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Adjudicator Professional Certification CANDIDATE HANDBOOKDE
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Center for Development of Security Excellence | 938 Elkridge Landing Road | Linthicum, MD 21090
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 AdjudicatorProfessionalCertificationOverview2 Introduction2 Eligibility Requirements3 CertificationProgramAccreditation4 What is the APC Program?4 CertificationProcess5 Assessment Administration5 Creating or Updating Your STEPP Account6 Requesting Authorization to Test and Assessment Scheduling7 Taking an APC Assessment7 Test Preparation: Helpful Hints 7 Test-Taking Tips8 Test Day Procedures9 AssessmentSecurityandConfidentiality10MaterialsProvidedattheAssessmentLocation10 Assessment Completion Time10 Cancelling or Rescheduling an Assessment11 Retaking an Assessment11 Scoring the Assessment11 Feedback12 After Your Assessment
12CertificationConferralandRevocation12 SPēDCertificates12 Updating Personnel Records13 UsingCertificationAcronymDesignations14CertificationMaintenanceandRenewalProcedures14CertificationRenewal15 CertificationMaintenance
15 Recertification/RetestRequirements
16 Appeals Process and Procedures16 Grounds for Appeal17 Decisions NOT Eligible for Appeal17 Appeal Submissions17AppealReview17 Appeal Decision18AppealProcessFlow19WaiversandGuidelines20 Disciplinary Process and Procedures23 Accommodations for Disabilities24 Non-Discrimination Policy25 APC Program Background25Governance
26AssessmentDevelopment27 Determining Passing Scores28Certification-SpecificInformation28AdjudicatorProfessionalCertification(APC)28 Policy Matrix29 Areas of Expertise30 Competency Preparatory Tools and Test Preparation31 Preparing for the APC Assessment32 Training Requirements33 Experience Requirements33 Verification34 Testing Requirements35DueProcessAdjudicatorProfessionalCredential(DPAPC)35 Policy Matrix36 Training Requirements36 Experience Requirements37 Testing Requirements37 Verification37 Preparing for the DPAPC Assessment37CertificationMaintenance38 Acronyms
THE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS BEGINS WITH
IntroductionThisCandidateHandbookisatooltohelpyounavigatetheAdjudicatorProfessionalCertification(APC)Program.Thehandbook’s
firstsectionprovidesanoverview,fromentryintotheprogramthroughmaintainingyourcertification.Thesecondsectionprovides
detailsabouttheAPCandtheDueProcessAdjudicatorProfessionalCredential(DPAPC).Youwillalsofindtest-takingtips,links,and
informationforeverystepoftheway.
WelcometotheAPCProgram,andgoodluck!
Eligibility RequirementsAdjudicator Professional Certification
Anadjudicatormustmeettraining,experience,andtestingrequirementsforcertification.
To become certified under the APC Program, you must be:• ApersonnelsecurityadjudicatoremployedbyDoDand/orDoDIntelligenceCommunity(DoD/IC)CentralAdjudicationFacilities
(CAFs),or
• A federal government employeeworking as a personnel security adjudicator and employed by an agency accepted for
participation in the APC Program (Note: Eligibilityforcertificationofnon-DoDfederalagenciesrequestinginclusionintheAPCProgramwillbecoordinatedwith the requestingagency, theAdjudicatorCertificationGovernanceBoard(ACGB),andthe
CenterforDevelopmentofSecurityExcellence(CDSE))
You must also:• Successfullycompleteaprogramofinstruction,includingtheIntroduction to DoD Personnel Security Adjudications (PS001.18)and
the DoD Personnel Security Adjudications (PS101.01)coursesprovidedbyCDSE,orequivalentinstructionasdeterminedbyCDSEon
behalfoftheDirector,DefenseSecurityService(DSS)
• Satisfyanddocumentallon-the-jobexperiencerequirementsidentifiedintheExperienceRequirementsFormforDoDPersonnel
SecurityAdjudicatorCertification(Note:Youmustsubmitthedocumentationtoyourimmediatesupervisor)
• Attain a passing score on the APC assessment
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2Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Adjudicator Professional Certification Overview
Due Process Credential
Certifiedadjudicatorswhoperformdueprocessfunctionsmayalsoqualify,throughadditionalverifiedexperienceandsupplementaltesting,fortheDPAPC.
To obtain the DPAPC, you must:• Attain APC
• Successfully complete the DoDAdvancedPersonnelSecurityAdjudications(PS301.10)courseprovidedbytheCDSE,orequivalent
instructionasdeterminedbyCDSEonbehalfoftheDirector,DSS
• Satisfy the additional due process experience requirements (Note: You must submit the documentation to your immediate
supervisor)
• Attain a passing score on the DPAPC assessment
Certification Program AccreditationThe SPēDCertificationProgramisanessentialelementoftheDepartmentofDefense’sinitiativetoprofessionalizetheworkforce.
PerDepartmentofDefenseManual(DODM)3305.13-M,“DoDSecurityAccreditationandCertification,”allcertificationsmustbe
accreditedandmaintainaccreditationbymeetingthepublishedstandardsofthenationalrecognizedcertificationaccreditation
body,theNationalCommissionforCertifyingAgencies(NCCA).Accreditationistheprocessbywhichcertificationsareevaluated
againstdefinedstandardsand,whenincompliancewiththesestandards,areawardedrecognitionbytheNCCA.Accreditation
isprooftheprogramhasbeenreviewedbyapanelofimpartialexpertsandhasmetthestringentstandardssetbytheNCCA.The
NCCAusesestablishedstandardstoassureprogramsmeetthresholdexpectationsofqualityandassuretheyimproveovertime.
AdjudicatorProfessionalCertificationhasachievednationalaccreditationfromtheNCCA.AchievingSPēDcertificationpubliclyconfirmsyouandtheprogram,meetcomprehensivequalitystandardsandyouarepreparedforsuccessinthesecurityprofession.
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3Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Adjudicator Professional Certification Overview
What is the APC Program?TheAPCProgramforPersonnelSecurityAdjudicatorswillcertifyyouasanadjudicatorqualifiedtoperformallessentialadjudicativefunctionsrelatedtodeterminingtheeligibilityofagovernmentemployee,militaryservicemember,orcontractoremployeeundertheNationalIndustrialSecurityProgram(NISP)foraccesstoclassifiedinformationorassignmenttosensitiveduties.
AsacertifiedAPCadjudicator,youareauthorizedtoperformalladjudicativefunctions,exceptdueprocessdeterminations.YoumustacquiretheDPAPCtoauthorizedueprocessdeterminations.
