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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are currently four companies offering certified card grading services. Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Sportscard Guaranty (SGC), and Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG). To become a professional card grader, you must secure a job with one of the companies by passing their grading test. Each service sets its own grading criteria<\/strong>. So be sure to learn more about their process at their dedicated websites. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This guide will take a closer look at the world of sports card grading. We\u2019ll explain how you can secure a job as a grader. Share details about each company\u2019s testing criteria, and discuss some of the day-to-day responsibilities you\u2019ll be in charge of as a card grader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you\u2019re ready to make a career of your love for sports cards, let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we jump into the process of becoming a card grader, let\u2019s first quickly review what sports card grading is. And why it\u2019s become such an important industry for card collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, sports card grading is the process of assessing a card\u2019s condition and assigning it a numerical grade on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being a pristine, gem mint condition card. The value of a card can increase or decrease significantly based on its grade<\/strong>. With mint condition cards often selling for 10 times the price of a lower-graded card in the same condition.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Card grading is performed by professional companies, which use a combination of trained experts and high-tech scanning equipment to grade cards. Each company has its own process and criteria for grading, but the general steps are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To succeed as a card grader, you must have a keen eye for detail and be able to spot even the most minor imperfections in a card\u2019s surface or design. You should also have a strong working knowledge of the major sports leagues and players, as you\u2019ll need to be able to identify cards based on these criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of technical skills<\/a>, you must also be proficient with computer systems, scanners, cameras, and related software. As you\u2019ll be responsible for inputting data about each card into the company\u2019s grading system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, it\u2019s helpful if you have previous experience working in customer service. As you\u2019ll be interacting with clients on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sports fans have been collecting and trading player cards<\/a> for generations. But it wasn\u2019t until recently that the card grading industry saw a massive influx of grading requests. In just a few years, the industry has grown to account for several billions of dollars<\/a> worth of revenue. And it\u2019s now facing a lack of quality graders to keep up with the demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This sudden interest in card grading can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic. As millions of Americans were forced to work from home, they found themselves rummaging through their attics and sheds, finding vintage sports cards they thought had long been lost. Hoping to cash in on their old cards, average they sent their cards off to be graded before selling their stashes online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To become a professional card grader you will need to get hired by one of the main recognized card grading companies. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no formal industry recognised certificate or qualification.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are many grading businesses now, we have listed the ‘big four’ companies below. Each have their own recruitment and training systems which we break down in detail throughout this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of guys think they can start grading cards just because they have an eye for detail and a deep knowledge of sports. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not that simple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While you can certainly practice by grading your own cards. It won\u2019t mean a thing without the certification of a professional grading company. Instead, you\u2019ll have to find a job working with one of these four companies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These four companies currently account for the majority share of the grading market and are regularly hiring new card graders. Once hired, you\u2019ll have the authorization to accurately assess and assign a grade to any sports card you come across. Keep in mind, though, that these companies are highly reputable and won\u2019t hire just anyone. You must first prove your ability to accurately grade cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the next few sections, we\u2019ll take a closer look at the four companies\u2019 testing requirements to help you better understand how to get a job as a grader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re interested in becoming a PSA grader, start by checking for available positions on their official website<\/a>. There are no set qualifications to become a grader, such as a certificate or a license. However, it\u2019s wise to first familiarize yourself with PSA\u2019s grading scale. They grade cards on a universal 1 to 10 scale, ranging from PR 1 \u2013 Poor to GEM-MT 10 \u2013 Gem Mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, beyond the universal grading scale<\/a>, you must also be able to identify other issues such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These factors all play into a card\u2019s final grade<\/a> . So be sure that you can identify these issues before you apply. During the application process, you\u2019ll be tested on your knowledge of both unopened decks and individual cards. So come prepared with as much information as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like PSA, Beckett also uses a standardized grading system to assess sports cards. Their system follows a similar 10-point structure<\/a> but it maxes out at 10-Pristine, rather than Gem Mint. Additionally, to become a Beckett grader, you must have extensive knowledge of autograph quality, possible counterfeits, and historical design flaws\/trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beckett\u2019s testing process is quite similar to PSA, requiring both a close eye for detail and a deep understanding of the industry. Once you feel prepared to tackle the application process, you can search their website to find available job openings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Become a CSG Grader<\/p>\n\n\n\n To work as a grader for CSG<\/a>, you must have at least 1 year of prior grading experience as a professional card dealer or collector. Additionally, you must have a deep understanding of modern and vintage card printing processes, including knowledge of accepted variations, defects, and flaws. This understanding will help identify counterfeits and prove authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you feel confident in your skills, you can apply through CSG\u2019s official website. Additionally, CSG requires all of its new hires to relocate to Sarasota, Florida. CSG is based out of Sarasota and asks that all of its employees move to its home base. You may also be required to travel throughout the United States and abroad to attend conferences and deals around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared to the other top grading companies, SGC is far less transparent about their grading criteria and hiring process. However, it appears that you can apply for a position with SGC through third-party hiring sites, such as Indeed and SimplyHired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a card grader, you\u2019ll be responsible for assessing the condition of sports cards and assigning them a numerical grade on a scale from 1 to 10. You\u2019ll use a combination of your expert knowledge and the company\u2019s grading system to determine a card\u2019s final grade. The grading process<\/a> assesses cards based on these five factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a card grader, you\u2019ll also be responsible for inputting data about each card into the company\u2019s grading system. This data includes the card\u2019s dimensions, player name, team name, league, position, and more. You\u2019ll also be responsible for taking high-quality photos of each card to be used in the grading report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re not grading cards, you\u2019ll be interacting with clients, answering their questions about the grading process, and resolving any issues they have. It\u2019s important to maintain a high level of customer service as your interactions with clients will play a large role in the company\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Card grading is a fast-paced industry so you must be able to work quickly and accurately while still paying close attention to detail. The ability to multitask and stay organized is also important. You\u2019ll be handling a large volume of cards on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the card grading industry is booming, the pay for graders remains relatively low. The average salary<\/a> for a card grader is around $20,000 per year but, depending on the company, you could make as little as $16,000 or as much as $35,000. Keep in mind, though, that these salaries are based on national averages and may be higher or lower depending on your location.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, graders in New York City could expect to make significantly more than the national average due to the high cost of living in the city. Additionally, your salary will also depend on your level of experience. Entry-level graders can expect to make on the lower end of the salary spectrum. While experienced graders will likely earn closer to the higher end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news, though, is that many companies are now offering incentives to new hires. CSG, for example, is currently awarding a $1,500 bonus to all new hires as a way to bring in new expertise. Thanks to continued demand for card grading services, wages are sure to go up, as are bonuses and incentives for new hires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sports card industry is currently going through a renaissance, with a new generation of collectors<\/a> driving up the value of cards. As a result, there\u2019s a sudden demand for card graders to assess the condition of cards and assign them a numerical grade<\/a>. If you\u2019re hoping to join this rapidly growing industry, master your skillset and apply for a position with PSA, Beckett, CSG, or SGC.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Sports Card Grading?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why the Sudden Demand for Card Graders?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Be a Card Grader<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Become a PSA Card Grader<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Become a Beckett Card Grader<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What About SGC?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Job Description and Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Card Grader<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other Card Grading Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Money Do Card Graders Make?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n