> THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME
HOW IT WORKS
The study materials are free. You pay to sit the exam. Pass, and you are a certified member of the Society with a permanent SSBBSS ID in the public registry.
> THE FOUR RANKS
The entry point. The Initiate exam covers the history of the BBS, the major software platforms, installation, basic configuration, and user management. You do not need a running BBS to sit the Initiate exam — this is the knowledge foundation.
> Written exam • 60 minutes • Pass mark: 70%
The Operator exam goes deeper. System administration, multi-node configuration, networking and connectivity, access control, and managing file and message areas. You should have hands-on experience before sitting this exam.
> Written exam • 90 minutes • Pass mark: 70%
The Adept exam covers the advanced arts: door games, scripting and automation, and message network integration. FidoNet, tqwNet, fsxNet — the Adept understands how the networks connect and how to participate properly.
> Written exam • 90 minutes • Pass mark: 75%
The Master rank is not awarded by exam alone. Candidates must have operated a public BBS for a minimum of 90 days and submit to a review by the Council. The Master demonstrates not just technical competence, but community leadership and sustained commitment to the craft.
> Written exam + Council review • Active BBS required
> 01 Browse the free study materials for your target rank.
> 02 Create a free account when you’re ready to sit the exam.
> 03 Pay the exam fee and take the timed written exam.
> 04 Pass and your SSBBSS ID is assigned immediately.
> 05 Your profile appears in the public registry.
> 06 Work toward the next rank at your own pace.
> If you fail, you may retake the exam after 24 hours.
Every certified member receives a permanent, unique SSBBSS ID in the format SSBBSS-I-00001. The prefix indicates your highest rank: I for Initiate, O for Operator, A for Adept, M for Master. The number never changes — the lower it is, the earlier you joined.
Your ID is publicly verifiable at ssbbss.org/verify/SSBBSS-I-00001. This URL is permanent and can appear on your BBS, your website, or your physical certificate.