Atab Certification

Certification programs

DETAILS CATEGORY: ATABS MAIN 1 PUBLISHED DATE WRITTEN BY RAHMOCKTU HITS: 13845

Background

Non-governmental agencies, associations, and private sector companies may grant certifications to individuals who meet predetermined qualifications. These qualifications are generally set by professional associations (for example, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) or by industry (for example, the Anti-terrorism Accreditation Board, the American Society for Industrial Security, etc.) and product-related organizations (for example, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Novell Certified Engineer, etc.).Certification is usually an optional credential for most professions although some state licensure boards and some employers may require one or more certifications. While largely optional, certifications may be a discriminating factor in obtaining or maintaining employment, and may be a key element in career advancement. For many occupations, more than one organization may offer certifications.

Every profession requires a set of general and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully fulfill job requirements. However, not every recruiter or employer knows whether or not you possess these requisites or how to measure your level of competency. Certification is highly recommended and is some instances required, in order to remain as competitive as possible in today’s job market.  Even in the best of times, employers seek the largest possible return on their investment in human resources and have raised the bar in recent years to ensure they hire and retain the most highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals in their business.  Certification is one way of demonstrating your mastery of a given area of expertise and demonstrates that you made an investment in yourself, your career, and your future.

ATAB Credentialing Programs

ATAB currently offers credentials as a Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CAS) and Certified Master Anti-terrorism Specialist (CMAS), as well as advanced, specialized credentials as a CAS Physical Security Manager (CAS-PSM), CAS-Maritime Security Manager (CAS-MSM), CAS-OpSec Intelligence Specialist (CAS-OIS), CAS-Crime Scene Investigator (CAS-CSI),   CAS- Certified Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CEPS) CAS-Cyber Terrorism Responder (CAS-CTR), and CAS-Information Technology Manager (CAS-ITM).Regardless of your anti-terrorism career path, ATAB offers training and certification programs to meet your needs.

Certified Anti-terrorism Specialist (CAS)

This credential is reserved for members in good standing who meet qualifications as outlined in the “Qualifications for Certification” section outlined herein. The role of a CAS is unique, requiring a wide variety of knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through education, training and experience. The focus of the CAS certification program is to set the standard for personnel that meet the requisite level of knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to understand and combat the threat of global terrorism, as set forth by ATAB and the International Society of Anti-terrorism Professionals. If you desire recognition as an elite professional with skills and expertise to plan, prepare, and react to the terrorist threat, then the Certified Anti-terrorism Specialist (CAS) program may be right for you. The ATAB Emergency Response Manual and Reference Library is a highly recommended, but not required, self-study resource available to help prepare you for the certification examination. Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS credential.  Email [email protected] for an application and detailed information.

Certified Master Anti-terrorism Specialist (CMAS)

This credential is reserved for members in good standing who previously received the CAS credential and otherwise meet qualifications as outlined in the “Qualifications for Certification” section outlined herein. CMAS candidates typically possess 10 years of experience in the terrorism response field and have a proven track record of conducting security and response operations. As a subject matter expert, a CMAS typically holds a leadership, management, or advisory position of trust and confidence within a response organization or unit. In addition, they often serve as primarily trainers and instructors that ensure first responders are adequately prepared for handling threat situations and incidents.  ATAB recommends individuals holding the CMAS credential as our first choice when companies contact us in search of instructors to conduct in-house training, and/or experts to conduct vulnerability assessments, security audits, or provide consulting services for their firms.  The ATAB Emergency Response Manual and Reference Library (CMAS Expanded Edition) is a highly recommended, but not required, self-study resource available to help prepare you for the certification examination.  Candidates must demonstrate their subject matter expertise by submitting a written, comprehensive white paper, a MS-PowerPoint presentation, a policy and procedure manual, standard operating procedures, book, etc., authored by the candidate. If the candidate is deployed or in an area that limits access to resources, ATAB will assist the candidate in meeting this requirement. Please contact ATAB via email at [email protected]or by telephone at 703-880-5212 for more details.  Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CMAS credential.

CAS-Physical Security Manager (CAS-PSM)

This credential is reserved for members in good standing who previously received the CAS credential and otherwise meet qualifications as outlined in the “Qualifications for Certification” section outlined herein.  Physical Security Managers are typically educated and experienced in many areas of security practice, and must understand how to plan, prepare and execute viable strategies to protect personnel, property, facilities, equipment, and other assets.  The CAS-PSM demonstrates a highly trained professional with hands-on experience, as well as knowledge of physical security techniques and theory.  Candidates must be knowledgeable in both physical security, as well as the new technical security methods being utilized in today’s technological world. The certification examination is designed to indicate your level of knowledge in designing integrated security systems, as well as your ability to conduct security risk assessments and physical security surveys, and reveal your knowledge of the best use of security assets from your personnel and hardware to procedures and applications on installing and operating an integrated system.  The ATAB Emergency Response Manual and Reference Library is a highly recommended, but not required, self-study resource available to help prepare you for the certification examination.  Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-PSM credential.

