9 Law Enforcement Certifications To Advance Your Career

Whether you are just starting a career in the law enforcement field or have been working in the industry for a while, there are a variety of certifications you can pursue. These can help you build your knowledge and skills in a specialized area. Understanding the various law enforcement certifications available can help you choose one that can help you gain credibility in your role. In this article, we provide a list of nine law enforcement certifications to earn, share the qualifications to earn them, and discuss what types of individuals may benefit from them.

9 law enforcement certifications

The following are some certifications for professionals in law enforcement to consider obtaining:

1. Certified Law Enforcement Analyst

The Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA) certification provides crime analysis professionals with a foundation of skills and knowledge to help them succeed in their job duties. The International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) offers this program, which teaches participants about the different methods and techniques to use in their field. IACA uses a point system to acknowledge an individual’s academic work, work experience, knowledge, skills, and contributions to advancing in their profession. Requirements to earn the CLEA certification include:

• Gain at least three years of full-time professional experience as an analyst in law enforcement, corrections, intelligence, or other related fields

• Earn a minimum of 100 points in combined educational and work experience

• Become a member of the IACA

2. Basic Court Security Certification

The Basic Court Security Certification is the first level in a three-part program for those wanting to work in court security. Individuals can also earn advanced and master court security certifications. The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Corrections Academy created this program to provide training opportunities for these types of professionals. Upon completion of this program, individuals receive a certificate document and get their names on the NSA website. Requirements to earn this certification include:

• Have a United States citizenship status

• Be at least 21 years old

• Possess a record free of felony convictions

• Hold a current National Sheriffs’ Association membership

• Pay the $195 administrative fee

• Work at least one year in court security

3. Certified in Security Supervision and Management

The Certified in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM) certification is beneficial for those wanting to become a security manager or supervisor. During this program, students learn about risk and crisis management, the future of private security, crime prevention, staff training and development, workplace violence, and security technologies. The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) presents this program in collaboration with the publisher and author of “Security Supervision: Theory and Practice of Asset Protection.” In order to earn this certification, participants complete written practical exercises and a final exam. Requirements to earn the CSSM certification include:

• Pay the $300 certification program fee

• Earn at least a 70% on the CSSM final exam

• Complete at least six months of security experience

4. Certified Professional Criminal Investigator

The Certified Professional Criminal Investigator (CPCI) certification provides criminal investigators with advanced skills and knowledge to help them succeed in their roles. They learn how to handle a variety of investigation methodologies, including terrorism, fraud and interrogation. Those completing this program can conduct professional investigations successfully and earn 100 continuing professional education credits. The McAfee Institute also provides individuals with a certification document and digital badge upon completion. Requirements to earn the CPCI certification include one of the following:

• Earn at least two years of professional experience in law enforcement or investigative work with a bachelor’s degree

• Earn at least three years of professional experience in law enforcement or investigative work with an associate degree

• Earn at least four years of professional experience in law enforcement or investigative work with a high school degree

5. International Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Recognition Expert

The International Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) certification helps law enforcement officers become proficient at identifying drugs and noticing signs of drivers under the influence of drugs. Students learn about the seven categories of drugs and symptoms associated with each type. For their final exam, they narrate the evaluation process of a drug evaluation and provide four effects they notice in drug usage. Individuals also demonstrate their abilities to document a drug influence report properly. Requirements to earn the DRE certification include:

• Be a full-time law enforcement officer

• Complete the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training

• Have experience in DUI arrests and submit two DUI arrest reports

• Receive a recommendation from your local prosecutor

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6. Physical Security Certification

The Physical Security Certification (PSC) tests individuals on their expertise in physical security standards, concepts, and implementation. This program also looks at their knowledge of standards, planning, and countermeasures. The Center for Development of Security Excellence offers the PSC, and it is beneficial for those working for the Department of Defense or in other security-related positions. Requirements to earn the PSC include completing the PSC exam.

7. Certified Correctional Officer

The Certified Correctional Officer (CCO) certification recognizes an individual’s high-level accomplishments in the field of corrections and their advanced knowledge. Offered through the American Correctional Association, this program tests participants on their knowledge about the general field of corrections and their capabilities in their discipline. Requirements to earn the CCO certification include:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Gain a minimum of one year of experience as a corrections officer

• Earn at least a 70% on the CCO certification exam

8. Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law

The National Board of Trial Advocacy Board Certification in Criminal Law demonstrates a lawyer’s experience in their specialty area and ability to meet quality standards. Exams include a combination of multiple-choice and essay questions. In the essay portion, students look at hypothetical cases and fact patterns. Requirements to earn the Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law include:

• Practice law for at least five years

• Hold a good standing in your state of admission

• Pass the board certification exam

• Provide professional references

• Demonstrate continual learning education and legal involvement

• Pay the $400 application fee and $400 exam fee

9. Certified Jail Officer

The Certified Jail Officer (CJO) certification program helps jail officers prepare for advanced roles in jail management. The American Jail Association (AJA) created this program, which tests candidates on their general knowledge of safety and security, jail operations, professional and legal concepts, support services, and special populations. Requirements to earn the CJO certification include:

• Work full-time for a minimum of one year as a jail officer

• Pay the $199 nonmember application fee or $140 AJA member application fee

• Follow the AJA code of ethics

I hope you find this article helpful.