Select a category to find answers to your questions.
How do I get started with the Adjudicator Professional Certification(APC)/Due Process Adjudicator Professional Certification Program(DPAPC)?
You are eligible to pursue the APC if you are a personnel security adjudicator employed by the DOD and/or the DOD Intelligence Community (IC), Consolidated Adjudication Services (CAS), or a Federal Government employee working as a personnel security adjudicator employed by an agency accepted for participation in the APC Program.
For additional information regarding the APC Program, or if you have any questions regarding the program, please refer to the DOD Professional Certification and Credentialing Handbook (April 2024) and/or contact dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
How can I register for APC/DPAPC?
The APC and DPAPC assessment registrations must be coordinated with your Component Service Representative (CSR). Review the steps to take a SPēD Assessment for more information on the process.
Where can I test for the APC/DPAPC?
All SPēD program assessments, including the APC and DPAPC, are administered through Pearson VUE test centers.
Appeal Request Form
On what grounds may I appeal?
Appeals may be filed challenging the following:
For additional information regarding the SPēD Certification Program, please refer to the DOD Professional Certification and Credentialing Handbook (April 2024) and/or contact dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
Within what timeframe must I submit an appeal?
You must submit an appeal up to 90 calendar days from the date of receiving an appealable decision or after completing your assessment - whichever occurs first.
How do I submit an appeal?
All appeals must be submitted via the Appeal Request Form and emailed to the SPēD Certification Program Management Office (PMO). You must provide your contact information, state the specific grounds, and provide all evidence with your appeal submission.
What happens after I submit an appeal?
The DOD SPēD Certification Program Management Office (PMO) conducts a preliminary review of all appeals within 15 duty days of receipt to ensure the appeal is timely, contains all required and pertinent information, and is based on allowable grounds. Allowable appeals are forwarded to the Certification Appeals Board for a decision on the appeal.
Certification Appeals Board decisions are made by majority vote. The Certification Appeals Board provides its decision to you, the DOD SPēD Certification PMO, and your Component SPēD Certification Program CSR.
May I appeal a Certification Appeals Board decision?
No. The Certification Appeals Board is the final decision authority, and there are no further appeals.
I was certain I passed the certification assessment, but the assessment results show I did not pass. How can I have that verified?
Please complete and submit the Appeal Request Form to the SPēD Certification Program Management Office (PMO). Your certification assessment will be rescored automatically and you will be notified of the outcome.
What is the purpose of the Certification Renewal Program?
The purpose of the Certification Renewal Program is to:
How do I maintain my certification(s)?
For additional information regarding SPēD Certification Maintenance, please visit the CDSE Certification Maintenance page, refer to the DOD Professional Certification and Credentialing Handbook (April 2024) and/or contact dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
What is a PDU? What counts as a PDU?
A Professional Development Unit (PDU) is a unit of continuing education and growth, including specific activities where one's experience has broadened by the preparation and/or presentation of the activity. There are six professional development categories through which you can obtain PDUs. These include the following:
Please note, any PDU obtained through training can only be earned once in a two-year maintenance cycle. Duplicate training will not be accepted.
For additional information regarding the SPēD Certification Program, please refer to the DOD Professional Certification and Credentialing Handbook (April 2024) and/or contact your Component Service Representative (CSR).
What is a CRP? Where do I find the CRP?
The Certification Renewal Package (CRP) is used to record your professional development activities. To maintain and renew your certification(s), you must complete the required amount of Professional Development Units (PDUs) during your two-year maintenance cycle window.
A single CRP will be used to record all PDUs. A certification holder is responsible for submitting required amount of accrued PDUs into a completed CRP before the end of their two-year maintenance cycle window.
If you do not accrue the correct amount of PDUs within your two-year certification maintenance cycle window or fail to submit your CRP, your certification status will be deemed non-compliant and your SPēD certification will expire.
To find your CRP:
A CRP will not appear in your DAU account unless you are conferred a certification and you are in your current certification maintenance and renewal cycle window.
What happens after I submit my CRP?
Once you submit your CRP, your renewal date for all certifications you hold (including any certifications earned) is automatically extended two years from the date you submitted your CRP. This applies regardless of when you submitted your CRP during this cycle.
Below is a graphic depicting your two-year maintenance cycle. The option to start a new CRP will appear after your certification renewal date.
If you have any questions about meeting your two-year maintenance cycle, please contact your Component Service Representative (CSR).
What is acceptable documentation when submitting PDUs?
Acceptable supporting documentation include a PDF of your passed SPēD certificate(s), an email indicating you passed a SPēD certification assessment, or a screen shot from your DAU account showing you passed.
