Purpose of This Document

The Home Staging Institute maintains clearly defined certification standards to ensure the integrity, consistency, and professional value of the credentials we issue. This document outlines the requirements, assessment criteria, and expectations that govern the awarding and retention of Home Staging Institute certification.

These published standards exist to:

• Define the meaning and value of certification to industry professionals, employers, and the public
• Establish transparent and measurable criteria for credential attainment
• Distinguish between course completion and verified competency
• Protect the credibility of certified professionals and the Institute

What Certification Represents

Meaning of Certification

A Home Staging Institute certification signifies that the holder has demonstrated verified knowledge and applied understanding of professional home staging principles through a structured educational programme and formal assessment process.

Certification confirms that the individual has:

• Completed the required course curriculum in its entirety
• Demonstrated comprehension of core home staging theory and methodology
• Applied staging concepts through practical, scenario-based assignments
• Met or exceeded the Institute’s defined passing standard under assessment conditions

Limitations of Certification

Certification reflects demonstrated competency at the time of assessment. It does not constitute a guarantee of:

• Employment or business success
• Specific income outcomes
• Suitability for all staging environments or markets

Certified professionals are expected to continue developing their skills and knowledge beyond initial certification.

Eligibility Requirements

Who May Earn Certification

To be eligible for Home Staging Institute certification, an individual must:

• Be formally enrolled in an approved Home Staging Institute certification programme
• Complete all required course units and learning materials
• Submit all required practical assignments as specified in the course structure
• Attempt the final certification examination

Viewing course content alone does not constitute eligibility for certification. Only candidates who complete the full programme requirements and submit to formal assessment are considered for credential issuance.

Assessment Framework

Structure of Assessment

The Home Staging Institute certification examination is designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The assessment comprises two components:

• Knowledge-Based Assessment – A series of multiple-choice questions assessing comprehension of home staging theory, principles, and professional practices.
• Application-Based Assessment – Evaluation of practical coursework assignments completed throughout the programme. These assignments require candidates to demonstrate applied understanding through real-world exercises, including property evaluation, vignette creation, before-and-after staging documentation, and business development planning.

Assessment Weighting

The certification examination is weighted to reflect the importance of practical application alongside theoretical understanding.

What Is Evaluated

Assessments are evaluated against defined criteria that consider:

• Accuracy of theoretical knowledge
• Quality and relevance of practical submissions
• Demonstration of applied understanding
• Professionalism and clarity of communication
• Evidence of critical thinking and appropriate judgment

Detailed grading rubrics are maintained internally and applied consistently across all candidates.

Passing Standards

Minimum Requirements

To achieve certification, candidates must attain a minimum overall score of 70% (140 points out of 200).

This threshold is established to ensure that certified professionals have demonstrated competency across both theoretical and practical components of the assessment.

Reassessment Policy

Candidates who do not meet the passing standard on their first attempt are permitted one reassessment attempt, included within the original course enrolment fee.

Reassessment is subject to the same criteria and passing standards as the initial examination. Candidates who do not achieve certification after the permitted reassessment may be required to re-enrol in the programme.

Marginal or Incomplete Submissions

Submissions that are incomplete, do not address the requirements, or fall significantly below expected standards may result in a failing grade for the relevant component.

The Institute reserves the right to request clarification or additional information where submissions are ambiguous or insufficient.

Certification Issuance

When Certification Is Awarded

Certification is awarded following successful completion of the examination and verification that all requirements have been met.

Examinations are reviewed and assessed within 48 to 72 business hours of submission under normal circumstances. Candidates are notified of their results by email upon completion of marking.

Documentation Provided

Successful candidates receive:

• An official certificate confirming their credential and certification title
• Confirmation of their status as a Certified Staging Expert (CSE)
• Access to official Home Staging Institute digital badges for professional use

Certification Records

The Home Staging Institute maintains records of all certifications issued. These records may be used to verify credential status upon request by third parties, subject to appropriate authorisation.

Certification Validity and Use

Credential Title

Upon successful certification, individuals are entitled to use the credential title Certified Staging Expert (CSE) in professional contexts.

The credential must be represented accurately and in accordance with Institute guidelines. Certified professionals may:

• Reference their certification on business materials, websites, and professional profiles
• Use official Home Staging Institute badges as provided
• Identify themselves as graduates of the Home Staging Institute

Restrictions on Use

Certified professionals must not:

• Modify, abbreviate, or embellish the credential title
• Imply certification in programmes not completed
• Suggest institutional endorsement of individual business activities beyond certification status
• Continue to claim certification following suspension or revocation

Duration of Certification

Certification remains valid from the date of issue unless revoked or suspended in accordance with the terms outlined below.

The Institute reserves the right to introduce renewal or continuing education requirements in the future to maintain currency of credentials.

Revocation and Suspension

Conditions for Revocation

Certification is not unconditional. The Home Staging Institute reserves the right to suspend or permanently revoke certification under the following circumstances:

• Misrepresentation of credentials, qualifications, or professional experience
• Breach of the Home Staging Institute Code of Conduct
• Conduct that brings the profession or the Institute into disrepute
• Fraudulent, unethical, or unlawful business practices
• Misuse of Institute branding, trademarks, or certification materials

Process

All matters relating to potential suspension or revocation are handled in accordance with the Institute’s disciplinary procedures, with due consideration for procedural fairness.
Individuals subject to revocation will be notified in writing and provided an opportunity to respond before a final determination is made, except in cases involving serious misconduct or legal violations.

Ongoing Professional Responsibility

Continued Development

Certification reflects competency demonstrated at the time of assessment. The home staging industry evolves, and certified professionals are expected to:

• Remain current with industry trends, practices, and standards
• Pursue ongoing learning and professional development
• Represent their skills and experience accurately as their careers progress

Responsible Representation

Certified professionals are expected to uphold the standards of the profession and represent their certification with integrity at all times.

This includes:

• Providing services that reflect the quality and professionalism associated with certification
• Acting in accordance with the Home Staging Institute Code of Conduct
• Maintaining ethical standards in all client and industry interactions

The Home Staging Institute serves as an ongoing professional resource, not solely as a point of initial credentialing.

Acknowledgement

By enrolling in a Home Staging Institute certification programme, candidates acknowledge that they have read and understood these Certification Standards and agree to be bound by them as a condition of credential issuance and use.

The Home Staging Institute reserves the right to amend these standards to reflect developments in industry practice, regulatory requirements, or institutional policy.