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SPēD FAQs
- What is certification?
- What is the SPēD Certification Program?
- How do I get started in the SPēD Certification Program?
- How do I find out my test results?
- Why am I releasing my Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) files to DSS?
- How do I release my DMDC files?
- When do I receive my certificate?
- What is the Security Program Integration Professional Certification (SPIPC)?
- How do I maintain or renew my SPēD Certification?
- What about other certifications? Will the SPēD Certification Program recognize them?
- What if I have a question about Registration?
- Who do I contact if I have a question regarding SPēD?
- How do I designate my SPēD credential?
- When can I start taking the SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC at a commercial testing facility?
- What is Pearson VUE?
- Do I still have to maintain my DSS STEPP account?
- What is "My SPēD Certification" and why do I need this account?
- If I update my STEPP account, is "My SPēD Certification" account updated (and vice versa)?
- Who do I contact for help with my STEPP user name and password?
- Who do I contact for help resetting "My SPēD Certification" account password?
- Where can I find test locations?
- I am a DoD contractor performing security duties on behalf of a DoD Component, Agency, or Activity. Who do I contact to get more information about commercial testing?
- I am an industry security professional, not affiliated with DoD. Who do I contact to get more information about commercial testing?
- What is the process for registering for SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC testing?
- Will CDSE in Linthicum still be doing assessments?
- Will there still be large-scale public testing events at security conferences?
- Will CDSE still distribute certificates and lapel pins?
- How do I prepare for an assessment?
- What happens if I don't pass the SFPC, SAPPC, or SPIPC assessments?
- How do I cancel or reschedule my test?
- What is a "cut score"?
- What if I do not pass the Certification exam?
- What is the Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC)?
APC/DPAPC Assessment/Exam FAQs
- How do I get started in the APC/DPAPC Certification Program?
- How do I find the next location and date for APC/DPAPC testing?
- Are there any test-taking tips for the APC or the DPAPC I should employ?
- I am a DoD contractor. Am I eligible for the SPIPC?
- Is SPēD available to contractors?
- What is a CAGE code? Why is it needed for industry security professionals not affiliated with DoD to register for SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC testing?
General SPēD-related FAQs
What is certification?
Certification is a credential acknowledging an individual has demonstrated a specific level of knowledge or competence, as defined by a professional standards-setting organization.
What is the SPēD Certification Program?
The SPēD Certification Program is based on functions performed and requirements developed under 
DoDI 3305.13 and the subsequent manual that defined the required skill standards. It is not based on occupational titles or specific jobs.
The SPēD Certification Program is legally defensible and certifies that the individual satisfies standards approved by the Department of Defense Security Training Council (DSTC), an advisory body on DoD on security training.
The SPēD Certification Program is aligned with Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 610, Annex R – Security Competencies.
The SPēD Certification Program has four core certifications. SPēD certification begins at Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) and progresses to Security Enterprise Professional Certification (SEPC) as the scope, responsibility, and complexity of the security role increases. All candidates for SPēD certification must take the Security Fundamentals examination. See chart below for details.
| Certifications | Acronym | Certification Description |
|---|---|---|
Security Fundamentals Professional Certification |
SFPC |
The individual understands foundational security concepts, principles, and practices. |
Security Asset Protection Professional Certification |
SAPPC |
The individual applies foundational security concepts, principles, and practices. |
Security Program Integration Professional Certification |
SPIPC |
The individual understands and applies risk assessment and security program management based on security concepts, principles, and practices. |
Security Enterprise Professional Certification |
SEPC |
The individual understands and applies concepts, principles, and practices for managing enterprise-wide security (under development). |
SPēD certification candidates will be tested using security standards for knowledge, skills, and competencies.
How do I get started in the SPēD Certification Program?
- Notify your supervisor or DoD Component SPēD PMO of your intent to participate in the SPēD Certification Program
- Create or update your STEPP account
- Select the Profile link in STEPP located on the top-right navigation bar
- Check the box indicating your desire to participate in the SPēD Certification Program
- Select the activation link in the email you'll receive in 24-48 hours, and enter the authorization code provided
- Verify your account information in your My SPēD Certification account.
- Request authorization to test
- Once you receive an email that your authorization request was approved, click the link on your homepage to create your username and password in VUE Testing Services
- Schedule your assessment
- Select a date, time, and test center most convenient for you
How do I find out my test results?
SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC SPēD certification test results are immediately in your “score report” provided upon completion of your test at the Pearson VUE test center.
APC/DPAPC SPēD certification test results will be available 15 days after the testing event via the candidate's STEPP account. Candidates can access their results by logging into their STEPP account at https://stepp.dss.mil/SelfRegistration/Login.aspx. On the STEPP home page, select "Learn," select "Training Schedule," and select "View Completed Registrations." The last column to the right of your Certification assessment, "Status," will indicate the results of your assessment.
