Below you will find information regarding the five DCI judge certification levels. Each level is broken up into three sections: qualifications, expectations, and opportunities. The qualifications list what is necessary to achieve that particular level; the expectations list what the DCI requires of a judge to maintain that level; and the opportunities list the benefits judges receive once they achieve that level.

Qualifications Effective Date: Judges applying for any level of certification must meet these requirements immediately.

Expectations Effective Date: Currently certified judges must meet these requirements on or before January 1, 2000.

Level 1

Qualifications

• Miminum score of 70% on judge certification exam.
• Judging of at least two events under supervision of a level 3 or higher judge.
• Brief evaluation interview with same level 3 or higher judge.
• Familiarity with DCI Penalty Guidelines and Standard Floor Rules.
• Experience as a player in DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Working knowledge of DCI rating and K-value systems.
• Strong working knowledge of current Magic: The Gathering rules.
• Good overall communication skills: ability to explain rules to players.
• Knowledge of Swiss and single-elimination tournament structures.
• Knowledge of DCI-recommended Swiss tiebreakers and how to calculate them.
• Knowledge of Limited (Sealed Deck and Booster Draft) and Constructed formats.
• Ability to head judge a small DCI-sanctioned tournament (8 - 16 players), without the use of software to administer the tournament.

Expectations

• Judging of at least two sanctioned tournaments per year.
• Submission of one judging report per year. These should be sent to your local judge certification coordinator for inclusion on the judges-only website. For those without Internet access, reports may be submitted in writing, provided they are clearly printed or typed (legible).
• Represent the judge certification program.

Opportunities

• Ability to head judge sanctioned tournaments with up to a 24 K-value.
• Access to special promotional cards.
• Access to certified judge email list: <dcijudge-l>.
• Ability to order special judge merchandise.

Level 2

Qualifications

• Minimum score of 90% on judge certification exam.
• Judging of at least six DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Judging of at least three events under supervision of a level 3 or higher judge.
• Evaluation interview with same level 3 or higher judge.
• Experience as head judge for DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Strong working knowledge of DCI Penalty Guidelines, Standard Floor Rules, and judge certification processes and policies.
• Experience as a player in DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Familiarity with DCI Reporter software.
• Thorough knowledge of DCI rating system, K-value system, tournament sanctioning procedure, and appeal process.
• Thorough working knowledge of current Magic rules.
• Strong communication skills: ability to explain rules, penalties, and tournament procedures to players and other tournament staff.
• Ability to head judge a medium-sized DCI-sanctioned tournament (32 - 64 players), both with and without the use of software to administer the tournament.
• Ability to accurately complete the following tournament forms: match report slip, match report form, master player list, sanctioning application, warning form, and event report summary.
• Knowledge of all major tournament structures: Swiss, single elimination, double elimination, and modified double elimination.
• Knowledge of DCI-recommended Swiss tiebreakers and how to calculate them.
• Knowledge of Limited (Sealed Deck, Booster Draft, and Rochester Draft) and Constructed formats.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures regarding team play.

Expectations

• Judging of at least six sanctioned tournaments per year.
• Head judging of one sanctioned tournament per year (this may count as part of the six required events per year).
• Submission of two judging reports per year. These should be sent to your local judge certification coordinator for inclusion on the judges-only website. For those without Internet access, reports may be submitted in writing, provided they are clearly printed or typed (legible).
• Represent the judge certification program.
• Tutor lower-level or uncertified judges on proper judging techniques.

Opportunities

• Ability to head judge sanctioned tournaments with up to a 32 K-value.
• Ability to floor judge Pro Tour events and the World Championships.
• Access to special promotional cards.
• Access to a forum for certified judges: <dcijudge-l>.
• Ability to order special judge merchandise.

Level 3

Qualifications

• Score of 100% on English-language judge certification exam.
• Judging of at least twenty DCI-sanctioned tournaments, including at least two premier events or one professional event.
• Judging of at least five events under supervision of a level 3 or higher judge.
• Evaluation interview with same level 3 or higher judge to determine if candidate is ready for level 3 interview.
• Recommendation for level 3 interview from a level 3 or higher judge.
• Experience as head judge for DCI-sanctioned tournaments of various formats and sizes.
• Expert knowledge of DCI Penalty Guidelines, Standard Floor Rules, and judge certification processes and policies.
• Experience as a player in DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Thorough knowledge of DCI Reporter software.
• Expert knowledge of DCI rating system, K-value system, tournament sanctioning procedure, appeal process, and invitation policies.
• Expert knowledge of current Magic rules.
• Well-developed communication skills: ability to thoroughly explain Magic rules, penalties, and tournament procedures to players and other tournament staff.
• Ability to head judge a large-sized DCI-sanctioned tournament (128 or more players), both with and without the use of software to administer the tournament.
• Ability to accurately complete the following tournament forms: match report slip, match report form, master player list, sanctioning application, warning form, and event report summary; and electronic filing through DCI Reporter software.
• Available for judge certification testing in local region on a regular basis.
• Expert knowledge of all major tournament structures: Swiss, single elimination, double elimination, and modified double elimination.
• Expert knowledge of Limited (Sealed Deck, Booster Draft, and Rochester Draft) and Constructed formats.
• Expert knowledge of DCI-recommended Swiss tiebreakers and how to calculate them.
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures regarding team play.
• Consistent email and Internet access.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Good overall presentation: professional appearance, cleanliness, and conduct.
• High interest and involvement in promoting the Judge Certification Program.