The APC and DPAPC Programs ensure: • Onlyfully-qualifiedandappropriately-trainedprofessionalsmakeclearancedeterminations
• Thetrainingprogrammatchesjobrequirementsandprovideseachadjudicatorwiththeknowledgeandskillsneededtoperform
theworkatahighlevelofproficiency
• Adjudicatorshavetheopportunityandincentivetoengageincontinuingprofessionaleducationtokeepthemselvescurrentonnew
policies,nationalsecuritytrends,job-relatedtechnologies,andresearchrelevanttoapplyingadjudicativeguidelines
TheProgramsintendtopromoteverifiableandsustainedcompetencyamongtheadjudicativeworkforcethroughtraining,initial
testingandcertification,andapprovedcontinuingeducation.Theyalsorecognizethelong-termcareerpathleadingfromentry-
leveladjudicationtraineetopositionsinpersonnelsecuritypolicy.
Certification ProcessIndividuals participating in the certification process fall into one of four statuses:1.Eligible Applicant:YouareeligibletoapplyforcertificationaftergainingapprovalfromyouremployingagencyorDoDSPēD
CertificationProgramManagementOffice(PMO).
2.Applicant: You established and updated your Security Training, Education, and Professionalization Portal and "My SPēD
Certification"accounts.
3.Candidate:Youarescheduledtotaketheassessment.
4.Certificant:YoufulfilledtheconditionsoutlinedinthepolicymatrixforcertificationandwereconferredbytheUnderSecretary
ofDefenseforIntelligence(USD(I)).
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4Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Adjudicator Professional Certification Overview
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5Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Creating or Updating Your STEPP AccountTheSecurityTraining,Education,andProfessionalizationPortal(STEPP)isthesystemofrecordfortheSPēDCertificationProgram.
Before scheduling your SPēDcertificationassessment,youmustmaintainactivestatusbyhavinganactiveandup-to-dateSTEPP
account.OnceyouestablishyourSTEPPaccount,youwillalsoreceivea"MySPeDCertification"(MSC)accounttomanageyour
SPēDcertificationactivity.
Complete the following to create or update your STEPP account and receive your MSC account:1.CreateorupdateyourSTEPPaccount(http://www.cdse.edu/stepp/index.html).
a.SelectthecheckboxontheUserProfilescreenindicatingyouareinterestedinparticipatingintheSPēDCertificationProgram.
b.Enterorupdateyourinformation.
c.Checkand,ifneeded,modifythefollowingfieldstoconformwiththelistedrequirements:
1.Organization: If you are performing your security duties as a federal or contract employee, select the appropriate
organizationnameorentity.
2.Mailingaddress,phonenumber,andemailaddress.(MustbeofficialDoD/Companyinformation.)
d.Selectthe"Submit"buttontosave.
2.OntheUserProfileCertificationscreen,selectthe"UserAttestation"checkboxtocompleteorupdateyourSTEPPaccount.
Note:Youwillreceiveanemailwithin48hourstoconfirmyourinterestandprovidealinktoyourMSCaccount.
3. SelectthelinkintheemailandfollowtheinstructionstoactivateyourMSCaccount.
Assessment Administration
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6Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Assessment Administration
Requesting Authorization to Test and Assessment SchedulingAfteryourSTEPPandMSCaccountsareactiveandupdated,andbeforeschedulingaSPēDcertificationassessment,youmust
obtainauthorizationfromyourowningComponentoragencytotakeaSPēDcertificationassessment.
Complete the following to request authorization to test: 1. LogintoMSC(https://i7lp.integral7.com/dss).
2. Selectthe“CompleteaForm”linkfromtheleftnavigationlist.
3. Selecttheappropriateformfromthosedisplayed.
4.Completetheform,andthenselect“SubmitForm.”
Next,youwillreceiveaseriesofmessagesandemailsprovidingyouwiththestatusofyourrequest.Youwillultimatelybeadvised
whenyouhavebeenauthorizedtotaketheassessmentandprovidedalinkguidingyouthroughtheschedulingprocess.
Uponreceivingauthorizationtotest,theassessmentmustbescheduledandcompletedwithin90calendardays.
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7Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Taking an APC AssessmentAPCassessmentsaredeliveredonlineviacomputer-basedtestingthroughourpartnernetworkoftestdeliverycenters.
TheAPCprogramassessmentisapproximately100items/questions.
Test Preparation: Helpful HintsConsider the following when preparing for a SPēD certification assessment:
• Thebodyofmaterialcoveredontheassessmentcannotbememorizedinitsentirety.Usememorytechniquesonlytohelprecall
keypoints.
• Focusontheapplicationofacceptedprinciples,practices,andtheories,notthememorizationoffacts,dates,andnames.
• TheassessmentisbasedonDoDpolicyonly,anddoesnotincorporateadditionalComponentoragencyrequirements.
• Considerstudyinginpairsorformingaface-to-faceorvirtualstudygroup.
• TakeadvantageoftheassociatedCompetencyPreparatoryTools(CPTs)(http://www.cdse.edu/certification/prepare.html).
Test-Taking Tips
Assessment Administration
• Relaxbeforetheassessment. • Skipquestionsyouareuncertainaboutandreturntothemlater.• Checkoutthetestcenterlocationinadvance. • Donotlookforanswerpatterns.• Arriveearly. • Donotselectananswerjustbecauseofitslength.• Keepapositiveattitudethroughoutthetestingsession. • Paceyourself.• Trustyourfirstimpression. • Useyourtimewisely.• Readtheentirequestioncarefully. • Answerallquestions;thereisnopenaltyforguessing.• Donotover-analyzethequestionsoranswers.
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8Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Assessment Administration
Test Day ProceduresYouwillreceiveaconfirmationemailafterschedulingyourassessment.Theemailwillincludeinformationaboutthetestcenter's
admission,rescheduling,andcancellationpolicies.
Arriveatthetestcenter30minutespriortoyourscheduledappointmenttime.
(Note:Youmayberefusedadmissionifyouaremorethan15minuteslateforyourappointment.)
Providetwoformsofidentification,asdirectedinyourtestingconfirmationemail.
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9Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Assessment Administration
Assessment Security and ConfidentialitySPēDCertificationProgramassessmentsconsistsofquestionsandanswersnotsubjecttopublicrelease.
Priortobeginninganassessment,youmustacceptthetermsandconditionsforparticipatingintheSPēDCertificationProgram.