CAS-Maritime Security Manager (CAS-MSM)

This credential is reserved for members in good standing who previously received the CAS credential and otherwise meet qualifications as outlined in the “Qualifications for Certification” section outlined herein.  This credentialing program is designed for qualified individuals who want to move beyond the ISPS Code and who need to look at anti-terrorism within the maritime environment. The written certification examination covers a variety of maritime security topics selected by leaders, responders, and consultants from security, customs, transportation, commerce, and other related industries having interest in the protection of international shipping and our strategic seaports according to the highest industry standards, including ISO-17024.The ATAB Emergency Response Manual and Reference Library is a highly recommended, but not required, self-study resource available to help prepare you for the certification examination.  Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-MSM credential.

CAS-Operational Security Intelligence/Counter Intelligence Specialist (CAS-OIS)

OPSEC and Counter Intelligence and Intelligence Specialist  OIS Certification is designed to provide HUMINT, CI (Counter Intelligence) and Intelligence Operators with advanced knowledge of Surveillance, HUMINT and Intelligence gathering techniques.  This program provides information on HUMINT, Military Intelligence, Counter Intelligence, Law Enforcement Intelligence and Operation Security.  Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-OIS credential.

CAS-Crime Scene Investigator  (CAS-CSI)

ATAB Crime Scene Investigator program was developed to provide individuals with responsibilities for processing, securing or managing a potential crime scene in their duties as well as procedures in protecting, processing, documenting and securing a crime scene for the preservation of evidence. 

This block of instruction is critical to anyone in security management to inform them of the procedures required to process a scene to prevent the loss of evidence.  While extremely important for Crime Scene Investigators to further their knowledge base, the program provides management with the information that they need to insure a successful conclusion to an investigation.  The CSI program provides you with knowledge needed to respond to a crime scene and preserve, process and secure evidence.  You will be provided a comprehensive block of training materials that you may use to advance your skill set and knowledge base as well as prepare you for your certification.  Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-CSI credential.

CAS-Certified Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CEPS)

The CEPS course addresses 19 areas of concentration covering 92 topics.  Upon completion of the online portion of the course candidates are required to complete a classroom module of training covering areas such as Protective Movements, Tactical Training, Motorcade, Cross Deck, Ambush/Counter Ambush,  Tactical Medical, IED, Room Searches, Vehicle Searches, Defensive Tactics and Formations. Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-CEPS credential.

Certified Master Executive Protection Specialist (CMEPS)

The CMEPS course is an advancement of the CEPS program with much more in depth concentration on Surveillance Counter Measures, Behavioral Awareness, HUMINT, TSCM, EOD, Tactical and non-Tactical de-escalation of violence, Advanced Hostage Survival, Motorcade, Cross Deck,  Threat/Target Engagement and Crisis Management. Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-CMEPS credential.

CAS-Cyber Terrorism Responder (CAS-CTR)

This credential is reserved for members in good standing who previously received the CAS credential and otherwise meet qualifications as outlined in the “Qualifications for Certification” section outlined herein.  This credentialing program is designed for responders supervising cyber incident response units and others having a strong understanding of the current threats to systems and networks, along with proven and effective responses and countermeasures.  The certification examination measures the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully manage a cyber incident or attack, including common attack methods, and the techniques, tools, and procedures used in response to a cyber attack.  The ATAB Emergency Response Manual and Reference Library is a highly recommended, but not required, self-study resource available to help prepare you for the certification examination.  Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-CTR credential.

CAS-Information Technology Manager (ITM)

This credential is reserved for members in good standing who previously received the CAS credential and otherwise meet qualifications as outlined in the “Qualifications for Certification” section outlined herein.  Typical candidates for this credential include information technology (IT) professionals who are familiar with ISO, NIST, and other information security standards and procedures, as well as information security (INFOSEC) managers and personnel who participate in information assurance and IT security programs.  In addition, candidates are usually responsible for establishing, maintaining, monitoring, and improving IT security programs, and demonstrate the concepts of IT security as well as understanding the threats and risks to IT systems and/or networks. The ATAB Emergency Response Manual and Reference Library, containing information designed to assist you in learning how to write and implement policies, procedures, disaster recovery and/or business continuity plans, and other useful information, is a highly recommended, but not required, self-study resource available to help prepare you for the certification examination.  Applicants must hold the CMAS and the CTR credential to be eligible for this certification program.  Qualified candidates successfully achieving a score of 75% or higher on the certification examination are awarded the CAS-ITM credential.