Why am I releasing my Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) files to DSS?
DSS CDSE SPēD PMO, in coordination with Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS), is officially updating the personnel records of DoD civilians to reflect the conferral of SFPC, SAPPC, SPIPC, and APC. DMDC currently houses the credential records for DoD civilians. To release (and upload) records from DMDC to the DCPDS, the credential holder must first authorize the release of these records.
Please note that this action applies only to DoD civilians; it does not apply to industry security professionals or to military personnel.
How do I release my DMDC files?
Go to the below link to authorize the release of your credential to Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) for uploading to DCPDS.
Once at the DMDC website, follow the steps below:
- At "Registered User Logon," select the "CAC Login" button.
- Next, read and accept the "Standard Mandatory DoD Notice and Consent."
- After CAC login, you will be at the home screen. Select "Authorize Release of Your Personal Certification Qualifications."
- At the "Select Provider" screen, choose "Defense Security Service (DSS) Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE)."
- You will be prompted to complete the required fields: Last Name, First Name, DoD Email Address, and STEPP Username. Be sure to click "I authorize the release of my information to DoD."
- Finally, send your conferral data to DSS by selecting "Send the above Entry to DSS."
When do I receive my certificate?
DSS formally submits the names of all SPēD candidates who achieved a passing score to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (OUSD(I)) for conferral, in accordance with DoD 3305.13-M, monthly. From the date of testing, it takes approximately 90 days for a conferred candidate to receive a SPēD certificate and lapel pin.
For Industry, certificates are shipped via express mail to the address listed in your STEPP account. For all others, SPēD certificates and lapel pins are sent to the candidate's owning DoD Component for distribution.
What is the Security Program Integration Professional Certification (SPIPC)?
SPIPC is the third core certification, designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of security program and mission assurance; systemic and systemic risk management; planning, programming, budget, and execution; and problem solving and structured analytical techniques. As in the second core certification (SAPPC), SPIPC only requires SFPC as a prerequisite.
How do I maintain or renew my SPēD Certification?
Beginning October 1, 2013, Security professionals conferred with SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC will have to begin accruing Professional Development Units (PDUs) to maintain their certification. Individuals conferred between January 1, 2011, through October 1, 2013, will have their maintenance renewal period starting on October 1, 2013. Candidates conferred after October 1, 2013, will have their two-year maintenance period commencing on their conferred date. Conferred individuals must obtain 100 PDUs within 2 years of his or her conferral date.
Adjudicators conferred the Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC) must maintain their professional certification by completing 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each biennial (2-year) period following their initial certification. A minimum of 50 percent (or 15 hours) of CPE hours must come from personnel security related courses. Other types of activities related to DoD security or adjudication may account for no more than 50 percent (or 15 hours) of the 30 CPE hours. These types of activities must receive final approval from the Central Adjudication Facility (CAF) Director(s) or his or her designee(s). For more information please click here and/or contact your CAF Certification Representative (CCR).
What about other certifications? Will the SPēD Certification Program recognize them?
The SPēD Certification Program does not recognize equivalents and can not confer SPēD certification(s) based on other credentials achieved by an individual. Each SPēD certification, by USD(I) policy, will be nationally accredited by an external accreditation organization. The standards for accreditation of the certification program prevent equivalencies and grandfathering except in narrow and predefined scenarios. For renewals of certification by holders, the SPēD Program Office will recognize other credentials and professional development events. The points per event will be determined by the Department of Defense Security Training Council (DSTC).
What if I have a question about Registration?
For queries related to participation in the SPēD Certification Program, please contact your Component's SPēD Program Office. After approval, if you have registration questions, please send an email to: SPEDCERT@dss.mil
Who do I contact if I have a question regarding SPēD?
Your question regarding SPēD should be found on the website; however, if you can't find it there, feel free to email your question(s) to: SPEDCERT@dss.mil.
How do I designate my SPēD credential?
Those who have been conferred the SFPC are authorized to use the SFPC designation on business cards, resumes, and signature lines. SFPC credential holders may use this designation as long as they maintain active status. The designation "SFPC" should appear in all capital letters after a comma following the credential holder's name. An example follows:
Amanda Rosales, SFPC
Those conferred the SAPPC or SPIPC credential are authorized to use the SAPPC or SPIPC designation in the same manner as described above for using the SFPC. Because the SFPC must be earned to obtain the SAPPC or SPIPC, holders need only list SAPPC or SPIPC.
Commercial Testing FAQs
When can I start taking the SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC at a commercial testing facility?
SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC SPēD certification assessments are now available through Pearson VUE. To schedule an assessment, begin by checking the box in the Profile section of your STEPP account indicating your desire to participate in the SPēD Certification Program. Then follow the directions in the email you'll receive 24-48 hours later.
What is Pearson VUE?
Pearson VUE delivers exams through a comprehensive and secure network of test centers. The SPēD Certification Program is available at over 900 sites worldwide. Pearson VUE provides DSS the capability to offer SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC assessments at dates, times, and locations convenient for the test taker.
Do I still have to maintain my DSS STEPP account?
Yes, you must keep your STEPP account maintained in order to maintain your certification. STEPP is the system of record for the SPēD Certification Program.
What is "My SPēD Certification" and why do I need this account?
Your "My SPēD Certification" account is your gateway to SPēD Certification testing and managing your SPēD SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC certification(s). An account is needed for you to register or maintain the SFPC, SAPPC, or SPIPC certifications. To participate in the program, please check the SPēD Certification checkbox in your User Profile Section of your STEPP account “Please submit my information to create a Pearson VUE account.” Your information is automatically uploaded to "My SPēD Certification" system on Pearson VUE's web site.
If I update my STEPP account, is "My SPēD Certification" account updated (and vice versa)?
Demographic information can only be modified in STEPP. In turn, STEPP will pass this information to "My SPēD Certification," and your "My SPēD Certification" account will be updated within 48 hours.
Who do I contact for help with my STEPP user name and password?
Please contact the DoD Security Services Call Center at (888) 282-7682. The DoD Call Center is open from 6am to 8pm EST. If you require additional assistance, please send an email to SPEDCERT@dss.mil.
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Who do I contact for help resetting "My SPēD Certification" account password?
Please use the automated account reset feature on the Login Page on your "My SPēD Certification" account. If your email address has changed, please login to STEPP and change your profile information.
Where can I find test locations?
Test site information on the SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC will be available to eligible candidates when they schedule an assessment.
Testing information for the APC and DPAPC is available here.
I am a DoD contractor performing security duties on behalf of a DoD Component, Agency, or Activity. Who do I contact to get more information about commercial testing?
If you are a contractor affiliated with DoD, your DoD Component SPēD Program Management Office (PMO) will advise you. For example, if you are a contractor under PFPA, you will contact the PFPA SPēD PMO. The list of DoD Component SPēD PMOs is here.
I am an industry security professional, not affiliated with DoD. Who do I contact to get more information about commercial testing?
You may contact SPeDCERT@dss.mil.
What is the process for registering for SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC testing?
To register, please follow the steps for getting started in the SPēD Certification Program.
Will CDSE in Linthicum still be doing assessments?
CDSE will continue providing the APC and DPAPC at Linthicum, MD. However, the SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC assessments will only be administered through the commercial testing partner, Pearson VUE, test centers.
Will there still be large-scale public testing events at security conferences?
DSS SPēD PMO and our commercial testing partner, Pearson VUE, will support testing at conferences on a case-by-case basis. Please have the conference organizer contact DSS SPēD PMO at SPeDCERT@dss.mil.
Will CDSE still distribute certificates and lapel pins?
Yes. DSS formally submits the names of all SPēD candidates who achieved a passing score to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (OUSD(I)) for conferral, in accordance with DoD 3305.13-M, on a periodic basis. From the date of testing, it takes approximately 90 days for a conferred candidate to receive a SPēD certificate and lapel pin.
For Industry, certificates are shipped via express mail to the address listed in your STEPP account. For all others, SPēD certificates and lapel pins are sent to the candidate's owning DoD Component for distribution.
How do I prepare for an assessment?
Begin by visiting our web site. Select the SPēD Certification you're interested in. Under each certification, there are resources available to help prepare for an assessment. You may also log into your STEPP account where there are more resources available.
What happens if I don't pass the SFPC, SAPPC, or SPIPC assessments?
If you do not achieve a passing score on your first attempt, you will automatically become eligible to test after a 90-day waiting period from your test date. "My SPēD Certification" will automatically change the candidate status to "eligible to test" after the 90-day period and issue an “eligibility to test.” Candidates can log into Pearson VUE testing services account to schedule a new assessment. Your new eligibility will last for 90 days. If you have not achieved a passing score after two attempts, the third and subsequent attempts will require authorization from your owning DoD Component or DSS SPēD PMO.
How do I cancel or reschedule my test?
To cancel or reschedule a test, sign into your Pearson VUE account at https://www1.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/signin/SignInPage/DSS. At your home page, click on the appointment you wish to cancel or reschedule and follow the system prompts. You may also call Pearson VUE at 1-888-477-0284 to cancel or reschedule. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your test appointment or do not appear at your scheduled time, you will be required to wait 90 days prior to submitting a request authorization form in your "My SPēD Certification" account.
