This guide is based on the official guide from TPCi.
There are three ranks through which a Professor may ascend during their time with the program. Professors begin at the Basic rank in their chosen certification and gain the option to rank up as their experience and tenure increase.
 | BasicPrerequisites: Familiarity with the Play! Pokémon program and commitment to adhere to the Professor Core Values Maintaining rank: Basic Professors must staff 6 events per year in a certification-appropriate role in order to maintain their Basic rank, as well as successfully renewing at least one Basic level certification. Basic Professors may earn up to 10 Professor Points per calendar month. |
 | Stage 1Prerequisites: Staff at least 6 events per year in a certification-appropriate role. Basic Professors may apply to rank up to Stage 1 after nine months within the program. Maintaining rank: Stage 1 Professors must staff 8 events per year, 4 of which must be Premier Events, in a certification-appropriate role in order to maintain their Stage 1 rank, as well as successfully renewing at least one Stage 1 level certification. Stage 1 Professors may earn up to 20 Professor Points per calendar month. |
 | Stage 2Prerequisites: Staff at least 8 events at approved venues per year, 4 of which must be Premier Events, in a certification-appropriate role. Applicants must be fluent in English. Stage 1 Professors may apply to rank up to Stage 2 after one year within the program. Maintaining rank: Stage 2 Professors must staff 12 events per year, 8 of which must be Premier Events, in a certification-appropriate role in order to maintain their Stage 2 rank, as well as successfully renewing at least one Stage 2 level certification. As Stage 2 Professors are among the first considered for volunteer staff roles at the largest and most international events, fluency in English is essential. Stage 2 Professors may earn up to 30 Professor Points per calendar month. |