Top 11 Security Dispatcher Certifications

Security dispatchers are responsible for ensuring the safety of people and property. As such, certifications are important in the job market to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in these areas. Certifications offer proof that a security dispatcher has the necessary skills and education to safely and effectively handle emergency situations. Having certifications also shows employers that the individual is committed to their profession and willing to invest time into learning best practices in order to be a more effective security dispatcher. Additionally, certifications can provide potential employers with assurance that the security dispatcher is up-to-date on any new technology or procedures related to their role. Ultimately, certifications can help a security dispatcher stand out among other job applicants and give them an edge in securing a position.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Security Dispatchers and explain how they can help enhance a security dispatcher's career.

What are Security Dispatcher Certifications?

Security dispatcher certification is a certification program designed to help security dispatchers improve their knowledge and skills in the field. The certification provides training for dispatchers on topics such as emergency response protocols, customer service, communication techniques, and other related topics. By completing the certification program, security dispatchers will be better equipped to handle emergency situations quickly and efficiently while providing excellent customer service. This can help increase customer satisfaction and safety in the workplace. Additionally, obtaining this certification can open up job opportunities with larger security companies who may require a higher level of training for their employees.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the security dispatcher certification requirements in your state or region and understand what is expected of you before attempting to become certified. Also, be sure to take a course that covers topics such as basic law enforcement principles, crisis management and communication skills, and emergency response procedures.

Related: What does a Security Dispatcher do?

Top 11 Security Dispatcher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Security Dispatchers today.

1. Certified Security Dispatcher (CSD)

Certified Security Dispatcher (CSD) is a certification program designed to provide security personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and respond to emergency situations. The program consists of an online course, in-person training, and a certification exam.

The online course covers topics such as emergency response procedures, communication protocols, safety protocols, legal considerations, and customer service. The in-person training includes hands-on practice with simulated scenarios. Upon successful completion of the course and training, participants can take the certification exam.

The CSD certification exam is administered by an independent third party and consists of multiple choice questions covering the material from the online course and in-person training. The exam typically takes two hours to complete.

To get certified as a CSD, you must first complete the online course and in-person training. Once you have completed these steps, you can register for the certification exam. The cost of registering for the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

2. Certified Emergency Dispatcher (CED)

Certified Emergency Dispatcher (CED) is a certification program that recognizes the specialized training and experience of public safety telecommunicators. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform emergency dispatching services.

The CED certification program is administered by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), which is an international organization dedicated to advancing the quality of emergency dispatch services worldwide. The IAED offers two levels of CED certification: Basic and Advanced.

The Basic CED certification requires successful completion of a 40-hour online course, followed by a written exam. The Advanced CED certification requires successful completion of an additional 40-hour online course, plus a practical exam. Both courses cost $250 each and must be completed within one year from registration date.

In order to become certified as an Emergency Dispatcher, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a background check, and having basic computer skills.

Once certified, Emergency Dispatchers are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years in order to remain current on best practices in emergency dispatch services.

3. Certified Public Safety Telecommunicator (CPST)

Certified Public Safety Telecommunicator (CPST) is a certification program offered by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO). It is designed to recognize professional excellence in public safety communications. The CPST certification is based on a set of standards developed by APCO and adopted by the National Commission on Certification of Public Safety Professionals.

The CPST certification requires successful completion of an exam, which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as radio operations, call handling, customer service, and emergency medical dispatch. The exam also includes a practical component that tests the ability to accurately interpret and respond to emergency calls. To be eligible for the CPST certification, applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience as a public safety telecommunicator or equivalent experience in a related field.

The cost for the CPST exam varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $100-$200. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at an approved testing center or online through an approved testing provider. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your CPST certificate within two weeks.

4. National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council (NCPPC) Certification

The National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council (NCPPC) Certification is a voluntary certification program that helps organizations ensure their data privacy and security practices meet the highest standards. It is designed to help organizations protect their customers’ sensitive information, including personal data, financial records, and other confidential information. The NCPPC Certification process requires organizations to demonstrate that they have implemented comprehensive policies and procedures for protecting customer data.

To get the NCPPC Certification, an organization must complete an application process that includes a detailed self-assessment of its data privacy and security policies, procedures, and practices. This self-assessment must be reviewed by an independent third-party auditor who will verify the accuracy of the assessment. Once approved, the organization will receive its NCPPC Certification.

