Top 10 Law Enforcement/Security Certifications

Certifications are important for law enforcement and security professionals in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and proficiency in a particular subject. They provide employers with tangible evidence that the applicant has the skills and qualifications necessary to successfully perform the duties of their position. Furthermore, certifications can help differentiate an individual from other applicants, as they demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and skill in a specific area. Finally, certifications can also be used to qualify for higher-level positions or promotions within a department or agency.

This article reviews and explains some of the top certifications for Law Enforcement/Securitys, and how they can help to enhance their career.

What are Law Enforcement/Security Certifications?

Law enforcement/security certification is a form of professional recognition that demonstrates an individual has met certain minimum standards and qualifications in their field. It is most often awarded by professional organizations or government agencies. Certification can be beneficial to law enforcement and security professionals as it helps them demonstrate their competency, knowledge, and skills to employers, peers, and the public. In addition to providing validation of one's qualifications, certification may also open up opportunities for job advancement, increased wages, and access to higher levels of training. Furthermore, certifications may be required in order to work in certain positions or jurisdictions. For example, some states require individuals working in law enforcement to hold specific certifications in order to qualify for the position. Finally, having a certification shows that an individual is committed to continuing education in their field and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

Pro Tip: When looking to gain a law enforcement or security certification, be sure to research any prerequisites that may be required in order to qualify. Many certifications require applicants to have certain levels of experience, training, and/or education in order to be eligible.

Related: What does a Law Enforcement/Security do?

Top 10 Law Enforcement/Security Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Law Enforcement/Securitys today.

1. Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

Certified Protection Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program developed by ASIS International, the world’s largest organization for security professionals. The CPP designation is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of security management. It is the highest level of certification available for security professionals and provides them with an internationally recognized credential that can be used to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the profession.

In order to become a Certified Protection Professional, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an examination administered by ASIS International. To qualify, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of security management or related areas. They must also have completed at least 120 hours of approved training courses related to security management within the past three years.

The CPP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as risk assessment, physical security measures, personnel security, emergency preparedness and response, information systems protection, legal aspects of security management, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $450 USD for members of ASIS International ($550 USD for non-members).

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, they will receive their CPP designation from ASIS International. This credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued and may be renewed by completing 60 additional hours of approved training courses during that time period.

2. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence.

The CFE credential requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as financial transactions, fraud schemes, investigation techniques, legal elements of fraud, and interviewing and interrogation. Candidates must also demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience in the field of fraud examination.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the CFE exam. During this time, candidates should review the ACFE's study materials and take practice exams. Additionally, candidates may benefit from attending seminars or webinars on fraud examination topics.

To become a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), applicants must submit an application form to the ACFE along with proof of their work experience and payment of the application fee. Once approved by the ACFE, applicants can register for the CFE Exam online or by mail.

The cost for becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) varies depending on your country/region. In the United States, it costs $400 USD to apply for the CFE Exam and $750 USD for international applicants. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($895 USD in the US; $1125 USD internationally).

3. Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE)

Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) is a certification program that recognizes the highest level of professional achievement in law enforcement management. It is a voluntary program that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in law enforcement administration and management.

To become certified, an applicant must have at least five years of experience as a sworn full-time law enforcement officer, three years of supervisory or command experience, and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The exam covers topics such as leadership, police organization and management, personnel management, legal issues, budgeting and financial management, community relations, technology and information systems, research methods and analysis, problem solving/decision making, public safety issues, public policy development/implementation, and ethical considerations.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. During this time period applicants must submit their application materials for review by IACP staff members. Once approved by IACP staff members the applicant will be notified to take the CLEE exam at an approved testing site. After passing the exam applicants will receive their official CLEE certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost for the CLEE certification process varies depending on which state you are located in; however it typically costs between $500-$1,000 USD.

4. Certified Homeland Security Level III (CHS-III)

Certified Homeland Security Level III (CHS-III) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of homeland security. The CHS-III certification is offered by the International Association of Certified Homeland Security Professionals (IACHS).

The CHS-III certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of homeland security, emergency management, risk assessment, critical infrastructure protection, terrorism prevention and response, and other related topics. Applicants must also demonstrate their understanding of the laws and regulations that govern homeland security activities.

The CHS-III certification process typically takes six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application form and provide evidence of their qualifications for the program. After submitting their application, applicants will be required to pass an online examination covering the topics mentioned above. Once they have passed the exam, applicants will receive their certification from IACHS.

The cost for obtaining a CHS-III certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This cost includes all materials needed for completing the coursework as well as taking the online exam.

5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification in the field of information security. It is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CISSP credential is designed to demonstrate a person’s proficiency in the areas of information security, risk management, and IT governance.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes up to six hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

To obtain the CISSP credential, candidates must pass a rigorous examination that covers topics such as access control systems and methodology, cryptography, application development security, operations security, business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $699-$999 USD.

6. Certified Public Safety Executive (CPSE)

Certified Public Safety Executive (CPSE) is a certification program that recognizes the highest level of professional achievement in the public safety field. It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of public safety administration and management, including the ability to develop and implement effective strategies for dealing with complex public safety issues.

The CPSE certification process includes a written examination, an oral board review, and a peer review. The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as public safety administration, budgeting, personnel management, policy development, and legal issues. The oral board review is conducted by three or more subject matter experts who evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and abilities in areas such as leadership, decision making, problem solving, communication skills, and strategic planning. The peer review involves the evaluation of the candidate’s work product by two or more peers from within their organization.

The entire CPSE certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. To get certified as a CPSE, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements which include: having at least five years of experience in public safety administration or management; having completed an accredited degree program in criminal justice or related field; having held a supervisory position within their organization for at least two years; and being able to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as budgeting, personnel management, policy development, legal issues, and strategic planning.

