of job opportunities are available for certified poker dealers?

A5: There are many job opportunities available for certified poker dealers including casinos, cruise ships, private clubs and home games among others. Depending on your location or where you choose to work, you may be able to find full-time or part-time employment with competitive wages and benefits packages available at certain establishments depending on their policies and procedures.