The application process typically takes between six to twelve weeks to complete depending on the size of the organization and complexity of its data privacy and security practices. The cost of obtaining NCPPC Certification varies depending on factors such as the size of the organization, complexity of its data privacy and security practices, type of audit required, etc. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

5. International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Certification

The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) is a professional organization that provides certification to emergency dispatchers. IAED certification is an internationally recognized standard of excellence in emergency dispatch services and is designed to ensure that emergency dispatchers are properly trained and qualified to handle the demands of the job.

IAED offers two levels of certification: Certified Emergency Dispatcher (CED) and Advanced Medical Dispatch (AMD). The CED level requires completion of a 40-hour training program, while the AMD level requires completion of a 50-hour training program. Both levels include topics such as medical terminology, call handling techniques, emergency medical dispatch protocols, and legal issues related to emergency dispatch.

To get IAED certified, you must first complete one of the approved training programs from an accredited institution or an IAED-approved provider. After completing the training program, you must pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification card and be eligible for employment as an emergency dispatcher in any jurisdiction that recognizes IAED certification.

The cost for IAED certification varies depending on which level you are seeking and where you take your training course. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for CED certification and between $800-$1,500 USD for AMD certification.

6. Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. (APCO) Certification

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. (APCO) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes those in the public safety communications field who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the areas of emergency communications, radio systems, and related technologies.

To get APCO certification, an individual must pass a written exam that covers topics such as radio operations, technical concepts, communication center operations, and emergency management. The exam is administered by APCO International and is available at approved testing centers throughout the United States. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

The cost of getting APCO certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and whether or not an individual has already taken the required courses for certification. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 for an individual to become certified by APCO International.

In addition to passing the written exam, individuals seeking APCO certification must also complete a set number of hours in specialized training courses related to public safety communications. These courses are offered at various locations throughout the country and are typically conducted over a period of several days or weeks. The cost of these courses varies depending on where they are held and how long they last.

7. National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAEMD) Certification

The National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAEMD) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of emergency medical dispatchers. This certification is designed to ensure that those responsible for providing pre-arrival instructions and dispatching emergency medical services are properly trained and qualified.

To become certified, applicants must first complete the NAEMD Basic Course, which covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, legal issues, communication techniques, and dispatch protocols. The course typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete and includes both online training modules as well as classroom instruction. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam in order to be certified.

The cost of the NAEMD Basic Course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000. Additionally, there may be additional fees for books or other materials required for the course.

Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the basic course exam.

8. American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS) Certification

The American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS) is a professional organization dedicated to the security industry. The ASIS certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of industrial security.

The ASIS certification program consists of three levels: Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP) and Professional Certified Investigator (PCI). Each level requires applicants to pass an exam, which tests their understanding of the concepts and principles outlined in the ASIS International Body of Knowledge.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites, such as having at least five years of relevant experience in the security field or completing a specific educational program. Applicants must also submit an application to ASIS and pay a fee before they can take the exam.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you complete the requirements and pass the exam. Generally, it takes between six months and one year to become certified.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which level you are applying for. For example, CPP certification costs $400-$600 while PSP certification costs $500-$700. PCI certification fees range from $300-$500.

9. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification is a certification program offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that individuals and organizations have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to emergency situations. The certification program is designed to provide a standardized approach for responding to all types of incidents, from small-scale localized events to large-scale disasters.

The NIMS certification process typically takes between six and twelve months, depending on the individual's experience level and prior training. The process includes completing an online application, passing a written exam, participating in a field exercise or simulation, and completing an oral examination. The cost of the certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and prior training.

To get NIMS certified, applicants must first complete an online application form which can be found on FEMA’s website. Once the application is completed, applicants must take a written exam which covers topics such as incident command systems, resource management, communications systems, hazardous materials response, and disaster preparedness. After passing the written exam, applicants must participate in either a field exercise or simulation where they will be evaluated on their ability to respond to various emergency situations using NIMS principles. Finally, applicants must pass an oral examination with a panel of experts in order to receive their NIMS certification.

The cost of obtaining NIMS certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and prior training. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$500 USD for the entire process.

10. Federal Emergency Management Agency's Professional Development Series Certifications

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Professional Development Series (PDS) Certifications are designed to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of emergency management, homeland security, and related fields. The certifications are offered at four levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master. Each certification requires a certain number of hours of training and/or experience in order to qualify for the certification.