The cost of obtaining CPSE certification varies depending on the applicant’s location but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

7. International Association of Crime Analysts Certification Program (IACACP)

The International Association of Crime Analysts Certification Program (IACACP) is a professional certification program for crime analysts. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of crime analysts who have achieved a level of proficiency in the field. The IACACP certification is based on a set of standards developed by the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA).

To become certified, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it to the IACA. Applicants must then pass an exam that covers topics such as criminal justice research methods, data analysis, report writing and presentation skills. Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their certification from IACA.

The certification process typically takes between three to six months to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on which country you are applying from, but typically ranges from $150-$400 USD.

8. Physical Security Professional Certification (PSP)

Physical Security Professional Certification (PSP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in physical security principles, technologies, and practices. The PSP certification is widely recognized as the premier credential for physical security professionals.

The PSP certification program consists of two parts: an examination and a practical application component. The exam covers topics such as access control systems, CCTV systems, alarm systems, locks and safes, lighting and signage, personnel security measures, and more. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in physical security or related fields.

The practical application component requires applicants to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge of physical security principles and practices. This includes projects they have completed or supervised in their professional roles.

It typically takes about six months to complete the PSP certification process from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete both the exam and the practical application component before they can receive their certification.

To get started on the PSP certification process, applicants must first register with ASIS International through their website or by calling their customer service line. After registering, applicants will receive instructions on how to prepare for the exam as well as information about submitting their portfolio for review by ASIS International's Physical Security Council (PSC).

The cost of obtaining the PSP certification varies depending on whether you are an ASIS member or non-member. For members it costs $450 USD while non-members pay $600 USD.

9. ASIS International Physical Security Professional Certification (PSP)

ASIS International Physical Security Professional Certification (PSP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of physical security. The PSP certification is intended for those who are responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating physical security systems. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of physical security from access control to video surveillance, from risk assessment to emergency management.

To become certified as a PSP, you must pass an exam administered by ASIS International. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as access control systems, alarm systems, CCTV systems, locksmithing and key control, risk assessment and analysis, emergency preparedness and response planning, and more. You must also complete an application form which includes providing proof of professional experience in the field of physical security.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on where you take it; however it typically costs around $450-$500 USD. It usually takes about two months to receive your results after taking the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will be awarded the PSP designation by ASIS International. This designation will demonstrate your commitment to excellence in physical security and provide recognition from peers in the industry.

10. National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council Certification Program

The National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council Certification Program (NCPCP) is a voluntary certification program for organizations that handle sensitive personal information. It is designed to help organizations protect the privacy of individuals by providing guidance on how to properly collect, use, store, and share data. The NCPCP is administered by the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council (NCPCC), which is made up of representatives from government agencies, industry associations, consumer groups, and other stakeholders.

The NCPCP certification process involves completing an online self-assessment questionnaire that covers topics such as data security, data collection practices, data sharing policies, and privacy notices. Once the questionnaire is completed, the organization must submit it to NCPCC for review. The NCPCC will then review the questionnaire and provide feedback on any areas where improvement can be made. After all recommendations have been addressed, the organization can apply for formal certification.

The entire certification process typically takes between three to six months depending on the complexity of the organization’s operations. To get certified, organizations must pay a fee of $2,500 USD per year or $7,500 USD for three years. This fee covers the cost of conducting an audit of the organization’s security practices as well as providing ongoing support from NCPCC staff throughout the certification process.

Do You Really Need a Law Enforcement/Security Certificate?

Yes, a law enforcement/security certificate can be a valuable asset for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or security. A certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the field and provide you with additional skills and knowledge that may be useful on the job. It can also help you stand out from other applicants when it comes to interviews and promotions.

A law enforcement/security certificate program typically covers topics such as criminal justice, legal studies, investigation techniques, crime prevention strategies, crisis management and ethical decision-making. Depending on the program you choose, you may also learn about technology-related topics such as computer forensics and digital evidence collection. In addition to gaining knowledge of specific subject areas, a certificate program will give you hands-on experience working with real-world scenarios. This type of experiential learning can help to prepare you for the challenges you will face on the job.

Having a law enforcement/security certificate can also open up networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. You may be able to make connections with current officers or security personnel who could provide advice or mentorship as you progress in your career. Such contacts can help you stay informed about industry trends and give insight into potential job openings before they are advertised publicly.

Overall, having an official certification from an accredited institution is an important step towards building a successful career in law enforcement or security work. It shows employers that you have taken steps to further your education beyond what was required by your degree program and have invested time and energy into becoming knowledgeable about this field of work.

Related: Law Enforcement/Security Resume Examples

FAQs About Law Enforcement/Security Certifications

Q1. What are the different types of law enforcement/security certifications?

A1. The types of law enforcement/security certifications include: Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Security Professional (CSP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), and International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).

Q2. What is the cost associated with obtaining a law enforcement/security certification?

A2. The cost associated with obtaining a law enforcement/security certification varies depending on the type of certification you choose to pursue. Generally, fees range from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on the materials and assessments required for each program.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a law enforcement/security certification?

A3. Depending on the type of certification you pursue, it can take anywhere from one month to several years to complete a law enforcement/security certification program. It is important to research each program thoroughly before committing to ensure that you have enough time and resources available for completion.

Q4. Is there an age requirement for law enforcement/security certifications?

A4. Generally, most programs do not have any age requirements; however, some may require applicants to be at least 18 years old in order to apply or participate in certain activities related to the certification process.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a law enforcement/security certification?

A5. Depending on the type of certification you are pursuing, there may be prerequisites such as prior experience in security or law enforcement, educational requirements, or even physical fitness tests that must be completed prior to applying for a particular program.