Hello! I am a new-ish provider (formerly UTR) but new here! I've read the self-help area, thank you so much  

...search by your clients e-mail address.  How to get the free limited Provider VIP is in the Self-Help Center under the heading "Some info for Providers". You must have at least one review to qualify.

If in fact she has no reviews, can she run those searches if she just pays for VIP, as a provider? I'd guess not, but just asking.

So I have been thinking of changing from google to proton mail... will that mess me up? Will providers not be able to check my references for example ?

No problem, its a great question! I needed two reviews (which I have now) to be able to search by email address. Previously, it was just search by user ID.

..to gain access to the Provider Only board.  
 You'll find a wealth of useful information  
..as well as you can ask the ladies questions all behind closed doors.

Why even submit a request that is certain to be denied?
Access to the provider only board requires a minimum of 3 reviews (she only has 2) and a decent posting history. (She only has 14 posts total on TER)

I absolutely stand corrected
  For some reason I was under the impression that it was two reviews.  
  Thank you for correcting my mis-leading suggestion.

Hi. I'm also new and just trying to soak up useful information. I have a few reviews but this is my first post. How many times does a provider need to post before receiving VIP access?

There is no set rule for that. It would be nice if TER said "you n Ed to post x number of posts in x time period, but they don't. They just use their discretion in deciding when to let someone in to the PO board. I believe they just want to see that you are a contributing member and that you can post without breaking their posting rules.

That's not exactly the answer I was wanting but I won't complain. I suppose the mods have their reasons and tight security is what seems to make this site so great! I definitely like this board better than others. Everyone acts a lot more sane lol Have a great day everyone! Happy Hobbying!

I see you are located in Dallas, Dallas is not exactly a "TER City" IOW a city where TER is the dominant board. Please feel free to post on your local board, but as you will quickly find out, it is a VERY slow board and even if you post on every single thread made on that board you will never get enough board posts to qualify for the PO board. I would suggest you continue to post on this board and also that you participate on some of the other national boards like the GD board AKA "the national discussion board" to gain the "board presence" you will need to gain access to the PO board.