Ready to prove your competency? Start here. As a core element of the Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO) Role-Based Certification (RBC), the Introduction to Special Access Programs (SAPs) Course, either ILT or VILT, is designed to ensure that you are provided with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively manage a security program within a DOW SAP. The course navigates the learner past fundamental knowledge of the policy, and maps directly to the real-world behaviors and actions performed by a GSSO. Presented course material is reinforced through several real-world scenarios where learners demonstrate mastery of essential duties that GSSOs encounter daily. Completing this course does not simply verify that you have received training, but verifies learners as being competent in their essential security role as a GSSO. 

GSSO Responsibilities: DOW GSSOs are responsible for implementing and maintaining a security program for designated program at their assigned activity, organization, or office as outlined in DOD Manual (DODM) 5205.07. This role typically aligns with the OPM occupational series 0080 (Security Administration). This role requires a mastery of several core security disciplines such as Cybersecurity, Personnel Vetting, Information Security, Physical Security, and Industrial Security. The effective management of the SAP security program requires implementation and integration of the core disciplines to protect national security information (NSI) within the SAP area of expertise. This RBC is appropriate for security specialists that have been oversee security management for a DOW SAP. It provides the essential knowledge to develop and refine the skills necessary to effectively manage the full spectrum of security disciplines required to manage a SAP. 
 
Outcome: Learners will be equipped with essential skills required to effectively implement necessary security enhancements and manage a Department of War SAP. 

GSSO Certification Requirements 
To earn the GSSO Certification, you must successfully complete the following four phases in order.  
 
Phase 1:  Complete Prerequisite eLearning Courses 
Before you can enroll in the main certification course, you must first complete and pass the following self-paced eLearning courses.  

• Introduction to Information Security Course and Exam IF011.16 
• Marking Special Categories of Classified Information and Exam IF105.16 
• Special Access Programs (SAP) Overview Course and Exam SA001.16 
• Developing a Security Education and Training Program Course and Exam GS104.16 
• Transmission and Transportation for DOD Course and Exam IF107.16 
• Introduction to Physical Security Course and Exam PY011.16 
• Introduction to National Security for National Security Practitioners Course and Exam PS113.16 
• Prerequisite: Introduction to Federal Personnel Vetting Policy for Security Practitioners Course and Exam (PS128.16) 
• Preparing the DD Form 254 IS128.16 

The following video is required: 

• Packaging Classified Documents 

*NOTE: You are required to successfully complete all eLearning courses/exams before requesting enrollment to the course. A prerequisite exam will be assigned to your dashboard 60 days prior to your selected offering which you must pass before course attendance can be approved. 

Phase 2: Attend the Introduction to SAPs Course  (ILT or VILT}
After completing all prerequisites, you must enroll in and attend the Introduction to Special Access Programs (SAPs) course either in person ILT (SA101.01) or virtual ILT (VILT) (SA101.10).  Be aware of the following details concerning these options: 

In-person ILT: This course is delivered over 3.5 days for students preferring a traditional course delivery. CDSEs on-site instructional staff where course material is delivered with immediate feedback provided regarding student questions and exercise feedback. 

VILT: This 7-day hybrid course is designed for professionals who require scheduling flexibility, requiring approximately four hours of daily asynchronous study. While primarily self-paced, students engage directly with instructors through three two-hour live webinars and a final live group presentation. Furthermore, dedicated one-on-one instructor support is available daily from 0900 to 1500 via email or phone to provide coursework feedback, answer clarifying questions, and discuss real-world security scenarios. 

Live Webinars: Three synchronous two-hour Adobe Connect webinars will be delivered on training days 2, 4, and 6. Students are highly encouraged to attend to ask their questions. For those unable to attend, the webinars are recorded and provided to students to assist with course material review. Students will also be assigned groups that will deliver a live presentation on training day 7 and all students are required to attend their portion of the presentation and encouraged to attend those of their classmates. 

Course Requirements & Expectations: You will be required to review all asynchronous lesson materials and submit all graded activities by their posted due dates. These activities are designed to build critical thinking and require you to analyze regulatory guidance and apply key concepts to practical scenarios. Graded activities include:  

• Practical Exercises 
• Quizzes 
• Discussion forums  
• A final capstone project  

Time Commitment:  To be successful, you should plan to commit approximately 4 hours per day.  

Recommendation for Success:  Depending on your experience, it may be beneficial to arrange for a part-time training status to dedicate the necessary time to the course.  
 

Phase 3: Successfully Complete the Course  
To pass the course, you must earn a cumulative average of 80% or higher on all graded coursework. This includes all practical exercises, activities, discussion forums, and the final capstone project.  

Phase 4: Pass the Final Certification Exam  
After successfully completing Introduction to SAPs course (SA101.01 or SA101.10), you will be eligible to take the final certification exam. You must pass this exam with a minimum score of 80% to earn the DOW GSSO Certification.  

To understand the specific responsibilities of a DOW Government SAP Security Officer and grasp what effective implementation looks like in practice, select a topic from the chart below. Each section details the duties and responsibilities covered in the certification.