For training/education PDUs, acceptable supporting documentation can be certificates or training/educational transcripts saved as PDFs.
For meeting and conferences, acceptable supporting documentation can be a copy of the registration, agenda, or opening pages of your presentation, all saved as a PDF. We do not need complete presentations.
For experience and achievements, acceptable supporting documentation can be a letter of appreciation or a memorandum signed by your government supervisor that states your accomplishment, saved as a PDF.
All supporting documentation, must contain your name, the date of the document, and the document title. Please do not upload any Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Sensitive, or Classified documents into the system.
Please note, any PDU(s) attained through training can only be achieved once in a two-year maintenance cycle. Duplicate training will not be accepted. For additional information regarding acceptable documentation, please contact dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
How long do I have to complete my certification maintenance?
Your certification maintenance and renewal cycle window is a two-year process and is based on your most recent renewal activity (passing a SPēD certification or accruing required amount of PDUs). Your certification expiration date is available on your DAU account page.
How is my two-year renewal date calculated?
Your certification maintenance period is based on your most recent renewal activity or event (Obtaining a new a SPēD program certification or submitting required amount of PDUs).
There is only one expiration date for SPēD program certifications and credentials.
Your certification expiration date(s) is available on your DAU account page.
Where can I find my certification status?
To find the status of your certification or expiration date,
Your certification expiration date is available on your DAU home page. For any questions regarding certification status, please contact dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
What does a pending status on a CRP mean?
Your CRP may be undergoing an audit. If you submitted your CRP within 30 days of expiration, the SPēD Program Management Office (PMO) conducts 100 percent review of all. In addition, the SPēD PMO also audits 10 to 30 percent of all CRPs submitted.
For any questions regarding certification status, please contact dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
What happens if I fail to maintain my certification(s)?
Failure to obtain the required amount of PDUs and submit your CRP within your two-year certification maintenance cycle window will cause all of your certifications to expire. To obtain your certification(s) and/or credential(s) again, you will need to retest and pass each SPēD program certification and credential assessment.
Do I need to submit two separate CRPs for APC and SFPC?
No, all active certifications are based on the PDUs you submit for any CRP.
My certification expired. How do I get it back?
If you fail to maintain your certification(s) and wish to become certified again, you must retest and pass each SPēD certification assessment.
Can I get a waiver extension to complete my certification maintenance?
All waivers must be submitted before expiration. Supporting documentation, such as unclassified duty orders or a doctor's note, must accompany your Waiver Request.
You may request an extension to complete your maintenance requirements due to deployment, hospitalization or other medical leave, or other extraordinary reason.
If you are a Department of Defense (DOD) employee or contractor, or one of its Components, agencies, or companies, submit your Waiver Request to your SPēD Certification Program point of contact (POC).
If you are an employee or contractor for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), Industry, or other participating agency without a SPēD Certification Program POC, submit your Waiver Request Form through the DOD SPēD Certification Program Management Office (PMO) (dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil).
All waiver requests must be submitted before expiration. Supporting documentation, such as unclassified duty orders or a doctor's note, must accompany your Waiver Request Form.
You will be notified of a decision within 20 duty days after the appropriate authority has received your waiver request.
Does SPēD PMO still distribute certificates and lapel pins?
The SPēD Certification PMO has not generated/mailed certificates and lapel pins since June 2020, however, professional certificates can be ordered via a 3rd party vendor in Credly. Lapel pins are not available at this time by either the SPēD PMO or Credly.
How do I designate my SPēD credential?
Those conferred with a Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (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 (i.e., John Doe, SFPC).
Those conferred with a Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC) or Security Program Integration Professional Certification (SPIPC) are authorized to use the SAPPC or SPIPC designation in the same manner as described above for SFPC. Because the SFPC must be earned to obtain the SAPPC or SPIPC, holders need only list SAPPC or SPIPC (i.e., John Doe, SPIPC).
What about other certifications? Will the SPēD Certification Program recognize them?
The SPēD Certification Program does not recognize equivalents and cannot confer SPēD certification(s) based on other credentials achieved by an individual. Each SPēD certification is or will be nationally accredited by an external accreditation organization. The standards for certification program accreditation prevent equivalencies and grandfathering except in narrow and predefined scenarios.
For certification renewal, the SPēD Program Management Office (PMO) may recognize other credentials and professional development events as Professional Development Units (PDUs).
Who do I contact if I have a question regarding the SPēD Certification Program?
Contact your Component Service Representative (CSR).
Can I get a printed certificate?
