Knowing your level of expertise

[Ed_L]

Others have probably had the same problem that I've had. There have been books, courses, videos, or CDs that appealed to me, but sometimes they are targeted to a certain level of expertise with Photoshop. One might say it's for beginner, intermediate or advanced users. These terms (or levels) always get my attention because I don't want to get into something that's way over my head. So far, I've been lucky, and I've done okay.

Would it be possible to make up tests for people to take so they have a better understanding of just where they are with Photoshop? Obviously, someone who is at a level higher than beginner should know how to make selections. But how much should he know to be classified as intermediate or advanced? Would it depend on your use of Photoshop? Are these questions impossible to answer? (Maybe I should have spent the time it took to write this, making another cup of coffee instead. )

Ed

[Doug Nelson]

I personally use the finished product as my point of judgement. I've seen some amazing things here from people that claim virtual PS ignorance. Stuff I couldn't do on my best day, and I know some of the advanced features

[G. Couch]

I think there is a Photoshop certification test...I guess if you can pass that you have earned the right to call yourself a "Pro"

[roger_ele]

Within the realm of the kind of work/play that you do, I think;

Beginner - Not knowing what they are talking about - or what the program is talking about.

Intermediate - Being able to figure out what you want to do with varying degrees of effort.

Pro - Visualizing what you want to do, and doing it - all without having to think about how to do it. An image of higher consciousness ...

Roger