However, advanced training can provide a head start toward increased expertise in areas of interest. Sometimes specific specialty skills are required to rent equipment. I know a dive shop that will not rent a camera to a person who does not hold a photography specialty certification card. Well, a person rented an expensive camera once, and attempted to change the film while under water, just as they would on land. It was an expensive error that would not likely happen after training.
Some shops also require dry-suit specialty certification to rent dry suits for safety reasons.
Well, there are several issues, the least of which is the agency name. I selected my first agency because I didn't know there were choices. I picked another agency for advanced certification for good reasons. First, I looked for a good dive shop in my area. After spending a few hours learning what I could from their staff, I decided that they were the best in the area to provide my equipment and service needs.