Certification

The Society of National Security Professionals’ primary goal is to enhance the national security of our nation by creating a cadre of qualified professionals well versed in various aspects of national security issues from an interagency perspective. To achieve this goal, SONSP is establishing 3 levels of certification based on the professional experience, education, training and knowledge of the individual. These certifications correspond to the concepts outlined in Executive Order 13434. The three certification levels are:

• Associate National Security Professional (ANSP)
• Certified National Security Professional (CNSP)
• Master National Security Professional (MNSP)

Professional experience in various functional areas (all experience will be evaluated by a panel of experts on a case-by-case basis):

• Intelligence Community
• Homeland Security
• Diplomatic/Foreign Services
• Military/Defense
• Other Federal Agencies (Energy, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury, Labor, etc)
• National Security Council and other executive branch entities
• Congressional Staff experience
• State, local or tribal programs

Core Capabilities:
The SONSP’s training and examinations will focus on mastering proficiency in the following areas:

• Department/Agency Roles and Responsibilities pertaining to national security
• Federal Budget Process
• Federal Acquisition Process
• Federal Laws, regulations, constitutional issues
• Congressional Committee process/organization
• Presidential Decisions (PDD, NSPD, HSPD, etc)
• Federalism – role of states, local, and tribal governments in national security
• Ethics
• History
• The Private Sector’s role in national security
• National Security Council
• Integrated/interagency Planning
• Federal Programs (Enduring Constitutional Government, National Response Framework, etc)
• Emerging Issues and Threats
• National/Department Level Strategies and plans (National Security Strategy, etc)

The Certification Process:
Candidates will follow this certification process:

• Complete 32 hours of SONSP approved training
• Submit documented educational and professional experience
• SONSP staff will review, verify and validate education and experience
• Individual will take the certification examination commensurate with level of education and experience
• If an individual successfully passes the rigorous examination, certification will be issued
• Certification will be valid for 36 months
• Certified professionals must complete continuing education courses to maintain credentials after initial 36 month period

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