Top 10 Military Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for military analysts in the job market. Certifications demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers value. They provide assurance to employers that the analyst has met certain standards and is qualified to do the job. Certifications also provide a competitive edge over other applicants who may not have them, as they can give insight into an applicant’s skillset and experience level. In addition, certifications can open up opportunities to work with higher-ranking organizations or even with the government itself. Finally, certifications often come with continuing education credits which can be used to keep up with changing technology and stay ahead of trends in the industry.

This article reviews the top certifications for Military Analysts and explains how they can advance an analyst's career by enhancing their knowledge and expertise.

What are Military Analyst Certifications?

Military analyst certification is an accreditation given to individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field of military analysis. It is designed to recognize the accomplishments of those who have dedicated themselves to researching, analyzing, and understanding the complexities of military operations and strategy. The certification can be used to demonstrate the value that a certified individual brings to employers, clients, and other stakeholders.

The certification process typically involves completing a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as intelligence analysis, operational planning, military history, weapons systems and tactics, international relations and law, and analytical writing. The goal is for analysts to gain an understanding of the various components that make up military operations so they can better analyze them from both strategic and tactical perspectives. Certification also allows analysts to stay up-to-date on current developments in their field by attending seminars or taking online courses.

Having a military analyst certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking employment opportunities related to the defense industry or national security sector. It also demonstrates that they possess an advanced level of knowledge in their field which could be beneficial when providing input on high-level policy decisions or advising government officials on complex issues related to defense strategy or operations. Additionally, having certification may enable analysts to access resources not available to non-certified professionals such as specialized research materials or exclusive job postings. Ultimately, earning a military analyst certification can provide greater career opportunities while enhancing one’s professional reputation as an expert in their field.

Pro Tip: To qualify for military analyst certification, be sure to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of intelligence analysis, including core analytic techniques and methods. Additionally, research the available certifications and make sure you meet the qualifications for each before applying. Finally, take advantage of resources such as online coursework and practice tests to ensure you are fully prepared for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Military Analyst do?

Top 10 Military Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Military Analysts today.

1. Certified Military Analyst (CMA)

Certified Military Analyst (CMA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Council on Education (ACE). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in military analysis and related fields. The CMA credential is intended to help employers identify qualified candidates for positions requiring knowledge of military analysis and related fields.

The CMA program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online assessment and an in-person or virtual interview with an ACE Certified Military Analyst. The online assessment covers topics such as military doctrine, tactics, operations, force structure, intelligence analysis, logistics, and strategy. The interview focuses on the candidate’s experience and knowledge of the topics covered in the assessment.

To obtain the CMA credential, applicants must successfully complete both parts of the program within a three-year period. Applicants must also maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements every three years.

The cost to obtain the CMA credential varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 USD depending on the provider and other factors such as additional fees or discounts offered.

2. Certified Systems Engineer (CSE)

A Certified Systems Engineer (CSE) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of systems engineering. The certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core principles, practices, and processes required for successful systems engineering.

The CSE certification is offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that tests their understanding of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about two hours to complete.

To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in systems engineering or a related field. They must also have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited university or college.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as the actual test itself.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CSE certification from INCOSE. This certification is valid for four years before needing to be renewed by taking another examination.

3. Certified Intelligence Analyst (CIA)

Certified Intelligence Analyst (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Professional Security and Intelligence Analysts (IAPSI). It is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of intelligence analysts in the field of intelligence analysis.

It typically takes around six months to one year to obtain the CIA certification. The process involves completing a comprehensive exam, attending an approved training program, and passing a background check. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their official CIA certification.

To get started on obtaining your CIA certification, you must first register with IAPSI and pay the required registration fee. After registering, you will be able to access study materials and take practice exams to prepare for the comprehensive exam. You will then need to attend an approved training program before taking the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be granted your official CIA certification.

The cost of obtaining your CIA certification varies depending on which training program you choose and how long it takes you to complete all requirements. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD for registration fees alone.

4. Certified Counterintelligence Analyst (CCIA)

Certified Counterintelligence Analyst (CCIA) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Counterintelligence Professionals (IACIP). The CCIA designation is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of counterintelligence. It is intended to provide employers with a way to identify qualified professionals in this specialized field.

To become certified, applicants must pass an examination administered by IACIP. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as intelligence analysis, threat assessment, counterintelligence operations, and security management. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of counterintelligence principles and practices through a written essay.

The exam typically takes between four and six hours to complete and costs $250 for members of IACIP or $350 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application form along with verification documents such as letters of recommendation from two current or former supervisors in the field of counterintelligence. Upon approval, applicants will receive their CCIA certification within 6-8 weeks.

The cost for certification includes the exam fee as well as any additional fees associated with submitting the application form and verifying documents.

5. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

The Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of risk management. The CRMP designation is recognized internationally as a mark of excellence and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the profession.

To qualify for the CRMP, applicants must have at least five years of experience in risk management and must pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as risk assessment, risk control, and risk financing. Applicants must also complete 12 hours of continuing education credits each year to maintain their certification.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. Once you have passed the exam, there is an annual fee of $150 USD to maintain your certification.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CRMP exam and can take up to six months if you are studying full time or taking classes related to risk management.

6. Certified Business Intelligence Analyst (CBIA)

Certified Business Intelligence Analyst (CBIA) is a professional certification designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of business intelligence. It is awarded by the International Institute for Business Intelligence (IIBI), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of business intelligence.