After successfully passing and being conferred a SPēD certification or credential, you will receive an email from Credly giving you access to your newly earned digital badge. You can download a copy of the certificate directly from that site, or purchase a framed hard-copy offered from a third party vendor (through the Credly site).
What is a digital credential?
Digital credentials, also referred to as digital badges, are electronic representations of a certification or credential, traditionally acknowledged with a paper certificate. Digital credentials are awarded to individuals as proof the certificant has been conferred a SPēD certification or credential.
When will I receive my digital badge?
You will receive a digital badge within 48 duty hours after successfully passing and being conferred a SPēD certification. Your digital credentials will be provided through Credly’s platform.
How can I accept my digital badge?
After successfully passing and being conferred a SPēD certification you will receive an email from Credly giving you access to your newly earned digital badge. Click the 'Accept' button below the badge icon and you will be redirected to the Credly login page. Log in or create your Credly account to claim your digital badge. Once you claim your digital badge, you will have the option to make it viewable to the public or keep it private.
How can I share my digital badge?
Once you have accepted and claimed your digital badge, you will be redirected to the Share Badge screen. From here you can share your digital badge from Credly to your social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and via email. You can also download the badge visual, download a free printable version of your badge, and embed your digital badge on a personal website.
How can I purchase a printed version of my SPēD certificate?
You have the option to print your SPēD certification certificate for purchase through American Registry, a third-party vendor.
Who do I contact if I am experiencing issues regarding my Credly account?
If at any time you have further questions or are experiencing issues with your Credly account, access the Credly support forum.
Is SPēD certification available to contractors?
Candidates are eligible to pursue a SPēD certification if they are DOD personnel, federal employees of a participating agency, or contractors assigned to a security position supporting DOD(either as Facility Security Officers or those with certification requirements outlined in their Performance Work Statements or Statement of Work). For more detailed information regarding eligibility, please review the SPēD Flyer for Industry and/or refer to DoDM 3305.13 (https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/330513m.pdf encl. 4, para 5a).
I am a DOD contractor performing security duties on behalf of a DOD Component, agency, or activity. Who do I contact for more information about commercial testing?
If you are a contractor affiliated with DOD, your DOD Component Service Representative (CSR) will advise you. For example, if you are a contractor under PFPA, you will contact the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) CSR. In order to apply for a SPēD Assessment as a contractor please fill out the Contractor Eligibility Verification Form and submit it to your CSR..
I am an industry security professional not affiliated with DOD. Who do I contact for more information about commercial testing?
You may contact dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
What is a CAGE code? Why is it needed for Industry security professionals not affiliated with DOD to register for certification 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 the DOD need to enter their CAGE code on My SPēD Certification when requesting authorization to test in order to link the individual with their associated facility. Contact your Facility Security Officer (FSO) if you do not know your CAGE code.
How do I get started in the SPeD Certification Program?
After a DAU account is active and updated, and before scheduling a SPēD certification or credential assessment, candidates must obtain authorization from their employing Component or agency to take a SPēD certification assessment.
Complete the following to request authorization to test:
Upon receiving authorization to test, the assessment must be scheduled and completed within 120 calendar days.
I created a DAU account and waited 48 hours, but I still haven't received an email. What do I do?
Contact the DAU helpdesk at 866-568-6924 or https://services.dau.edu/psp?id=public_portal they are open Monday – Friday 0600 – 2000 Eastern.
Where can I find a test site?
NOTE: If the assessment does not appear on your transcript, wait 24 hours from your enrollment to allow the assessment authorization to process. Alternatively, you may contact Pearson Customer Support at 888-477-0284 to schedule your assessment.
What if I have a registration question?
For questions related to participation in the SPēD Certification Program, please contact your SPēD Component Service Representative (CSR). If you have registration questions regarding SPēD Certification after you receive approval to participate in the SPēD Certification Program, please send an email to dcsa.spedcert@mail.mil.
Why isn't the website displayed/working correctly?
Some users experience problems with connecting to websites using Internet Explorer 8. To correct this problem, use the following instructions to enable the view compatibility function for IE8.
If this method doesn't work, contact your IT support for assistance.
What is DAU and why do I need this account?
DAU is the system of record for the SPeD Certification Program. You must create and maintain an active, up-to-date DAU account. Your DAU account is where you will manage your SPeD certification activities.
What is the DAU website address?
The DAU login page is https://dau.csod.com/.
Some of the information on DAU account is incorrect. What do I do?
After activating your account, verify your information. If this information is incorrect, simply log in to your DAU account and correct the errors. You will be required to verify and update your information every 180 days.
Who do I contact for help with my DAU username?
