Your guide to criminal justice certifications: the best certificates of 2024

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) offers the CISM certification for information security managers and IT consultants who manage, design, and assess information security systems. The CISM certification is recognized as one of the most desirable IT credentials, and holders are among the highest paid in their field. Applicants must have 5 years of verified experience in the field of information security and pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Professionals working in security operations and risk management may qualify for this information security certification. It is granted by the International Information Security Certification Consortium (ISC). The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is the most globally recognized certification in the information security market.

The CISSP verifies an information security professional’s in-depth technical and managerial skills and abilities in security operations and risk management to be able to design, engineer, and manage the overall security posture of an organization. Applicants must have 5 years of relevant full-time work experience, provide their criminal history, and pass a multiple-choice exam.

Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)

This credential is the most widely recognized and respected among those who work in addiction counseling. It provides the specialized training required to deal with the mixture of criminal thinking and addiction. There are different levels of experience needed to start CCJP certification depending on the type of criminal justice degree applicants hold. A criminal justice degree can also reduce some of the coursework and internship hours stipulated.

Global Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)

This certification is for professionals working in computer forensics, information security, and incident response. The GCFA confirms that holders have the skills, knowledge, and ability to carry out incident investigations and deal with internal and external data breaches, ongoing cyber threats and conduct complex digital forensics.

Corrections Certification Professionals (CCP)

The American Correctional Association (ACA) oversees a range of certifications for corrections professionals based on their role – corrections officers, supervisors, managers, or executives – and whether they work with adults or juveniles. Certification allows the holder to demonstrate their knowledge and awareness of the most up-to-date and effective approaches in the corrections field and to improve their employment prospects.

Certified Private Investigator

Education and experience licensing requirements for private investigators vary from state to state. Typically, they include at least a year of related work experience, a passing score on a private investigator examination, a background check, and being at least 21 years old. Some states require an associate degree or higher in criminal justice or a related major.

Board Certification in Forensic Psychology

The American Board of Professional Psychology certifies several different fields of psychology. The forensic psychology certification, which is for psychologists working in criminal justice, requires individuals to complete a credential review process and pass a written and oral exam. The board also votes to approve each candidate for membership. Typically, licensed criminal psychologists must hold a doctoral degree and state licensure.

Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification (POST)

POST is a certification required for individuals pursuing careers as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, or other law enforcement officers. Specific requirements by state, and the duration of the training program could range from a few months to a year.

POST certificate training might include both classroom instruction and physical fitness training. The curriculum covers criminal law, constitutional law, community policing, firearms training, defensive tactics, emergency response, ethics, cultural diversity, crisis intervention, and more.

Forensic Science Certification

The American Board of Criminalistics offers several forensic science certifications, including Biological Evidence Screening, Drug Analysis, and Forensic DNA. These certificates will allow you to work as a forensic science professional and perform certain tasks covered by the certification’s scope. Note that to be eligible, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a similar field.