How to Become a Certified Homeland Security Officer
Explore the steps, requirements, and options to become a certified homeland security officer. Read more to get the facts about pursuing certification to work in this field.
Certified Homeland Security Officer at a Glance
Homeland security officers work for the Department of Homeland Security to protect the nation from all potential or identified threats. There are a wide variety of positions available for all career stages and education levels. Though certifications are not required for most positions, they can be an important tool for job recruitment by confirming the candidate's grasp of a wide variety of relevant technical and law enforcement skills. The table below is an overview of certifications, education, and salary information for homeland security officers.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Requirements for Certification</b> </td><td> Associate or bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education fields</b> </td><td> Law enforcement, criminal justice, homeland security, safety or related</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certifications Available</b> </td><td> Certified Homeland Protection Professional and Certified Homeland Protection Associate (I - IV)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Career Areas</b> </td><td> Mission support, law enforcement, immigration/travel security, and prevention/response</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Average Salary (2019)</b> </td><td> $75,000 (for all Department of Homeland Security careers)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *Payscale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfCertificationsAreAvailable">What Kind of Certifications Are Available?</h3><p>Professional certifications are available through the National Sheriff's Association/Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals (NSA/GSHNSP). These certifications are backed by a certification board of industry leaders from law enforcement, fire service, private industry, and other homeland security-related fields. The two certifications available are Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) and Certified Homeland Protection Associate (CHPA).
</p><p>The CHPP certification is designed to certify the ability of a candidate to respond to and manage all relevant security hazards. It requires at least four years of professional supervisory experience. CHPA certifications are for current students or those with limited professional experience as a vehicle for testing and certifying one's ability to begin a career in the field.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationRequirementsForCertification">What Are the Education Requirements for Certification?</h3><p>The NSA/GSHNSP certifications generally require an associate or bachelor's degree and the completion of certain relevant course topics. Candidates should study areas related to homeland security (such as law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management, etc.). Relevant certificates and courses may suffice in certain cases in place of a degree. The CHPA level I certification allows applicants with a high school diploma provided they are currently studying an area related to homeland protection.
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyOtherRelevantRequirements">Are There Any Other Relevant Requirements?</h3><p>To receive a certification from the NSA/GSHNSP, applicants must be United States citizens (or those of countries not sanctioned by the U.S. Government), have no convictions or disciplinary actions on record, and be currently employed in a security or public safety-related position. It is also required for all applicants to be 21 years or older. Additional requirements may apply depending on the CHPP or CHPA level you are applying for.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIFindAJobInHomelandSecurity">How Do I Find a Job in Homeland Security?</h3><p>Hundreds of homeland security openings are available every day across agencies and departments. To identify a role that fits your desired duties (border patrol, immigration officer, cybersecurity analyst), education level and salary expectations, visit <i>USAJobs.gov</i> and select 'Department of Homeland Security' as your filter. You can also search by keyword, education level, years of experience and other similar parameters. Make sure to check all general requirements and fill out the forms required. Most Department of Homeland Security positions are only available to U.S. Citizens.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfSalaryShouldIExpect">What Kind of Salary Should I Expect?</h3><p>Salary expectations vary greatly depending on the department, skills, and job duties. In 2019, <i>PayScale.com</i> calculated the average salary for all U.S. Department of Homeland Security jobs at $75,000 per year. The salary varies greatly by position, per <i>Payscale.com</i>. Examples include transportation security officers, who earned an average of $38,149, and supervisory special agents, who earned an average of $136,271.</p>