Amongotherthings,thisnoticestates:“ByaccessingandparticipatingintheSPēDCertificationProgram,youaccepttheresponsibility
toprotecttheintegrityoftheseassessmentsbynotdisclosing,disseminating,copying,publishing,ortransmittinganypartsofthe
assessmentinanyformtoanyperson,withoutpriorwrittenconsentoftheDoDSPēDCertificationPMO.”
SPēD certification assessments are proctored by Pearson VUE test proctors. Certification assessments are delivered in secure
environments to protect the integrity of your results and the SPēDCertification Program. Proctors are responsible for ensuring
consistenttestingenvironmentsandfurtherprotectingtheintegrityoftheSPēDCertificationProgram.
Exceptasdescribedinthishandbook,thepersonalinformationyouprovideandassessmentresultsareconfidentialandwillnotbe
disclosedwithoutyourwrittenconsent,unlesswhennecessarytocomplywithacompulsory,legally-authorizeddemandororderof
acourtofcompetentjurisdiction.ToallowDSStoreleasepersonalorassessmentinformationtoathirdpartyotherthanasdescribed
in thishandbook,youmustauthorizeDSS todo so inwriting.Any suchwrittenauthorizationmust state the specific information
thatmaybereleasedandspecificallyidentifythethirdpartytoreceivetheinformation.Datagatheredanddistributedaspartof
assessmentstudiesorreportswillbeaggregatedandpersonalidentifyinginformationredacted.
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10Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Assessment Administration
Materials Provided at the Test LocationYou will be provided the following materials:• Blankpaperorwhiteboardandappropriatewritingutensils
• Computerforassessmentdelivery
SeetheAccommodationsforDisabilitiessectionofthishandbookforguidanceinrequestingspecialaccommodationsfortesting.
Assessment Completion TimeYou are allotted 120 minutes each to complete the APC and DPAPC SPēD certification assessments.
Canceling or Rescheduling an AssessmentYoumaycancelor rescheduleyourassessmentwithoutpenaltyat least24hours inadvance. If youcancel less than24hours
inadvance,youwillbeplacedona90-dayholdandnotallowedtorescheduleuntilthat90-dayperiodexpires. Ifyoubelieve
extenuatingcircumstanceswarrantanexception,contactyourComponentSPēDCertificationProgrampointofcontact(POC).
Youmayrescheduleexistingappointmentswithinthe90-calendardayauthorizationallotment.
The following personal items are not permitted in Pearson VUE testing rooms:
Cellular phones, hand-held computers/personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices, pagers, watches,
wallets,purses,hats,bags,coats,books,andnotes.Theseitemsmustbeleftoutsidethetestcenterorstoredinasecurearea
designatedbythetestcenteradministrator.
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11Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Assessment Administration
Scoring the AssessmentYoumustearnascoreequaltoorhigherthanthepassingscoretoberecognizedaspassingtheassessment.Preliminarypass/fail
resultsareprovidedon-screenonceyoucompletetheassessment.YoumayalsoviewyourresultsinyourMSCaccounthistory.The
resultsarerecordedinSTEPPwithin15daysaftertakingtheassessment.
FeedbackAfter completing and submitting the assessment, youwill receive information indicating strengths andweaknesses across the
certification’sareasofexpertise.
90 Retaking an Assessment
Ifyoudonotobtainapassingscore,youcanretakeitaftera45-daywaitingperiodafterthefirstunsuccessfulattempt,andthen
a90-daywaitingperiodforeachsubsequentunsuccessfulattempt.Thiswaitingperiodisappliedaftereachsitting,regardless
ofwhether youcompleted theassessment. "Sitting for theassessment" occurswhen you logon to the testingworkstation.
Referto“PrepareforSPēDCertification”(http://www.cdse.edu/certification/prepare.html)forsuggestedpreparatorytoolsand
resourcestoaidinimprovingperformancewhenretakingtheassessment.
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12Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
After Your Assessment
Certification Conferral and RevocationDoDManual3305.13-M,"DoDSecurityAccreditationandCertification,"March14,2011,authorizestheUSD(I)toacceptandapprove
certificationconferralrecommendationsmadebytheDirector,DSS,ifyoumeettheeligibilityrequirementsandrequiredassessment
scores.Astheconferralofficial,theUSD(I),uponrecommendationfromtheDirector,DSS,isalsotheauthoritytorevokecertification
credentials.
Updating Personnel RecordsSTEPPisthesystemofrecordforallcertificationprogramachievements.ForemployeesservicedbytheDefenseCivilianPersonnel
DataSystem(DCPDS),theDSSSPēDCertificationPMOtransfersprogramachievementstoDCPDS,whichthenupdatespersonnel
records.
ToreleaseanduploadyourrecordsfromtheDefenseManpowerDataCenter(DMDC)toDCPDS,youmustfirstauthorizetherelease
oftheserecords.OnceyouareconferredacertificationbytheUSD(I),youwillreceiveanautomaticemailrequesttoreleaseyour
certificationrecords.ThisreleasemustbecompletedandsubmittedtoreleaseyourcertificationrecordsfromDMDCandupdated
inDCPDS.
SPēD Certificates
Ifyouareconferredacertification,yourSPēDCertificationProgramcertificateand lapelpinwillbemailedtoyouoryour
employingorganizationPOCfordistributionwithin90daysfromyourtestdate.
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13Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Using Certification Acronym Designations
IfyouareconferredtheAPC,youareauthorizedtousetheacronymdesignationonbusinesscards,resumes,andsignature
lines.Forexample,thedesignation"APC"shouldappearinallcapitallettersafteracommafollowingyourname(e.g.,John
Doe,APC).Youmayusethedesignationsolongasyoumaintainactivestatus.
After Your Assessment
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14Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Certification Maintenance and Renewal Procedures
About Certification Maintenance and RenewalObtaining a SPēDCertificationisasignificantachievementinyourcareer.ASPēDCertificationindicatesyoupossesstheknowledgeandskillsassociatedwith thecompetenciesnecessary tosuccessfullycarryoutDoD-definedsecurity functional tasks.However,
passingtheassessmentisnottheendofyourprofessionaldevelopment.
DoDhasaprofessionalizationgoalofestablishingasystematicapproachforfosteringlearningandprofessionalgrowthofthesecurity
workforce.CertificationMaintenanceandRenewalisthelong-termstrategyformeetingthisgoal.ThisapproachallowsDoD,the
DoDSecurityTrainingCouncil(DSTC),theAdjudicatorCertificationGovernanceBoard(ACGB)forAPCSPēDCertifications,andDSStomeetbothNationalIntelligenceStrategy(NIS)EnterpriseObjective(EO)6andUSD(I)HumanCapitalGoalsandObjectivesfor
thesecurityworkforce.NISEO6focusesondevelopingtheworkforceandstrivesto“attract,develop,andretainadiverse,results-
focused,andhigh-performingworkforcecapableofprovidingthetechnicalexpertiseandexceptional leadershipnecessaryto
addressourNation’ssecuritychallenges.”
