If It’s Not in the Hands, It’s Not in the Head

Why We Require Hands-On Application in Our Certifications

In The Only Skill That Matters, Jonathan Levi reminds us of something our ancestors knew instinctively: people don’t learn by simply reading or being told what to do—they learn by doing. His mother’s mantra was: “If it’s not in the hands, it’s not in the head.” That one sentence perfectly captures the philosophy behind our gamification and game-based learning certifications.

At Sententia, we don’t teach theory in isolation. We believe that learning must be embodied—applied, tested, challenged, and refined through action. That’s why our 3-tiered certification process is deliberately designed with immersive, experiential learning at its core. 

Level 1: Gamification Surveyor — Learn It By Building It

Our Level 1 certification introduces you to the Sententia codified 5-Quest Pirate Tales model—but the real magic happens when you apply it. From the start, you’re not just learning about gamification; you’re designing your own project to solve a real-world problem.

You’ll analyze your audience, identify behavioral drivers, and architect a gamified experience using our design framework. Whether you use our Wellness Case Study or bring your own challenge, the outcome is the same: you build something tangible, not just pass a quiz. You walk away not with a certificate that says you learned about gamification—but a prototype that shows you did it. 

Level 2: Gamification Journeyman — Practice in the Guild

By Level 2, the focus shifts to mastery through iteration and collaboration. This is where the idea of “in the hands” really takes shape.

Here, you join a Guild—a collaborative team where you practice applying game mechanics to more complex learning challenges. Together, you workshop design ideas, critique one another’s builds, and refine your thinking through feedback. The goal isn’t to get it perfect—it’s to try, reflect, and improve. Sometimes that means your ideas flop. That’s okay. That’s where the real learning happens.

And because gamification isn’t one-size-fits-all, you also complete a solo challenge, applying your skills to a project that fits your environment, budget, and goals. By the end of Level 2, you’ve not only designed multiple gamified elements—you’ve grown the confidence to adapt and evolve your approach in real-time. 

Level 3: Gamification Master Craftsman — Demonstrate and Lead

Level 3 is where hands-on learning becomes leadership. To earn the Master Craftsman designation, you don’t just complete a capstone project—you present and defend your design to a panel of experts. You’ve got to show your work, explain your decisions, and demonstrate results.

But this level is also about lifting others. You might lead a session in the Game Garage, mentor a fellow designer, or contribute to the broader gamification community through writing, speaking, or teaching. At this level, learning by doing becomes teaching by doing—a full-circle moment that brings mastery into motion.

We Don’t Certify Perfection—We Certify Practice

Some programs certify you because you got all the answers “right.” That’s not us. We certify you because you’ve done the real work—sometimes messy, often challenging, always brave—of applying gamification to actual learning environments.

So whether you’re building your first prototype, troubleshooting a design with your guild, or presenting your masterpiece to a panel, know this: if it’s not in the hands, it’s not in the head. And that’s why our certifications work. 

Ready to get your hands on your learning?

Explore Certification Paths ➝ https://www.sententiagamification.com/certifications