Contact the DAU helpdesk at 866-568-6924 or https://services.dau.edu/psp?id=public_portal. They are open Monday – Friday 0600 – 2000 Eastern.
What if I forget my password in DAU?
To reset your password, select “Forgot your password” on the DAU homepage. Input your username (usually your email address) and click “reset password”.
What is Pearson VUE?
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) has partnered with Pearson VUE to deliver SPēD Certification assessments through their comprehensive and secure network at over 900 sites worldwide, including many DOD bases. Pearson VUE provides DCSA the capability to offer SPēD Certification assessments at dates, times, and locations convenient for candidates.
When can I start taking a SPēD Certification assessment at a commercial testing facility?
It's been more than 15 days. Why haven't I been approved to test yet?
After 15 days, contact your DOD Component SPēD PMO for assistance.
My Request for Authorization to Test form was approved. Now what?
You may contact Pearson Customer Support at 888-447-0284 to schedule your assessment.
It looks as though my form was rejected, what does that mean?
Re-submit your form after completing the requested actions in the messaging you receive.
It looks as though my request to test was denied, what does that mean?
If your request was denied, you were not authorized to test. Contact your DOD Component SPēD PMO if you have additional questions.
How do I prepare for an assessment?
Select the Prepare for SPēD Certification link and choose the desired certification to find Competency Preparatory Tools and Resources. Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) help you prepare for your SPēD certification assessment. Outside of CPTs, there are no other official training materials or courses for SPeD Certifications or Credentials. Candidates should be cautious of any entities offering such products.
Are there any test-taking tips I should employ?
How do I cancel or reschedule my assessment?
To cancel or reschedule an assessment, sign in to your Pearson VUE testing account. At your homepage, 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 appointment or do not appear at your scheduled time, you will be required to wait 90 days before resubmitting a request for authorization to test.
Please note, cancellations or rescheduling cannot be made through the test center, your DOD SPēD Component Service Representative (CSR), or the SPēD Program Management Office (PMO). All changes must be made through Pearson VUE.
How do I find out the result of my assessment?
Assessment results are provided immediately upon completion of your test.
What is a cut score?
The Angoff method is used to set the minimum passing score for the core SPēD Certification assessments. The Angoff method has a well-established history of determining creditable passing standards for multiple-choice examinations. The method involves two basic elements: conceptualization of a minimally competent examinee and using subject matter experts (SMEs) to estimate whether a minimally competent examinee will answer an item correctly.
Given this, a panel of SMEs makes predictions for each item on the SPēD Certification assessment, and the average ratings given by the SMEs on each item sets the minimum passing score for the assessment. Results of the Angoff method establish the foundation for the provisional cut score. The provisional cut score is then calibrated using data collected during the beta test phase.
Does CDSE in Linthicum still deliver assessments?
No. All SPēD certification assessments are delivered via the CDSE commercial testing vendor, Pearson VUE.
Will there still be large-scale public testing events at security conferences?
No. CDSE has authorized over 1,000 sites worldwide, including on many DOD bases, with our commercial testing vendor. Please request an authorization to test from DAU. After approval, log in to your DAU account and click on the "Schedule Exam" link on the left navigation to schedule your assessment. Alternatively, you may contact Pearson Customer Support at 888-477-0284 to schedule your assessment.
Is there a cost to take an assessment?
At this time, SPēD Certification Assessments come at no cost to eligible candidates of participating components. However, CDSE reserves the right to change this posture should new information arise.
Waiver Request Form
I won't be able to complete my certification maintenance requirements before my certification expires. What should I do?
You may request a Waiver Request form for an extension to complete your maintenance requirements due to deployment, hospitalization or other medical leave, or other extraordinary reason. All waivers must be submitted before expiration.
For what reasons may I request a waiver?
You may request a waiver through your employer for an extension in attaining or maintaining your certification for the following documented reasons:
How do I submit a waiver?
If you are an employee or contractor of the Department of Defense (DOD) or one of its Components, agencies, or companies, submit your Waiver Request Form to your SPēD Certification Program point of contact (POC).
If you are an employee or contractor for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), Industry, or other participating agency without a SPēD Certification Program POC, submit your Waiver Request Form through the DOD SPēD Certification Program Management Office (PMO). Supporting documentation, such as unclassified duty orders or doctor's note, must accompany your Waiver Request Form.
You will receive notification of your waiver decision within 20 duty days of receipt of your waiver request by the appropriate authority.
How long does it take to receive a decision on a waiver request?
You will receive notification of your waiver decision within 10 duty days of receipt of your waiver request by the appropriate authority.