I am a newbie. Joining P411 to get screened and looking for newbie friendlies to get started nd get references. Some P411 providers say they are willing to see "Basic plus one" or basic plus two. What does that mean? References? Membership status? Does it help to be a TER VIP? Thanks

Basic plus one is essentially basic membership plus one provider "ok" which is their version of a referral.  Plus two is two provider oks.  Look for profiles that are newbie friendly.

They are all just tools.

Those terms (Basic + X) referr only to how many vouches you have on P411.

TER VIP is a seperate thing.  How much credence a provider gives to TER VIP status (or anything else) is really her call and varies from "lots" to "what's TER VIP?"

I don't think TER VIP cuts any ice with providers unless you have posted lots of reviews.  First of all, that gives them some confidence you're not LE.  Second, if they like being reviewed that's a benefit for them.  But as far as referrals go, you really only need P411 and DateCheck.  I added the latter because it probably helps a bit to have both, plus it's another way to access providers who use one service but not another.  Still, while they do help, there's no getting around the need to have providers' references, too.  Which is why the advice to first try those listed on P411 as "newbie friendly" is the way to go.  But even those will require additional verification like a job number or drivers license info in order for them to feel secure.  That's just the way it is.  I only started on all this in October and now am about to be at the "Plus Two" level, so it will be clear sailing.  Good luck!
PS: Being a TER VIP is still important because it's the only way to see what's truly valuable in the reviews, which is key.

Just went Basic Plus 2 on p411 last night (and 2 referrals on DateCheck) and, before I went to bed was able to easily book a visiting provider for tonight so quickly my head almost spun.  It does work if you use the system right.