Over a period of time, the classes may become quite standardized. In some occult groups, advancement in the group is through a system of degrees. Whatever the methods used, most groups adopted an amateurish approach to training new members. Average recruit trainers receive no teacher training to assist them in the presentation of materials. Their only assset is usually a winsome personality.
Cults expend a considerable amount of time educating new members in the ways of the group.
While the average new member knows some of the teachings, especially those which proved most influential in his or her decision to join, a lengthy indoctrination by the group is frequetly necessary. Unlike a person moving between Christian denominations, where much of the doctrine and practice are the same, a new cult member has to learn a totally new way to be religious and to master a different religious tradition from scratch. At the very least, if a nominal Christian joined an intense Christian sect, she or he would likely spend many hours in Bible study learning a new approach to the Scriptures. This indoctrination completes the process of religious striving which each convert began prior to any contact with the group. The early stages of religious concern in a young adult begin in a period of dissatisfaction and investigation.