SPēDCertificationMaintenanceandRenewalsupportsyourongoingeducationalandprofessionaldevelopment.Theprofessional
developmentunit(PDU)requirementprovidesyouanopportunitytoenhancejob-relatedskillsandknowledgeandtobecome
familiarwithnewregulationsandtechnologicaladvancesinrelatedsecurityareas.
The purpose of SPēD Certification Maintenance and Renewal is to:
• Enhance continuing subject matter competence
• Recognize and encourage learning opportunities
• Offerastandardizedandobjectivemechanismforobtainingandrecordingprofessionaldevelopmentactivities
• SustaintheglobalrecognitionandvalueofSPēDCertifications
As a SPēDcertificant,torenewandsustainyourcertification,youmustaccrue100PDUsduringyourtwo-yearcertificationmaintenance
cycle.Youmustalsomaintainanactiveandup-to-dateSTEPPaccounttoensureyourcertificationactivity isdocumentedand
verifiable.
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15Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Certification Maintenance and Renewal Procedures
Certification MaintenanceTo accrue PDUs you must successfully complete professional development activities that fall under approved professional
developmentcategories.ThesecategoriesandtheirdefinitionsmaybefoundundertheCertificationMaintenanceandRenewal
Procedures (http://www.cdse.edu/documents/sped/apc-maintenance-procedures.pdf). You may keep your certification
credentialssolongasyoumeetthemaintenanceandrenewalrequirementsandyourSTEPPaccountiscurrent,regardlessofDoD
affiliation.
Acertificationrenewalform(CRF)willbeusedtocaptureallPDUs.Acertificationholderisresponsibleforsubmitting100accrued
PDUsintoacompletedCRFpriortotheendoftheirtwo-yearmaintenancecycle.
Atleast50ofthe100PDUsmustbeacquiredthroughapprovedprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesfocusingonpersonnelsecurity
topicareas.TheremainingPDUsneednotbealignedwithsecurity;however,theymustsatisfyoneormoreoftheallowedprofessional
development categories. Refer to theCenter for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE)website at “Maintain your SPēD
Certification”(http://www.cdse.edu/certification/maintain-sped.html)foradditionalinformationandguidance.
Ifyoudonotaccrue100PDUswithinyourtwo-yearcertificationmaintenanceandrenewalcycle,yourcertificationstatuswillbe
deemednon-compliantandchangedto“certificationexpired.”
Seethepolicymatrixforeachcertification,providedinthishandbook,regardingtemporarywaivers.
Recertification/Retest RequirementsIfyoufailtomaintainyourcertificationyouwillneedtotakethecertificationassessmentagaintoregainyourcertification.
IftheACGBconcludesthecontentaddressedbythepriorcertification’sassessmentmodulesaresupersededbecausethecontent
issignificantlyoutofdate,youwillneedtoretest,regardlessofyourcurrentcertificationmaintenancestatus.
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16Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Appeals Process and Procedures
Grounds For Appeal
Theappealspolicygovernstheprocess for reviewingdecisionsmadeabout registration,eligibility,assessments,andother
certificationissues.
Appeals may be filed challenging the following:1. Examinationresults
2.Candidateregistration
3. Test-takingprotocols
4. Eligibilityrelatedtoallegedcheating,allegedviolationofprofessionalrulesofconductorlaw,orinaccurateinformationon
the application form
5.CertificationmaintenanceandPDUs
6.Certificationdisciplinarymatters
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17Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Decisions Not Eligible for AppealMatters not described in the “Grounds for Appeal” section are not within the purview of the SPēD Certification Program and are not eligible for appeal, including the following DoD Component decisions:• Certificationwaiverdecisions
• Employment policy
• EligibilitycriteriaforidentifyingbilletsorindividualsforSPēDCertificationconferral• DoDComponentaffiliation
ContactyourappropriatePOCwithquestionsorappealsofdecisionsoutsidethepurviewoftheSPēDCertificationProgram.
Appeal SubmissionsYouhaveupto90calendardaysfromthedateofreceivinganappealabledecisionoraftercompletingyourassessment,whichever
occursfirst,tosubmitanappeal.AllappealsmustbesubmittedusingtheAppealsRequestformavailableathttp://www.cdse.edu/
certification/sped_resources_candidates.html.Youmustprovideyourcontactinformation,statethespecificgrounds,andprovide
allevidencewithyourappealsubmission.
Appeal ReviewThe DoD SPēDCertificationPMOconductsapreliminaryreviewofallappealswithin15dutydaysofreceipttoensuretheappeal
istimely,containsallrequiredandpertinentinformation,andisbasedonallowablegrounds.Allowableappealsareforwardedto
theCertificationAppealsBoardforadecisionontheappeal.Ifyourappealisuntimely,doesnotcontainallrequiredandpertinent
information,orisnotbasedonallowablegrounds,yourappealwillbedismissedwithoutreferraltotheCertificationAppealsBoard,
and you and your Component SPēDCertificationProgramPOCwillbenotifiedinwritingofthedismissal.
Appeal DecisionCertificationAppealsBoarddecisionsaremadebymajorityvote.TheCertificationAppealsBoardprovidesitsdecisiontotheDoD
SPēDCertificationPMO,whointurnnotifiesyouandyourComponentSPēDCertificationProgramPOC.TheCertificationAppeals
Boardisthefinaldecisionauthority,andtherearenofurtherappeals.
Appeals Process and Procedures
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18Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Appeals Process and Procedures
Candidate submits appeal to PMO
(90calendardays)
PMOreviewstheappeal submittal(15dutydays)
PMO accepts or rejects?
Administrator places on Appeals Board
calendar(5dutydays)
Appeals Board conductsreview(4-27dutydays)
•Insufficientgroundsforappeal• Missed deadlineAppealsBoarddelivers
decisiontoappellant,PMO,andPOC(5dutydays)
Done
Appeal Process Flow
Accepted Rejected
Request for additional
informationAppealaffirmed Appeal rejected
Done
PMOnotifiesappellantandComponentPOCofdecisiontodismissorforwardtoAppealsBoard
Done
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19Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Waivers Guidelines
Types of WaiversCertificationcandidatesandcertificantsmustcoordinatewithandthroughtheiremployingComponent,agency,orcompanyto
requestreasonableextensionsfordocumentedreasons.Thesereasonsincludedeployments,hospitalization/medicalleave,and
otherextraordinaryreasonsthatwouldprohibitanindividualfrommeetingthefollowingrequirements:
1.TakingaSPēDcertificationassessment(certificationattainmentwaiver)
2.MaintainingacurrentSPēDcertification(certificationmaintenancewaiver)
Submitting a Waiver RequestWaiverrequestsforemployeesorcontractorsoftheDoDoritsComponents,agencies,orcompaniesareprocessedthroughtheir
respectivepointofcontact(POC).