Please note cancellations or rescheduling CANNOT be made through the test center, your Component PMO, or the DSS SPēD PMO. You must logon to Pearson VUE or call the toll-free number.
Assessment/Exam FAQs
What is a "cut score"?
The passing score, also known as a "cut score," represents a standard of passing performance established by experts in the security field using professionally recognized psychometric methodology for standard-setting. In accordance with several other professional certification programs, SPēD Assessment cut scores will not be released to the security community.
What if I do not pass the Certification exam?
If a successful score is not obtained on the exam, the certification exam can be retaken by the applicant after 90 days. Please contact your DoD Component SPēD Program Management Office for specific guidance on allowance for number of retakes.
What is the Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC)?
The Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC) serves as a valid indicator of a security practitioner's ability to apply foundational security concepts, principles, and practices the DoD community deems critical to successfully perform functions, implement programs, and pursue missions necessary to manage risks to and protect DoD assets. The SAPPC requires application of Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) knowledge and is open to SFPC conferees only. The SAPPC launched in February 2012.
APC/DPAPC Assessment/Exam FAQs
How do I get started in the APC/DPAPC Certification Program?
| STEP 1 |  |
For Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)/Due Process Adjudicator Professional Certification (DPAPC) testing, your Central Adjudication Facility (CAF) Certification Representative (CCR) will identify you as an applicant or you may volunteer based on your Component's policy. |
STEP 2 |
|
Log in to https://stepp.dss.mil/SelfRegistration/Login.aspx. You must have an active and up-to-date STEPP User ID and password to register for and to take the certification assessment. Please note that STEPP profiles must contain an authentic work e-mail. E-mail accounts that contain Yahoo, Gmail, Mac, Cox, Comcast, Verizon (or any other private Internet provider) will not be accepted and will result in the registration not being approved. If your account is current, proceed to Step 3. |
STEP 3 |
|
In the catalog section under "Certification Program," click on "Adjudicator Certification Program." Select the "Adjudicator Certification Placeholder" and then select "Register." |
STEP 4 |
|
A list of available dates and times will appear. Highlight the radio button on the date and time you would like to take the assessment; scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Submit." You will be placed on "pending approval" status. Once approved, you will receive an email notification of your approval with detailed information. |
STEP 5 |
|
Coordinate with your CCR, providing your supervisor with your scheduled date and time. |
How do I find the next location and date for APC/DPAPC testing?
CDSE offers APC and DPAPC testing on Monday and Tuesday at 0900 and 1300. Testing information for the APC and DPAPC is available here.
Are there any test-taking tips for the APC or the DPAPC I should employ?
- Do what is needed to feel comfortable and relaxed before the test. Check out the location in advance, get enough rest, eat a good meal, etc.
- Arrive early—at least 20 minutes before the scheduled test time.
- Trust first impressions; do not over-analyze answers.
- If uncertain about a question, return to it later, and if you are still uncertain, make an educated guess.
- Do not look for answer patterns.
- Do not select an answer based on length; it may be a false clue.
- Do not rush. Consider each choice before selecting the best one.
- Use time well. Extra points are not awarded for finishing early.
Component/Agency FAQs
How does SPēD Certification help me, my agency, and the nation?
For the Security Practitioner:
- Provides a DoD level credential recognizing successful demonstration of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by a security professional as defined by the Department of Defense Security Training Council
- Provides a clear pathway for security professionals to aim for in developing their career milestones
- Outlines DoD expectations of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required for a security professional
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 professional development and training
- Provides for a recognized credential for security professionals
- Facilitates transfer of security professionals among Components and 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
What positions will be certified?
DoD Components and Agencies will designate the military and civilian positions to the appropriate certification(s) for that position.
Industry FAQs
I am a DoD contractor. Am I eligible for the SPIPC?
Yes, but you must first request permission from the DoD Component you support as indicated here.
Is SPēD available to contractors?
SPēD is available to contractors if they are performing security duties on behalf of the DoD. (If you are a DoD contractor, please indicate "Industry" as your organization in STEPP. For example, Jane.Doe.ctr@any.af.mil would select "Industry" rather than "Air Force.")
What is a CAGE code? Why is it needed for industry security professionals not affiliated with DoD to register for SFPC, SAPPC, and SPIPC testing?
The Commercial And Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five-character ID number used within the Federal Government. Industry security professionals not affiliated with DoD need to enter their CAGE code when requesting authorization to take an assessment on My SPēD Certification; this will link the individual with their associated facility. Contact your Facility Security Officer (FSO) if you do not know your CAGE code.