About Baptism

Is Baptism required for salvation? Do you know the answer to that question? Here is what Jesus Christ, Himself said: Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved;… NKJV. So, first we must believe and then we are to be baptized.
But what's involved? Do we just get a little water tossed on us and we're baptized? Or do we get totally submerged in water?
Who is authorized to baptize us? Is it OK if Uncle Jose or Aunt Mary baptize us? Must we be baptized by someone who has an official degree in theology from some university. Or is it possible that we must be baptized from someone that can trace their own baptism back to one of the original Apostles on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1?
Should you receive counseling prior to committing to the rite of baptism? Have you counted the cost of baptism? What would be the cost of committing to baptism and then later rejecting the Holy Spirit?
What about the Holy Spirit? Do you receive the Holy Spirit upon baptism or is something else required? How about the "laying on of hands? Is that part of the baptism ceremony?
In the book of Mark, chapter 16 and verse 16, Jesus said that in order to be saved one must believe AND be baptized.
Baptism is a requirement for salvation. For the answers to the questions listed above, in addition to answers to many other questions about baptism, read this book.