WaiverrequestsforemployeesoftheDefenseSecurityService(DSS)orotherparticipatingagencieswithoutaSPēDCertificationProgram POC are processed through the DoD SPē[email protected].
Waiver Decisions and NotificationsYouwillreceivenotificationofyourwaiverdecisionwithin20dutydaysofreceiptofyourwaiverrequestbytheappropriateauthority.
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20Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Disciplinary Process and Procedures
Case Review and Adjudication
As a SPēD certification applicant or certificant, you understand unethical or unprofessional behavior may result in:
1.DenialofadmissiontotheSPēDCertificationProgram2. Terminationofparticipationatanystagethroughoutthecertificationprocess
3. Invalidationofanassessmentresult
4.RecommendationtoUSD(I)forrevocationofacertification
TheACGBisresponsibleforestablishingandimplementingstandardsofconduct,policies,andproceduresgoverningdisciplinary
actionsfortheDoDPersonnelSecurityAPCProgram.
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Grounds for SPēD Certification Program disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, the following actions by a SPēD Certification Program eligible applicant, candidate, or certificant:
1. FalsifyinginformationonanydocumentneededtoacquireaSPēDCertification2.ActionsthatcompromisetheintegrityoftheSPēDCertificationAssessmentinstrument,including:
a.Willfullyconsultinganotebook,atextbook,oranyothersourceofinformationnotspecificallyauthorizedbytheproctorduring
the assessment
b.Willfullyaidingorreceivingaid,orattemptingtoaidorreceiveaid(e.g.,givinganswerstoorrequestinganswersfromother
individuals)before,during,orafteranassessment
c.Obtainingorattemptingtoobtaincopiesoftheassessmentbeforeitisgiven
d.Committingorattemptingtocommitanyactwiththeintentofviolatingorcircumventingthestatedconditionsgoverning
assessment administration
3.Requestbyyourparentorganizationtorevokeyourcertification
4.Revocationordenialofsecurityclearanceduetomisconduct
5.MisrepresentationorfalsestatementsregardingconferralofaSPēDcertificationcredentialwhenthecertificationhasnotbeenconferredorthecertificationhasnotbeenrenewedinaccordancewithSPēDCertificationProgramguidelines
6.Non-compliancewithU.S.Governmentstandardsofconduct,oranyotherapplicablerulesorcodeofconduct
Disciplinary Process and Procedures
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Anyone may report suspected misconduct related to the SPēDCertificationProgramtothetestproctororDoDSPēDCertificationPMO.Thecomplainant’sandwitnesses’names,alongwithotheridentifyinginformation,andthecontentofthecomplaintwillremain
confidentialunlessdisclosureisrequiredbylaworregulation.TheDoDSPēDCertificationPMOwillconductfairanddocumented
inquiries into reports of misconduct related to the SPēDCertificationProgram.TheDoDSPēDCertificationPMOisonlyauthorized
totakethedisciplinaryactionsdescribedinthishandbook.TheDoDSPēDCertificationPMOwilldecidewhatdisciplinaryactions
totake,ifany,within60calendardaysofsubstantiatingaviolationhasoccurred.IftheDoDSPēDCertificationPMOdeterminesa
violationhasnotoccurred,theparticipantwillbenotifiedinwritingofthefinding.
Should the DoD SPēDCertificationPMOfindaviolationhasoccurred,itwillalsobereferredtotheemployingmilitarydepartment,
agency,orcompanyforanyactiondeemedappropriateand,whenwarranted,tolawenforcementadministrativeandsecurity
agencieswithjurisdictionoverthematter.
Documentationofthedisciplinaryprocessandrecordofactionwillbeplacedintheviolator’sSTEPPrecordandmadeavailablefor
reviewbytheACGBorotherauthorizedofficials.
Disciplinary Process and Procedures
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If requested, the SPēDCertificationProgramwill provide reasonableaccommodations incompliancewith theAmericanswith
DisabilitiesAct(ADA),theRehabilitationAct,andDoDpolicy.
Ingeneral,anaccommodationismadewhenadisabilityisrelievedbyanauxiliaryaidoraproceduralchangeduringassessment
administration.Reasonableaccommodationswillbemadeforknownphysicalormentallimitationsifyouareaqualifiedindividual
withadisability.
Arequestforareasonableaccommodationisaverbalorwrittenstatementfromyourequestinganadjustmentorchangefora
reasonrelatedtoadisability.Arequestdoesnothavetouseanyspecialwords,suchas“reasonableaccommodation,”“disability,”
or“RehabilitationAct.”Ifyouhaveadisability,youmayrequestareasonableaccommodation,evenifyouhavenotpreviously
disclosedtheexistenceofadisability. It isyourresponsibilitytoseekaccommodations inadvanceofyourassessmentdate.This
requestisinitiatedbyrespondingtothequestionincludedintheassessmentrequestformavailableinMSC.
We may request documentation from an appropriate health care or rehabilitation professional about your disability and functional
limitationswhenthedisabilityandneedforaccommodationisnotobvious.Appropriateprofessionalsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,
doctors(includingpsychiatrists),psychologists,nurses,physicaltherapists,vocationalrehabilitationspecialists,andlicensedmental
healthprofessionals.
Theneed forand theability toprovideany specificaccommodation isdeterminedonan individualbasis,dependingon the
uniquecircumstancesinvolvedandtakingintoconsiderationyourspecificdisabilityandtheexistinglimitationsincompletingthe
certificationprocess.
The DoD SPēDCertificationPMO,alongwith the testing location, willmake reasonableefforts toaccommodateyour request,
includingofferinganalternativemeanstotakethecertificationassessment. If itwouldimposeanundueburdentoprovidethe
requiredtestingenvironment,youwillbenotifiedwithawrittenexplanationofthedenial.Grievancesregardingaccommodations
denied by the SPēDPMOmaybebroughttotheDSSOfficeofEqualEmploymentOpportunityateeo@dss.milor571-305-6726.