Expectations

• Judging of at least twelve sanctioned tournaments per year.
• Head judging of at least six sanctioned tournaments per year (these may count as part of the twelve required events per year).
• Judging of at least three premier-level events per year (Prereleases, Qualifier tournaments, State Championships, Regionals, and Nationals--these may count as part of the twelve required events per year).
• Submission of three judging reports and/or articles per year. These should be sent to your local judge certification coordinator for inclusion on the judges-only website. Article topics must be confirmed with the DCI judge certification administrator (U.S. office) in advance. For more information on possible topics or suggestions, contact your local judge certification coordinator.
• Active promotion of the DCI Judge Certification Program and sanctioned tournaments in general.
• Mentor and train lower-level or uncertified judges on proper judging techniques.
• Represent the judge certification program in a professional manner.
• Successful completion of five judge certification applications per year.
• Consistent email and Internet access.
• Regular reading of the <judgeadmin-l> forum for level 3 and higher judges.

Opportunities

• Ability to head judge sanctioned tournaments with up to a 40 K-value.
• Ability to head judge Pro Tour Qualifiers, State Championships, and Regionals.
• Access to special promotional cards.
• Access to email lists: <dcijudge-l>, a forum for certified judges; and <judgeadmin-l>, a forum for discussing the judge certification process for level 3 and higher judges.
• Ability to order special judge merchandise.

Level 4

Qualifications

• Score of 100% on judge certification exam.
• Judging of at least fifty DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Judging of at least three events under supervision of a level 4 or higher judge.
• Level 3 judge in good standing for the past six months.
• Recommendation for level 4 interview from a level 4 or higher judge.
• Written submission describing in detail how all level 4 requirements have been met (due at time of interview).
• Interviews with two level 4 or higher judges.
• Experience as head judge for DCI-sanctioned tournaments of all formats and sizes, including premier-level events.
• Expert knowledge of DCI Penalty Guidelines, Standard Floor Rules, and judge certification processes and policies.
• Experience as a player in DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to teach DCI Reporter software.
• Expert knowledge of DCI rating system, K-value system, tournament sanctioning procedure, appeal process, and invitation policies.
• Expert knowledge of current Magic rules.
• Excellent communication skills: ability to teach Magic rules, penalties, and tournament procedures to players and other tournament staff. Ability to communicate effectively in English (written and spoken).
• Ability to head judge DCI-sanctioned tournaments of any size both with and without the use of software to administer the tournament.
• Ability to accurately complete the following tournament forms: match report slip, match report form, master player list, sanctioning application, warning form, and event report summary; and electronic filing through DCI Reporter software.
• Proven ability to train and mentor judges to achieve all levels, including level 3.
• Available for judge certification testing in local region on a regular basis.
• Completion of at least thirty judge certification applications.
• Expert knowledge of all major tournament structures: Swiss, single elimination, double elimination, and modified double elimination.
• Expert knowledge of Limited (Sealed Deck, Booster Draft, and Rochester Draft) and Constructed formats.
• Knowledge of DCI-recommended Swiss tiebreakers and how to calculate them.
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures regarding team play.
• Consistent email and Internet access.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Excellent presentation: professional appearance, cleanliness, and conduct.
• Interest and available resources to travel to regional and professional events.
• Experience with judging Pro Tour events or World Championships.
• High involvement in tournament scene in local region. Attendance at State Championships, Regionals, and premier-level events (if applicable).
• Strong diplomacy and administrative skills.
• High interest and involvement in promoting the Judge Certification Program.

Expectations

• Judging of at least fifteen sanctioned tournaments per year.
• Head judging of at least ten sanctioned tournaments per year (these may count as part of the fifteen required events per year).
• Judging of at least five premier-level events per year (Prereleases, Qualifier tournaments, State Championships, Regionals, and Nationals--these may count as part of the fifteen required events per year).
• Judging of at least one professional-level event per year (Continental Championship, Pro Tour event, and World Championships--this may count as part of the fifteen required events per year).
• Submission of four judging reports and/or articles per year. These should be sent to your local judge certification coordinator for inclusion on the judges-only website. Article topics must be confirmed with the DCI judge certification administrator (U.S. office) in advance. For more information on possible topics or suggestions, contact your local judge certification coordinator.
• Active promotion of the DCI Judge Certification Program and sanctioned tournaments in general.
• Represent the judge certification program in a professional manner.
• Successful completion of eight judge certification applications per year.
• Participation in two level 3 interviews per year (these are not included in the judge certification application's expectation).
• Consistent email and Internet access.
• Regular reading of the <judgeadmin-l> list for level 3 and higher judges.
• Active participation in the <judgepolicy> email list.

