How does SPēD Certification help me, my agency, and the nation?
For the Security Practitioner:
• Provides for a common set of standards to measure requirements for a position.
• Demonstrates success and mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by a security professional.
• Provides a recognized credential for security professionals.
• Facilitates recognition of the skills and supports the seamless transfer of security professionals among DoD Components and Agencies.
• Facilitates interoperability among DoD security practitioners.
Component/Agency:
• Promotes a common and shared understanding of security functional tasks and the knowledge and skills associated with the competencies required to perform those functions.
• Promotes an interoperable DoD security workforce.
• Facilitates sound professional development and training.
• Provides for a recognized credential for security professionals.
• Facilitates transfer of security professionals among Component Agencies.
For the Nation:
• Defines standards for security practitioners and drives professional accountability.
• Meets DoD and National Security Plans and Objectives for developing the workforce.
How do I get started in the SPēD Certification Program?
How do I maintain or renew my SPēD Certification?
To maintain certification, each holder must obtain professional development experience.
A holder is awarded points called Professional Development Units (PDUs), as defined
by the DSTC. Professional development experience can include college courses,
conferences, and/or joint duty assignments, etc. One hundred PDUs are required
every two years, of which a minimum of 50% must be security related to maintain your
certification. Please see the SPeD Certification Candidate Handbook for a complete list
of options for professional development and point values.
You must renew your SPēD Certification, if:
• DSTC determines that the skills and knowledge in earlier certification assessment modules is significantly inconsistent with DoD requirements for security
professionals.
• You fail to meet SPēD certification maintenance requirements.