Accommodations For Disabilities
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24Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Non-Discrimination Policy
Non-Discrimination PolicyThe SPēDCertificationProgramdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex(includingpregnancyorchildbirth),
religion,age (40orover),disability (physicalormental), sexualorientation,marital status,parental status,politicalaffiliation,or
geneticinformation.
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25Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
GovernanceTheACGBwasestablishedinaccordancewithDoDInstruction5105.18,“DoDIntergovernmentalandIntra-governmentalCommittee
ManagementProgram,”andiscomposedofCDSE,DoD,andDoD/ICCAFDirectorsortheirdesignatedrepresentatives.Non-voting
advisorstotheACGBincludearepresentativefromtheDefensePersonnelSecurityResearchCenter,theDefenseOfficeofHearings
andAppeals,andothermembersapprovedforinclusionbytheACGB.TheACGBrepresentsthesharedinterestsoftheDefense
SecurityEnterpriseandtherespectiveworkforceincertificationdesign,management,andmaintenance.
Specifically, the ACGB is responsible for:
• Coordination among adjudication facilities
• ProvidingCDSEwithguidancefortheadministrationoftheDoDPersonnelSecurityAPCProgram
• EnsuringoperationalproceduresareconsistentwiththeProgram’sbusinessrules
• Draftingneworamendedbusinessrulesandpoliciesregardingassessmentsandothercertificationrequirements
APC Program Background
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26Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
APC Program Background
Assessment DevelopmentTheinitialstepindevelopingafairandobjectiveassessmentwastomeasuretheabilitytoapplyfundamentalknowledgeandskills
requiredofaDoDsecurityprofessionalandotherpersonnelassignedtosecurityduties.Ajob/practiceanalysiswasconductedto
assuretheknowledgeandskillsidentifiedwererepresentativeofthoserequiredbyprofessionalsacrossallofDoD,includingtasks
andfunctionsperformedbycivilian,military,andcontractorpersonnel.The job/practiceanalysis,divided intofourphases,was
designedandfacilitatedbytechnicalexpertsundercontractwithDSS,engagedDoDleaders,andsubjectmatterexperts(SMEs)
from theuniformedservicesandmultipleDoDagencies. Thesephases includedadetailed reviewofprevious studies,defining
specificworkperformedandrequiredknowledgeandskillsnecessary toperformthatwork,verifyingthe resultswithSMEs,and
approvalbytheappropriategovernanceboard.
The job/practiceanalysis ledtothecreationof theDoDSecuritySkillStandards(DS3),whichclarifies theDoD’sexpectationsof
whatsecurityprofessionalsmustknowandsuccessfullyperformtosupportDoDsecurityfunctions.Thisinformationwasthenusedto
generatethecertificationtestoutline(blueprint)thatspecifiesobjectivesassociatedwiththeknowledgeandskilltopicsandsub-
topics measured by each SPēDCertificationProgramassessment.
The process used to develop the assessment questions employed (but was not limited to) the following steps:
1.Developingdraftquestionsassessingmasteryofselectedandcodifiedobjectivesbasedonknowledgeandskillrequirements
2. FacilitatingseniorSMEreviewofdraftassessmentitemsforaccuracyandrelevancetoeachobjective
3. Pilotingtheresultingassessmentforeffectiveandaccuratemeasurementinordertogeneratethefinalversionoftheassessment
DSSmonitors“changefactors”(e.g.,policychanges,systemchanges)onacontinuingbasistoidentifychangesthatcouldaffect
questionsusedon thecertificationassessment. Thequestions themselvesarealso reviewedonaquarterlybasis toensure they
continuetofunctionasintended.Thereviewinvolvesgeneratingandreviewingquestion-andassessment-levelstatisticstogauge
continuedeffectiveness.
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Determining Passing ScoresTheAngoffmethodwasusedtosettheminimumpassingscoreforeachSPēDCertificationassessment.TheAngoffmethodhasa
well-establishedhistoryofdeterminingcrediblepassingstandardsformultiple-choiceexaminationsandiseasilyadaptedbythe
SPēDCertificationProgram.
Themethod involves twobasic elements: conceptualization of aminimally competent examineeand using SMEs to estimate
whetheraminimallycompetentexamineewillansweranitemcorrectlyorincorrectly.Minimallycompetentexamineesdemonstrate
behaviorsthataresometimescorrect,butoftennot.Theyhavea50/50probabilityofpassingorfailingtheexam,whichplaces
themjustatthecut-offscoreforanassessment.SMEsdefinethecharacteristicsofaminimallycompetentexamineeandthentryto
estimateifaminimallycompetentexamineeislikelytosuccessfullyperformeachitemontheassessment.
ApanelofSMEsmadepredictionsforeachitem(representedasapercentage)andusedtheaverageoftheratingsontheitems
tosettheminimumpassingscorefortheassessment.ResultsoftheAngoffmethodinformtheprovisionalcutscore.Theprovisional
cutscoreisthencalibratedusingdatacollectedduringthebetatestphase.
APC Program Background
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Policy Matrix Thecertificationpolicymatrixsummarizestheessentialcharacteristicsanddesignrequirementsofthe
AdjudicatorProfessionalCertification(APC).
Adjudicator Professional Certification
To attain the APC, you must: Waivers
Prerequisites •BeaDoDPersonnelSecurityAdjudicatoratanapprovedDoDCAForDoDIC CAF
•BeaFederalAgencyPersonnelSecurityAdjudicatoratanapprovedfederalagency
• Complete CDSE training listed on the APC Training Requirements page of thishandbookandinternalCAFtraining,orequivalentasdeterminedbyCDSEonbehalfoftheDirector,DSS
•Satisfyon-the-jobrequirementsidentifiedintheDoD Adjudicator Certification and Due Process Credential Experience Documentation Worksheet
None
Requirements •Successfullymeetthecertificationassessment’squalifyingscore None
To maintain the APC, you must: Waivers
Requirements •Successfullycomplete,record,andsubmit100PDUstoyoursupervisorand CAF Certification Representative (CCR)/organizational POCforapproval,and submit yourCRFduringyour two-yearcertificationmaintenance cycle
•Maintainanactiveandup-to-dateSTEPPaccount
AsspecifiedintheWaiversGuidelinessectionofthishandbook.
You will need to retest if: Waivers
Conditions •Youfailtomeetthecertificationmaintenancerequirementswithinyourtwo-yearcertificationmaintenancecycle
•TheACGBconcludesthecontentaddressedbythepriorcertification’sassessmentmodulesaresupersededbecausethecontentissignificantlyout of date
AsspecifiedintheWaiversGuidelinessectionofthishandbook.
Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)
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Areas of ExpertiseTheAPCassessmentprovidestherecognitionandofficialrecordofanindividual'sdemonstratedunderstandingandapplicationof
theoccupationalandtechnicalknowledge,skills,andexpertisenecessarytoproficientlyperformessentialadjudicatortasks,with
theexceptionofdueprocessfunctions.
Theareasofexpertisespecifiedinthefollowingchartwereidentifiedduringpracticeanalysesascriticaldomainsthatshouldbe
addressedbytheAPC.TheweightsindicatedwerederivedfromimportanceratingsprovidedbySMEsduringthedevelopment
process.
Area of Expertise
National Security & Personnel Security Program Exam Weight: 35%
National Security & Personnel Security Program TypeandScopeofInvestigations
Types of Information Sources
Adjudication Process Exam Weight: 56%
Adjudication Process Using the Whole Person Concept Procedures for Due Process
AdjudicativeGuidelines Critical Terminologies
Personnel Security Process Exam Weight: 9%
PertinentStatutes,ExecutiveOrders,andRegulationsGoverningthe Personnel Security Process
LevelsofEligibilitytoOccupyaSensitivePositionand/orAccessClassifiedInformation
Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)
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30Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)
Competency Preparatory Tools and Test PreparationCompetencyPreparatoryTools(CPTs)provideyouwithameanstogaugeyourknowledgeoftheareasofexpertisetestedinthe
APCassessment.
The APC CPTs consist of two parts: 1. KnowledgeTest:Thisconsistsofaseriesofshort-answerquestionsandanassociatedanswerkeywiththecompleteanswerto
eachquestion,thusprovidinganadditionallearningopportunity.
2. SampleTest:Thispresentsexamplesofthequestiontypesandidentifiesthenumberofquestionsoneachtopic.Thelayoutofthe
sampletestisdesignedtosimulatethelook,feel,andfunctionoftakinganassessment.
Visit CDSE.edu to view available CPTs for APC: http://www.cdse.edu/certification/apc.html
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Preparing for the APC AssessmentInadditiontotheCPTs,thereareseveralwaystopreparefortheAPCassessment.First,youwillhaveaperiodofsupervisedworkin
theCAF,duringwhichyoumayapplytheknowledgeandskillyouacquiredduringyourtraining.Manyhavefoundmentoringand
coachingbysupervisorsandteamleaderstobehelpful.
Another recommendation is to make the following resources an integral part of your preparation:
• Adjudicative Desk Reference (ADR) TheADR(http://www.dhra.mil/perserec/adr/ADR_Version_4.pdf)helpssecurityprofessionalsimplementthegovernmentPersonnel
SecurityProgram(PSP).Thebackgroundresourcesinthisreferenceprovideinformationtoassist inidentifyingandevaluating
behaviorsandcircumstancesrelevanttosecuritydecisions,andillustrateshowtoapplytheseprinciplestospecificcases.
• Personnel Security Adjudicator Toolkit The Personnel SecurityAdjudicator Toolkit (http://www.cdse.edu/toolkits/psa/index.php)answersquestionsabout how todo
somethingorwheretofindmoreinformationonatopic.Thistoolkitwillquicklypointyoutotheresourcesyouneedtohelpyou
performyourroleasaPersonnelSecurityAdjudicator.
Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)
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32Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Training RequirementsPrior to sitting for your APC assessment, you must successfully complete the following CDSE adjudicator training courses or ACGB-determined equivalents:
• Introduction to DoD Personnel Security Adjudication (PS001.18) ThiseLearningcourseprovidesbasicknowledgeofthemajorcomponentsoftheDoDPSPandintroduceskeyconceptsdiscussed
insubsequentinstructor-ledcourses.Availableathttp://www.cdse.edu/catalog/elearning/PS001-resources.html.
• DoD Personnel Security Adjudications (PS101.01) Thisinstructor-ledcoursecoversPSPfundamentals,suchaslawsandregulations,personnelsecurityinvestigations,andsecurity
clearances. Itreviewstheprocessformakingpersonnelsecuritydeterminationsandhowtoidentifysuitability issuesrequiring
furtherinvestigation.Availableathttp://www.cdse.edu/catalog/classroom/PS101.html.
Once enrolled, STEPP tracks your progress through CDSE training courses, including start and completion dates and pass/fail
indications.Youmaybegindocumentingyourrequiredon-the-jobexperiencesafterpassingthesecourses.
Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)
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33Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Experience RequirementsCompletion and Documentation
Theexperiencerequirementshowsyouhaveappliedtheknowledgeandskillsyouacquiredintrainingtorealworkplacesituations.
Minimum experience requirements include a specified number of cases in each of the following areas:
• Scopinginvestigationtypes• Identifyingandrequestingadditionalinformationtoresolveanissue(i.e.,interrogatories,investigations)
• Applyingspecificadjudicativeguidelines
Document your experiences in each area using the “DoD Adjudicator Certification and Due Process Credential Experience
DocumentationWorksheet,”available inSTEPP,andsubmit ittoyoursupervisorwhencompleted.Youcanmaintainarecordof
adjudicativeactionsbyprintingJointPersonnelActionSystem(JPAS)summarysheetsoralternativedocumentation,andstoring
thisinformationinafolder.
VerificationYoursupervisorwillreviewandverifyyourdocumentationtoensureyouhavemetallexperiencerequirements,andwillcomplete,
sign,andforwardthe“DoDAdjudicationCertificationExperienceVerificationChecklist”totheCAFdirectorordesignatedsenior
officialforsignature.
Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)
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Testing RequirementsAftercompletingallcertificationtrainingandexperiencerequirements,youmustsuccessfullypasstheAPCassessmenttoattain
thecertification.Portionsof theassessmentmeasureoccupationaland technicalknowledgeandskills required for successfully
performingadjudicativefunctions.
Theassessmentalsopresentstypicalcasesyouwillhandleinyourday-to-dayduties,alongwithseveralcoursesofaction.Youmust
review,ascertain,andselectthemostappropriateresponsetoeachscenario.Theseassessment itemscovermostadjudicative
tasksintheadjudicatorskillstandards,withtheexceptionofdueprocess.
These cases give special emphasis to tasks in the following key activities:
• Reviewingadjudicativeinformationforcompleteness
• Completingrequiredadministrativeactions
• Reviewingallinformationandidentifyingconditionsthatcouldraiseasecurityconcern
• Analyzing security-related issues or other concerns against disqualifying and mitigating conditions
• Documenting recommendations or determinations
Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC)
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35Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Due Process Adjudicator Professional Credential (DPAPC)
Policy MatrixThecertificationpolicymatrixsummarizestheessentialcharacteristicsanddesignrequirementsoftheDPAPC.
