Hi Katherine,
I will answer the best I can and Joe Audette can fill in the blanks and/or correct me if needed.
Anyone, regardless of their industry certifications, can write and submit a module for inclusion with mojoPortal. Initially, the module will be reviewed from a "purpose" standpoint. If the module answers an important community need, it will move on to the next stage which is where the module source code is reviewed very closely. If changes to the code need to be made, suggestions will be made to the contributing developer and it is up to them to make the necessary changes. Once the code is up to mojoPortal standards, it will be included in the mojoPortal release, but again it must meet some important community need.
It is also important to note that the source code must be released to the mojoPortal community with a license that is compatible with the CPL license. You can read more about the mojoPortal license here: http://www.mojoportal.com/license.aspx.
Further on the licensing requirements, if the developer works for another entity, a signed release from that employer is required. We can't have people claiming rights to mojoPortal code in the future.
If it is decided to not include a module for inclusion with the mojoPortal release, there is nothing to stop any developer from releasing modules on their own website. We are in the planning stages of community module download area where people can share their work easily.
HTH,
Joe D.