Qualifications for Certification

Candidates seeking credentials as either a CAS or CMAS must meet the minimum qualifying point requirement to be considered for CAS or CMAS certification.  A minimum of one hundred (100) qualifying points awarded by ATAB for experience, education, and other professional designations is required for CAS certification.  A minimum of one hundred fifty (150) qualifying points awarded by ATAB for experience, education, and other professional designations is required for CMAS certification.  Qualifying points are granted by ATAB, subject to primary source verification and validation, as follows:

Educational Requirements

There are no specific requirements of post-secondary education, as many professionals acquire their education through experience.  However, candidates possessing an applicable Associate, Bachelor, Master, or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university may receive qualifying points for completing academic requirements leading to a degree.  ATAB disallows award of qualifying points under this category for partially completed programs, and qualifying points are awarded only for the highest educational level completed.  For example, a candidate possesses an Associate degree, a Bachelor degree, and a Master degree from one or more accredited colleges or universities.  A total of 60 qualifying points may be granted for the Master-level degree, but no qualifying points are granted for the Bachelor or Associate degree.

Experience Requirements

Candidates seeking credentials as either a CAS or CMAS must possess a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in detecting, deterring and/or responding to acts of terrorism during employment in Government, military, public or private sector industries.  Experience may include any or all of the following critical areas: (1) management, (2) technical, (3) analytical, (4) operational, (5) education/training, or (6) other related support roles in law enforcement, fire, emergency rescue, medical, HazMat, explosive ordnance disposal, physical security, disaster planning, preparedness, and recovery, information systems security, or similar career field.

Waiver of Experience Requirements

Candidates may request waiver of experience requirements in writing from the ATAB Certification Committee.  Candidates must otherwise meet the minimum qualifying point requirement (i.e., 100 points for CAS and 150 points for CMAS) and submit a formal waiver of certification request.  Such requests must include (1) a letter from the candidate explaining the reason(s) for the request and how the candidate meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying requirements, (2) a letter of recommendation from the candidate’s immediate supervisor attesting to the candidate’s qualifications, (3) documentation (e.g., training certificates, diplomas, transcripts, DD form 214, etc.).

Preparation for Certification

ATAB Emergency Response Manual and Reference Library – A comprehensive set of resources, including the ATAB Emergency Response Manual, and Reference Library, is available to candidates to assist in the preparation for the certification examinations.  These self-study training, review, and reference resources consist of more than 40 MS-PowerPoint presentations, and over 800 manuals, guides, and other reference materials.  These resources are strongly recommended to adequately prepare candidates for certification examinations, but purchase of the self-study training and review manual and/or the resource library is not mandatory.

Application for Certification Examination

Click here to download the ATAB certification examination application for Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CAS) and Certified Master Anti-terrorism Specialist (CMAS), as well as advanced, specialized credentials as a CAS-Physical Security Manager (CAS-PSM), CAS-Maritime Security Manager (CAS-MSM), CAS-Cyber Terrorism Responder (CAS-CTR), and CAS-Information Technology Manager (CAS-ITM) OpSec Intelligence Specialist (CAS-OIS) CAS Crime Scene Investigator (CAS-CSI)  CAS-Certified Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CEPS) CAS Certified Master Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CMEPS). Please complete the ATAB certification examination application and send it to the ATAB Certification Committee via email to [email protected], or via fax at (703) 310-7482 or (404) 506-9049.Please allow 3-4 weeks for administrative review and processing of your application for certification examination. To check status of your membership application, please contact Keith via email at [email protected].

Certification Examination

There is a written core examination for the ATAB Certified Anti-terrorism Specialist (CAS) program, as well as a written core examination for the Certified Master Anti-terrorism Specialist (CMAS), and four specialty examinations, one each for the CAS - Physical Security Manager (CAS-PSM) program, the CAS - Maritime Security Manager (CAS-MSM) program, the CAS - Cyber Terrorism Responder (CAS-CTR) program, and the CAS - Information Technology Manager (CAS-ITM) program, OpSec Intelligence Specialist (CAS-OIS) CAS Crime Scene Investigator (CAS-CSI)  CAS-Certified Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CEPS) CAS Certified Master Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CMEPS).  Each written core examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, whereas each of the four specialty examinations consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.  All examination questions have been developed by experts with knowledge and expertise in anti-terrorism and related subjects, and each examination is reviewed at least three times before they are field-tested in an actual test administration.