The CBIA certification requires successful completion of a series of exams that assess an individual’s knowledge and skills across various areas related to business intelligence, such as data analysis, data modeling, data visualization, database design and implementation, reporting and analytics. The exams are based on industry standards and best practices.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the entire process from start to finish. To get certified, applicants must first register with IIBI and pay a fee of $395 USD. They then need to pass all four exams: Data Analysis & Modeling; Database Design & Implementation; Reporting & Analytics; and Data Visualization & Presentation. After passing all four exams, applicants will receive their certification from IIBI.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on how many exams you take and how long it takes you to complete them. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $395 USD for one exam up to $1,495 USD for all four exams.

7. Certified Logistics and Supply Chain Analyst (CLSCA)

Certified Logistics and Supply Chain Analyst (CLSCA) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become successful logistics and supply chain analysts. The CLSCA program is administered by the American Society of Logistics & Supply Chain Management (ASLSCM).

The CLSCA program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as inventory management, transportation management, warehousing, global supply chain management, and more. The online course consists of six modules that cover topics such as logistics systems design, analytics for decision-making, project management in logistics and supply chain operations, and more.

It typically takes about four months to complete the CLSCA program. The cost for the entire program is $1,495 USD. To get certified as a CLSCA you must first pass the written exam with a score of at least 70%. Once you have passed the exam you will be eligible to take the online course which consists of six modules. Upon successful completion of both parts you will receive your official CLSCA certification from ASLSCM.

8. Certified Homeland Security Analyst (CHSA)

Certified Homeland Security Analyst (CHSA) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Certified Homeland Security Professionals (IACSP). The CHSA program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in homeland security and emergency management. It provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of homeland security.

The CHSA requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as: risk assessment, threat analysis, incident response planning, emergency preparedness and response, cyber security, intelligence analysis, physical security measures and countermeasures, critical infrastructure protection and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified as a CHSA, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of professional experience in the field of homeland security or emergency management; completion of an approved training course; passing the CHSA exam; and paying a fee for certification.

The cost for the CHSA certification is $399 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes access to the online exam preparation materials as well as one attempt at the CHSA exam.

9. Certified Network Defense Analyst (CNDA)

Certified Network Defense Analyst (CNDA) is a certification program offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect networks from attack and malicious activity. The CNDA program covers topics such as network security, risk management, intrusion detection, incident response, and digital forensics.

The CNDA certification requires a minimum of two years of network security experience before taking the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. Candidates must also submit a case study for review by EC-Council in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CNDA exam is $500 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with the application process and the submission of the case study.

Overall, it can take up to six months from start to finish to become a Certified Network Defense Analyst (CNDA).

10. Certified Cybersecurity Analyst (CCA)

Certified Cybersecurity Analyst (CCA) is a professional certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of cyber security. CCA certifications are offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CCA certification is designed to help organizations identify and hire qualified personnel who can protect their networks and systems from malicious attacks.

The CCA exam tests an individual’s knowledge of cyber security principles, practices, technologies, and tools. It consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as risk management, incident response, cryptography, network security, system security, application security, and data protection. To earn a CCA certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

It typically takes up to 6 months to prepare for the CCA exam. During this time, applicants should become familiar with the topics covered on the exam by studying textbooks or taking online courses. Additionally, they should practice taking sample exams to get used to the format of the actual test.

The cost of obtaining a CCA certification varies depending on where you take the exam. The fee for taking the exam is usually around $500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, some organizations may require additional fees for study materials or other services related to obtaining a CCA certification.

Do You Really Need a Military Analyst Certificate?

No, you do not need a military analyst certificate to work in the field of military analysis. However, having one can be beneficial in terms of credibility and recognition. A certificate demonstrates that you have gone through a specialized training program and possess the skills necessary to analyze data and provide insights into the current military landscape. It also serves as proof that you are knowledgeable about key topics related to the military, such as budgeting, strategic planning, intelligence analysis, and weapons systems.

In addition to providing a credential that can be used to demonstrate your qualifications for a job or promotion within the military sector, having a military analyst certificate can also open up new career opportunities outside of the military. Many organizations hire individuals with this type of certification because they recognize its value in helping them make informed decisions about their business operations. Furthermore, many private firms offer contract positions for certified military analysts who can help them better understand the security landscape and come up with strategies for protecting their assets.

Overall, while having a military analyst certificate is not strictly necessary for success within this field, it certainly does have its advantages. By taking the time to obtain this credential, you will be able to prove your expertise in this area and give yourself an edge over other applicants when it comes to job opportunities both inside and outside of the military sector.

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FAQs About Military Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Military Analyst Certification?

A1. A Military Analyst Certification is an accreditation that demonstrates proficiency in the analysis of military operations, tactics, and technologies. It validates a candidate's ability to analyze complex data and develop solutions to operational challenges.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Military Analyst?

A2. To become certified as a Military Analyst, you must complete an approved course of study that includes classroom training and practical experience in analyzing military systems and operations. The courses vary by provider, but typically cover topics such as intelligence analysis, information systems security, network management, and cyber warfare.

Q3. What career opportunities are available with a Military Analyst Certification?

A3. With a Military Analyst Certification, you can pursue careers in government agencies, defense contractors, and private industry that require expertise in analyzing military operations and technologies. Job roles may include intelligence analysts, cyber security specialists, network engineers, system administrators, or project managers.

Q4. How long does it take to get a Military Analyst Certification?

A4. Depending on the course provider and your prior experience level with military analysis techniques and technologies, it typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the coursework for certification as a Military Analyst.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a Military Analyst Certification program?

A5. Yes - most programs have prerequisites such as prior knowledge of military systems or operations; experience working with computer networks; or advanced degrees in related disciplines such as engineering or computer science