[Verne_Frantz]

Thanks for the explanation Steve. I understand what they're trying to do and I have read all their info about it (I posted the link to it near the top of this thread).
The reason why I asked about the testing procedure was because I don't completely understand how anyone can administer a test (and properly score it) without knowing the answers themselves. I could ask someone what the air cleaner stencil should look like on a Pacer, but I'd have no idea if their answer was accurate or not. I hope their program works, but it's dependant on them certifying knowledgeable people, like you.
My earlier comment may have sounded sarcastic and negative, but that was just my concern about their ability to have the knowledge needed to properly certify survivor judges. I hope they can somehow pick the right ones; otherwise those first "certified" cars may not really meet the mark. They need to be as concerned about the outcome of their (and their judges') certification as they are about protecting their trademark on the word "survivor".
I think they found themselves in this position by surprise. Since they had the trademark, they finally realized (from the backlash they received) that it had become their obligation to certify every other kind of car in order for it to be called a "survivor". (Either that, or sell trademark licenses to other marque groups.) I feel they didn't realize what a big bite they were taking out of the hobby when they trademarked that term. Do I feel they were pretentious and arrogant when they did that? Yes! Do I feel their new program to certify survivor cars from all other marques is just damage control or to avoid lawsuits over their trademark? Yes! Do I hope it works out for the best interest of the whole hobby? Yes!

Verne