CAS candidates must pass the written core examination with a minimum score of 75% to be awarded the CAS credential.  Likewise, CMAS candidates must pass the written core examination with a minimum score of 75% to be awarded the CMAS credential.  Candidates seeking additional specialty credentials must pass the respective specialty examination with a minimum score of 75%.  Any CAS, CMAS, or specialty certification candidate failing to achieve a score of 75% on the examination will be allowed to re-take the failed core or specialty examination one time, without additional cost, within 90 days of the date the initial examination.

ATAB strives to ensure examinations are psychometrically sound, fair and effective measurements of a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through a combination of education, training, and real-world experience.  ATAB leverages the expertise of its subject matter experts with those in Government, military, education, and private industry to develop examinations and routinely review programs against recognized credentialing standards.

ATAB draws on internal (i.e., member and committee) and external (i.e., Government, military, and private industry) subject-matter resources for knowledge and experience in anti-terrorism operations, and then applies lessons learned, common sense, and forward thinking in constructing training and examination materials.  Many Government, military, and industry experts played a vital role in the development of the ATAB examinations, and continue to assist ATAB in the administration and further development of written examinations used in certification programs.  This unprecedented combination of vertically and horizontally integrated input, review, and approval, supplemented by reliable and valid psychometric evaluation and input from ATAB members and committees, as well as Government, military, education and private industry sources makes ATAB anti-terrorism training and certification programs unique in the industry.

The first step in the development of a fair and objective examination for anti-terrorism specialists was a job analysis study conducted by ATAB, in cooperation with the International Society of Anti-Terrorism Professionals (ISATP), and various Government, military, and industry experts.  The team initially identified the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful anti-terrorism operations. A survey was conducted, and the results tabulated, to validate that the knowledge recommended by the experts was relevant and deemed appropriate for each program and target audience.  The examination content specifications generated from the validation survey were then used to begin the question writing and answer process for each certification program.

Each written examination is based on an anti-terrorism specialist validation study conducted by ATAB, in cooperation with ISATP, and other experts.  Development of the written certification examinations involves panels of ATAB anti-terrorism content experts who work with Government, military, and private industry experts to develop and initially review all proposed examination questions.  Content areas are developed through assessment of educational achievement, experience, and occupational knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure examinations are consistent in difficulty and question content.  Each written core and specialty examination contains a combination of questions from a question and answer database.  Questions are initially reviewed by subject-matter experts for content relevance, competency level, and importance, then reviewed and approved by ATAB committee members.  The appropriate ATAB committee chairs review proposed examination questions for psychometric quality, grammar, spelling, and usage prior to final approval.  Certification examination questions are then selected on the basis of the applicability to each content area as defined by ATAB testing criteria. Lastly, the ATAB Board of Directors review and validate all examinations prior to final approval.

Minimum passing scores for each written core and specialty examination are determined during field-testing and evaluation procedures follow industry standards for educational testing to ensure that only fair, valid, and reliable competency-based certification examination questions are included in the assessment.

Waiver of Examination

Candidates may request a waiver or examination for the CAS or CMAS credential in writing from the ATAB Certification Committee.  Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying point requirement (i.e., 100 points for CAS and 150 points for CMAS) and submit a formal waiver of certification request.  Such requests must include (1) a letter from the candidate explaining the reason(s) for the request and how the candidate meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying requirements, (2) a letter of recommendation from the candidate’s immediate supervisor attesting to the candidate’s qualifications, (3) documentation (e.g., training certificates, diplomas, transcripts, DD form 214, etc.).

Application for Waiver of Examination

Click here to download the ATAB waiver of certification examination application for Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CAS) and Certified Master Anti-terrorism Specialist (CMAS), as well as advanced, specialized credentials as a CAS-Physical Security Manager (CAS-PSM), CAS-Maritime Security Manager (CAS-MSM), CAS-Cyber Terrorism Responder (CAS-CTR), and CAS-Information Technology Manager (CAS-ITM), ) OpSec Intelligence Specialist (CAS-OIS) CAS Crime Scene Investigator (CAS-CSI)  CAS-Certified Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CEPS) CAS Certified Master Executive Protection Specialist (CAS-CMEPS).  Please complete the ATAB waiver of certification examination application and all requirements specified in the Waiver of Examination section above, and send it to the ATAB Certification Committee via email to [email protected], or via fax at (703) 310-7482 or (404) 506-9049.Please allow 3-4 weeks for administrative review and processing your application for waiver of certification examination.  To check status of your membership application, please contact Keith via email at [email protected] and for any training related queries please reach the Sr VP K.Mazumdar- Training.