Homeland Security Certifications – CHPA Levels I – IV
Certified Homeland Protection Associate, Levels I – IV
Those who hold Level I through IV Certified Homeland Protection Associate (CHPA) designations have demonstrated to future employers that through course work and testing, they are prepared to begin a career and advance their career in the area of Homeland Security.
CHPA candidates must be current students or have graduated from an accredited college or university. They must have completed course work in predetermined areas relating to Homeland Protection which are determined by the Certification Board, and take an online course and pass the Homeland Protection Associate test.
To determine the requirements for the Certified Homeland Protection Associate, the Certification Board conducted an analysis of homeland security related functions. The Certification Board determined requisite college/university course work in the area of homeland protection, and developed an online course and related Homeland Protection Associate test.
CHPA Requirements
-
Level I
- General Requirements:
- U.S. Citizen or a Citizen of a Country in which the U.S. does not have Sanctions
- At least 19 years of age
- No felony convictions
- No dishonorable discharge from the U.S. military (for U.S. Veterans only)
- Neither a record of disciplinary action from any state, province or territory, or licensing or certification board within the past two years nor subject under any such investigation
- Current Student enrolled at an accredited College or University or a Graduate of an accredited College or University OR current employment or volunteer in Public Safety and/or Security area.
- Experience:
- No previous experience is required for this level. However, the candidate should be studying or working in any Public Safety and/or Security area (Law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management, safety, fire/rescue, etc.) or related area (Public health, volunteer management, chaplains, etc.)
- Education
- High school diploma
- Training and Examination (75 questions) – You must receive an 80% or better.
- Introduction to Homeland Security
- Introduction to Terrorism (Domestic and International)
- Homeland Security Presidential Directives
- National Preparedness Goal
- National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- Emergency Management Phases
- Application fee:
- $165 member; $265 non-member
- General Requirements:
-
Level II
- In addition to the requirements listed under Level I
- At least 20 years of age
- Current employment or volunteer in Public Safety and/or Security area.
- Experience
- At least two years of professional or volunteer experience is required for this level in any Public Safety or Security area (Law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management, safety, fire/rescue, etc.) or related area (Public health, volunteer management, chaplains, etc.)
- Training and Examination (100 questions) – You must receive an 80% or better.
- Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA)
- Risk Analysis
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s)
- Bomb Threats
- Information Sharing and Intelligence
- Application fee:
- $225 member; $325 non-member
- In addition to the requirements listed under Level I
-
Level III
- In addition to the requirements listed under Levels I and II
- At least 21 years of age
- Experience
- At least three years of professional or volunteer experience is required for this level in any Public Safety or Security area (Law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management, safety, fire/rescue, etc.) or related area (Public health, volunteer management, chaplains, etc.).
- Education
- Associates Degree, Certificate/Diploma, or sufficient/equivalent coursework relevant to the topic (to be determined by the certification board)
- Training and Examination (80 questions) – You must receive an 80% or better.
- Incident Command System
- Active Shooter
- Crowd Control
- On-Scene Protection
- Cyber Terrorism
- Bio-Terrorism
- Eco-Terrorism
- Emergency Planning
- Application fee:
- $250 member; $350 non-member
- In addition to the requirements listed under Levels I and II
-
Level IV
- In addition to the requirements listed under Levels I, II and III
- Experience
- At least four years of professional or volunteer experience is required for this level in any Public Safety or Security area (Law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management, safety, fire/rescue, etc.) or related area (Public health, volunteer management, chaplains, etc.)
- Education
- Bachelor Degree or sufficient/equivalent coursework relevant to the topic (to be determined by the certification board)
- Training and Examination (100 questions) – You must receive an 80% or better.
- Incident Command and Control
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear & High Yield Explosives Threats
- Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident Response
- Tactical Decontamination Operations
- Violent Non-State Actors (VNSA)
- Continuity of Operations
- Application fee:
- $450 member; $550 non-member
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Application Submission
Applicants must submit a completed application along with supporting documentation including a Driver’s License, resume, degree(s) or transcript(s) (if applicable), military record(s) (if applicable), and a copy of appropriate certifications or designations, and/or a copy of certificates from any completed homeland security related course (including those from DHS, FEMA, NSA and/or NDPCI). In addition, all U.S. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD-214 attesting no dishonorable discharge. Applicants can submit the documentation by mail or online.
By Mail:
National Sheriffs’ Association
Attention: Certification Dept
1450 Duke Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Recertification
The Homeland Protection Associate certificate is valid for three years. CHPA designees must submit a recertification application indicating their current enrollment at an accredited college or university with courses specifically relating to homeland security or anti-terrorism.
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