Opportunities

• Ability to head judge sanctioned tournaments with up to a 48 K-value.
• Ability to head judge Pro Tour events, Grand Prix events, and Continental Championships.
• Access to special promotional cards.
• Access to email lists: <dcijudge-l>, a forum for certified judges; <judgeadmin-l>, a forum for discussing the judge certification process for level 3 and higher judges; and <judgepolicy>, a forum for discussing DCI and judging policies.
• Ability to order special judge merchandise.
• Will receive 1 box of boosters from each expert-level expansion.
• Paid travel and accomodations to one professional event per year as part of the judging or certification staff (restrictions apply).

Level 5

Qualifications

• Score of 100% on judge certification exam.
• Judging of at least 100 DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Judging of at least five events under supervision of a level 4 or higher judge.
• Recommendations from two level 4 or higher judges.
• Written submission describing in detail how all level 5 requirements have been met (due at time of interview).
• Interview with a level 5 judge.
• Experience as head judge for DCI-sanctioned tournaments of all formats and sizes, including premier-level events. Must have served as head judge for a minimum of two Pro Tour or Continental Championship events and two Grand Prix events. Experience with judging one World Championship.
• Experience with judging one World Championship.
• Expert knowledge of DCI Penalty Guidelines, Standard Floor Rules, and judge certification processes and policies.
• Experience as a player in DCI-sanctioned tournaments.
• Expert knowledge of and ability to teach DCI Reporter software.
• Expert knowledge of DCI rating system, K-value system, tournament sanctioning procedure, appeal process, and invitation policies.
• Expert knowledge of current Magic rules.
• Excellent communication skills: ability to teach Magic rules, penalties, and tournament procedures to players and other tournament staff.
• Ability to head judge and manage DCI-sanctioned tournaments of any size, both with and without the use of software to administer the tournament.
• Ability to accurately complete the following tournament forms: match report slip, match report form, master player list, sanctioning application, warning form, and event report summary; and electronic filing through DCI Reporter software.
• Proven ability to train and mentor judges to achieve all levels, including level 4.
• Available for judge certification testing in local region on a regular basis and at professional events (when attending).
• Expert knowledge of all major tournament structures: Swiss, single elimination, double elimination, and modified double elimination.
• Knowledge of DCI-recommended Swiss tiebreakers and how to calculate them.
• Expert knowledge of Limited (Sealed Deck, Booster Draft, and Rochester Draft) and Constructed formats.
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures regarding team play.
• Consistent email and Internet access.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Excellent presentation: professional appearance, cleanliness, and conduct.
• Interest and available resources to travel to regional and professional events.
• Completion of at least fifty judge certification applications and involvement in ten level 3 interviews.
• Level 4 judge in good standing for the past twelve months.
• High involvement in tournament scene in regional and professional events. Attendance at State Championships, Regionals, and premier events (if applicable).
• Strong diplomacy, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• High interest and involvement in promoting and developing DCI policy and procedures, including the Judge Certification Program.

Expectations

• Judging of at least fifteen sanctioned tournaments per year.
• Head judging of at least ten sanctioned tournaments per year (these may count as part of the fifteen required events per year).
• Judging of at least five premier-level events per year (Prereleases, Qualifier tournaments, State Championships, Regionals, and Nationals--these may count as part of the fifteen required events per year).
• Judging of at least one professional-level event per year (Continental Championship, Pro Tour event, and World Championships--this may count as part of the fifteen required events per year).
• Submission of five judging reports and/or articles per year. These should be sent to your local judge certification coordinator for inclusion on the judges-only website. Article topics must be confirmed with the DCI judge certification administrator (U.S. office) in advance. For more information on possible topics or suggestions, contact your local judge certification coordinator.
• Active promotion of the DCI Judge Certification Program and sanctioned tournaments in general.
• Represent the judge certification program in a professional manner.
• Successful completion of ten judge certification applications per year.
• Participation in four level 3 interviews per year (these are not included in the judge certification application's expectation).
• Consistent email and Internet access.
• Regular reading of the <judgeadmin-l> list for level 3 and higher judges.
• Active participation in the <judgepolicy> email list.

Opportunities

• Ability to head judge sanctioned tournaments with up to a 48 K-value.
• Ability to head judge any event up to and including the World Championships.
• Access to special promotional cards.
• Access to email lists: <dcijudge-l>, a forum for certified judges; <judgeadmin-l>, a forum for discussing the judge certification process for level 3 and higher judges; and <judgepolicy>, a forum for discussing DCI and judging policies.
• Ability to order special judge merchandise.
• Will receive 1 box of boosters from each expert-level expansion.
• Paid travel and accomodations to one professional event per year as part of the judging or certification staff (restrictions apply).

Disclaimer:

The DCI reserves the right to re-interview a judge at any time if we believe any of the above-mentioned level requirements are not being met.

©1999 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. All rights reserved.