To get certified at the Basic level, individuals must complete 24 hours of FEMA-approved training within two years. To get certified at the Intermediate level, individuals must complete 48 hours of FEMA-approved training within four years. To get certified at the Advanced level, individuals must complete 72 hours of FEMA-approved training within six years. Finally, to get certified at the Master level, individuals must complete 144 hours of FEMA-approved training within eight years.

The cost for each certification varies depending on which courses or programs an individual chooses to take in order to qualify for the certification. Generally speaking, most courses range from $50-$300 per course or program.

In addition to completing required courses or programs in order to receive a PDS Certification, applicants must also pass a written exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of emergency management principles and practices.

11. Department of Homeland Security's First Responder Training Program Certifications

The Department of Homeland Security's First Responder Training Program Certifications are designed to help first responders, such as firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel, stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies in their field. The program provides a variety of certifications that are tailored to specific disciplines and topics.

The length of time it takes to get a certification depends on the type of certification being sought. For example, some certifications may require only one day of training while others may take several weeks or months. In addition, some certifications may require additional courses or exams before they can be obtained.

To get a certification through the DHS First Responder Training Program, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it to their local DHS office. Applicants must also provide proof of their current employment in the field for which they are seeking certification. Once approved, applicants will be required to attend a training course at an approved facility and pass any applicable tests or exams required for the particular certification.

The cost of obtaining a DHS First Responder Training Program Certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and the length of time it takes to complete all requirements. Generally speaking, fees range from $50-$300 per certification depending on the complexity of the program and any additional requirements that need to be met.

Do You Really Need a Security Dispatcher Certificate?

Security dispatchers play an important role in providing security for businesses and organizations. They are responsible for receiving and responding to emergency calls, monitoring surveillance systems, and coordinating response from law enforcement or other first responders. As such, having a Security Dispatcher Certificate can be beneficial to those looking to work in the field of security.

Having a certificate can demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge necessary to competently perform their duties as a security dispatcher. It is also evidence that they understand the policies and procedures associated with operating a security system and responding to emergencies. A certificate can also show potential employers that the individual has taken the time and effort to gain additional training beyond what may have been provided by their employer or through on-the-job experience.

In some cases, having a Security Dispatcher Certificate may even be required. Depending on the employer, it could be necessary in order to qualify for certain positions or even advance within an organization. Additionally, many states have laws regulating who can work as a security dispatcher and require certification in order to do so legally.

Overall, while not always required, having a Security Dispatcher Certificate can be beneficial when it comes to finding employment or advancing within an organization. It is also proof that an individual has obtained additional training and is knowledgeable about operating a security system and responding to emergencies appropriately.

Related: Security Dispatcher Resume Examples

FAQs About Security Dispatcher Certifications

Q1. What is a Security Dispatcher Certification?

A1. A Security Dispatcher Certification is a certification program that provides security professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a professional capacity as a security dispatcher. The certification program covers topics such as emergency response, dispatch procedures, communication protocols, record keeping, and more.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Security Dispatcher?

A2. To become certified as a Security Dispatcher, you must complete an approved training program and pass the associated exam. Training programs vary by state or country but typically involve completing courses in emergency management, communications, law enforcement procedures, and other related topics.

Q3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Security Dispatcher Certification?

A3. By obtaining a Security Dispatcher Certification, you can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your ability to handle challenging situations when they arise. This can help you stand out from other job candidates and also provide employers with assurance that you are qualified for the position. In addition, some states may require certification for certain positions in order to be eligible for employment or advancement opportunities.

Q4. How long does it take to obtain my Security Dispatcher Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to obtain your certification will depend on the length of the training program that you choose and how quickly you are able to complete all of its requirements. Generally speaking, most programs range from 8-12 weeks in length depending on their level of depth and complexity; however, some may be shorter or longer than this depending on their scope and focus areas covered within them.

Q5. Is there any type of continuing education required after obtaining my Security Dispatcher Certification?

A5: Yes, many states may require continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification status over time; however, these requirements vary by state so it is important to check with your local licensing board for specific information regarding their policies in this area prior to enrolling in any training programs or taking any exams associated with becoming certified as a Security Dispatcher