Due Process Adjudicator Professional Credential
To obtain the DPAPC, you must: Waivers
Prerequisites •BeaDoDPersonnelSecurityAdjudicatoratanapprovedDoDCAForDoDICCAF
• Be a Personnel Security Adjudicator at an agency accepted for participation in the APC program
• Meet APC requirements
• Perform due process tasks
•CompleteDoDAdvancedPersonnelSecurityAdjudication(PS301.10),orequivalentasdetermined by the ACGB
•Satisfyon-the-jobrequirementsidentifiedintheDoD Adjudicator Certification and Due Process Credential Experience Documentation Worksheet
None
Requirements •Successfullymeetthecertificationassessment’squalifyingscore None
To maintain the DPAPC, you must: Waivers
Requirements • Maintain your APC
•Maintainanactiveandup-to-dateSTEPPaccount
None
You will need to retest if: Waivers
Conditions •You fail to meet the APC maintenance requirements within your two-year certificationmaintenance cycle
•TheACGBconcludesthecontentaddressedbythepriorcertification’sassessmentmodulesaresupersededbecausethecontentissignificantlyoutofdate
None
Training RequirementsYou must complete the following training to qualify for the DPAPC:
• DoD Advanced Personnel Security Adjudications (PS301.10),orequivalentasdeterminedbytheACGB
Thiscourseprovidesanin-depthstudyofadjudicationpolicyguidelines.Itcoversthebasisforandapplicationofdueprocessin
unfavorablepersonnelsecuritydeterminations.Itemphasizestheevaluationandresolutionofcomplex,multiple,andsensitive
issuecases,aswellastheactions,agencies,andrelatedrequirementsinvolved.Availableathttp://www.cdse.edu/catalog/vil/
PS301.html.
Experience RequirementsOn-the-Job Experience Requirements, Documentation, and Verification
Minimum experience requirements are identified and validated by a panel of senior DoD adjudicators and consist of the following:
• Draftingatleast10StatementsofReasons(SORs)orsimilarformsofjustification
• Reviewingatleast10responses/rebuttalstoSORsorsimilarformsofjustificationandmakingrecommendations
Document your experience in each area using the “DoD Adjudicator Certification and Due Process Credential Experience
Documentation Worksheet,” and submit to your supervisor when completed. Coordinate with your supervisor to ensure the
documentiscompleteatthetimeofyourDueProcessregistration.Uploadthedocumenttothe"RequestforAuthorizationtoTest".
Yoursupervisor-approvedinformationwillbeactionedbyyourCCR/OrganizationalPOC.Followyouragency’srecordretention
ormaintenanceprotocol.
Thecommercialsystemisa“transport”systemandintendedforrecordsretention.You,yoursupervisor,andyourCCR/Organizational
POCmustworktogethertoensureyourrecordsaremaintainedandarereadilyaccessibleshouldanauditoccur.
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36Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
Due Process Adjudicator Professional Credential (DPAPC)
Testing RequirementsAfter completing all certification training and experience requirements, you must successfully pass the DPAPC assessment to
attainthecredential.Portionsoftheassessmentmeasureoccupationalandtechnicalknowledgeandskillsrequiredforsuccessful
performanceasadjudicatorsofdueprocessactions.Thistakestheformofmultiple-choicequestionscoveringtheapplicationof
knowledgeintheproceduresfordueprocess.
Therestoftheassessmentdescribestypicaldueprocesscasesanddecisionsadjudicatorshandledailyinperformingtheirduties.
Youmustreviewthescenarioandeachcourseofaction,thenselectthebestormosteffectivecourseofactionfromthoseprovided.
Theseassessmentitemsfocusontheadjudicativetaskswithinthekeyactivity,requiringadjudicatorstonotifyappropriatepersonnel
ofrecommendationsordeterminations.
VerificationYoursupervisorwillreviewandverifyyourdocumentationtoensureyouhavemetallexperiencerequirements,andwillcomplete,
sign,andforwardthe“DoDAdjudicationCertificationExperienceVerificationChecklist”totheCAFdirectorordesignatedsenior
officialforsignature.
Preparing for the DPAPC AssessmentInadditiontocompletingtheAPCCPTs,thereareseveralwaysforyoutopreparefortheDPAPCassessment.Inadditiontothe
knowledgeandskillsacquiredduringyourrequiredtraining,yoursupervisorwillprovideyoutheopportunitytoperformdueprocess
functions(draftingSORs)orsimilarformsofjustification,reviewingresponsesorrebuttalstoSORs(orsimilarformsofjustification),and
makingrecommendationsduringaperiodofsupervisedwork.Manyhavealsofoundmentoringandcoachingbysupervisorsand
teamleaderstobehelpfulandmotivational.
Certification MaintenanceTherearenoadditionalPDUrequirementsformaintainingDPAPC.ThePDUsrequiredtomaintainAPCmayincludeactivitiesand
trainingrelatedtodueprocess.
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Due Process Adjudicator Professional Credential (DPAPC)
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38Adjudicator Professional Certification Program CANDIDATE HANDBOOK June 19, 2018
ACGB AdjudicatorCertificationGovernanceBoard
ADA AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct
ADR AdjudicativeDeskReference
APC AdjudicatorProfessionalCertification
CAFs Central Adjudication Facilities
CCR CAFCertificationRepresentative
CDSE CenterforDevelopmentofSecurityExcellence
CPT Competency Preparatory Tools
DCPDS DefenseCivilianPersonnelDataSystem
DMDC DefenseManpowerDataCenter
DoD Department of Defense
DoD CAF DoD Consolidated Adjudication Facility
DoD/IC DoD Intelligence Community
DoD/IC CAFs
DoD Intelligence Community Central
Adjudication Facilities
DPAPC Due Process Adjudicator Professional Credential
DS3 Department of Defense Security Skill Standards
DSS DefenseSecurityService
JPAS JointPersonnelAdjudicationSystem
MSC My SPēDCertification
PDU ProfessionalDevelopmentUnit
PMO ProgramManagementOffice
POC Point of Contact
PSP Personnel Security Program
SME Subject Matter Expert
SORs Statements of Reason
SPēD SecurityProfessionalEducationalDevelopment
STEPP SecurityTraining,Education,andProfessionalizationPortal
USD(I) Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence
Acronyms
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Center for Development of Security Excellence | 938 Elkridge Landing Road | Linthicum, MD 21090
THE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS BEGINS WITH
Visit http://www.cdse.edu/certification
Send questions to [email protected]
Adjudicator Professional Certification CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
