Some providers requires 2, some more, if both references respond and are favorable then that gentlemen is no longer a newbie.

http://www.theeroticreview.com/discussion_boards/viewmsg.asp?BoardID=33&SortBy=DateCreated%20desc&Search=when%20are%20you%20no%20longer%20a%20newbie&SearchType=3&DayFrom=930&DayTo=0&MessageID=104322&frmSearch=1#104322


http://www.theeroticreview.com/discussion_boards/viewmsg.asp?MessageID=102421&boardID=33&page=#102421

There is no set time.  Even after many years, most of us are still learning about this hobby of ours, including me, the newbie board host.  If you get to the point where you don't consider yourself a newbie anymore, than you are not a newb.  Just remember, there is always more to learn, regardless of how seasoned you are.

Swim

In Major League Baseball, you are considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, you have (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a major league club or clubs during the period of a 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service).  

In the National Hockey League, you are considered a rookie if you have played less than 25 games in any single preceding season or in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in any major professional league. And, you must not be older than 26 years before September 15 of the season in which you have played your first game in the NHL.

But, here on TER (in my opinion), I would say 6 months as an active provider or when you have reached 5 reviews, which ever comes first.