-TRAINING-

- CERTIFICATION - - ACADEMIC CREDIBILITY -

- AWARDS -

- EDUCATION -

YEAR END REPORT 

 Defense Security Service | Center for Development of Security Excellence | 938 Elkridge Landing Rd | Linthicum, MD 21090

LEARN.

PERFORM.

PROTECT.

2013 Center for Development of Security Excellence

Learn. Perform. Protect.

-TRAINING-

- CERTIFICATION - - ACADEMIC CREDIBILITY -

- AWARDS -

- EDUCATION -

 Defense Security Service | Center for Development of Security Excellence | 938 Elkridge Landing Rd | Linthicum, MD 21090

LEARN.

PERFORM.

PROTECT.

2013 YEAR END REPORT 
Professionalization of the security workforce had been discussed for at least 20 years. 

But starting in 2008, the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) 

embraced the idea and led the charge. CDSE launched a three-pronged Security 

Professional Education Development (SPēD) Program consisting of security education, 

training, and certification.

Five years later, CDSE has advanced in each of its mission areas. In fiscal year 2013, 

CDSE completed its education curriculum, achieved accreditations, expanded and 

updated training offerings (instructor-led courses, eLearning courses, shorts, toolkits 

and webinars) and deployed several certifications. These priorities were among the 

top of many accomplishments achieved by Defense Security Service (DSS) and are 

particularly noteworthy due to the presence of sequestration, furloughs, hiring freezes, 

and reduced budgets. 

I am proud to present this report of DSS CDSE accomplishments and professional 

development opportunities. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our security community, 

we are truly reaching our goal of professionalizing the security workforce.

Stanley L. Sims

Director, Defense Security Service


We at the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) 

are pleased to present our fourth Year End Report. As you look 

through the successes described here, you’ll discover we’ve been 

working to enrich all aspects of our multi-pronged organization 

which includes certification, education, and training.

Kevin J. Jones

Director, CDSE

Sincerely,

In last year’s report, we mentioned nurturing and developing our young programs, and we mapped out innovations 

to Department of Defense (DoD) Security Professionalization over the past fifteen years. This year, we’re proud to 

report that we’ve not only maintained and sustained the programs launched in these past years, but have also 

refined our programs significantly despite resource constraints. 

Awards received by CDSE during the year demonstrate our success in transforming CDSE from a training academy 

into a full-service center of excellence. We are proud to announce attainment of our first Federal Government Five 

Star Award presented to us by the Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA) for excellence in 

providing enterprise-wide distance learning solutions for the Federal Government. This award validates the 

success of CDSE’s innovative performance-based strategies that support meeting the full range of security 

professionals’ needs. 

As seen from our progress, CDSE is committed to providing the security community with relevant learning 

opportunities to serve both day-to-day needs and also long-term career aspirations. We continue to expand our 

offerings to include a wide array of products and services to educate, train, and certify security professionals as 

well as address security training and awareness needs for the broader general community. Additionally, our reach 

continues to expand across the DoD, other federal government agencies, industry and beyond.

We hope you’ll be inspired by the successes reported here and that we might play a part in sparking and sustaining 

professional development of the DoD security workforce.

Denise D. Humphrey

Deputy Director, CDSE
CDSE STATEMENT

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eget purus quis, adipiscing tincidunt elit. Aliquam ultricies posuere varius. Vestibulum varius vestibulum 

ligula ut pulvinar. Duis quis arcu nulla. Sed nec suscipit mauris. Aliquam vel ligula consectetur ante eleifend 

varius non eu felis.

Sed risus sapien, blandit sed laoreet ut, dictum id massa. Vivamus ut libero massa. Aliquam mattis ac quam 

at gravida. Cras a ligula suscipit, lobortis dolor vel, feugiat diam. Proin mattis lectus sit amet pellentesque 

interdum. Cras porttitor, diam sit amet ullamcorper blandit, sapien nunc lobortis leo, id venenatis arcu ligula 

sed elit. Vivamus eu nunc id felis dapibus malesuada. 

MISSION

Provide the DoD with a security center of excellence for the professionalization of the security community 

and be the premier provider of security education and training for the DoD and industry under the National 

Industrial Security Program (NISP). The CDSE provides development, delivery, and exchange of security 

knowledge to ensure a high-performing workforce capable of addressing our Nation’s security challenges.

VISION

To be the premier provider and center of excellence for security education, training, and professionalization 

for the DoD and industry under the NISP.
CERTIFICATION

National Commission for Certifying Agencies 

(NCCA) Accreditation p11

Security Program Integration Professional 

Certification (SPIPC) p12

Commercial Testing p12

New Certifications p13

Industrial Security Oversight Certification (ISOC)

Physical Security Certification (PSC)

ACADEMIC CREDIBILITY

Council on Occupational Education (COE) 

Accreditation p17

International Association for Continuing Education 

and Training (IACET) Accreditation p17

Stakeholder Validation p18

American Council on Education College Credit 

Recommendations p18

EDUCATION

CDSE Education Curriculum p23

CDSE Education Certificates p24

TRAINING

CDSE Webinars p29

Closing Training Gaps p30

National Insider Threat Programs 

Introduction to HSPD-12 CAC Credentialing 

Temporary Sensitive Compartmented Information 

Facilities (T-SCIF) Training 

Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DoD 

Basic Industrial Security for the Government Security 

Specialist Curriculum

Cybersecurity 

Curriculum Evolution p33

New Delivery Method for DoD Advanced Personnel 

Security Adjudications Course 

New Security Shorts p34

Toolkits p35

Special Requests p35

Training Division Assists the Office of Military 

Commissions 

CDSE Trains Afghanistan Military in Poland 

AWARDS

Federal Government Five Star Award p39

Counterintelligence and Security Award p39

Omni and Horizon Awards p40
“The DoD SPēD Certifications are excellent means to assess the 

technical expertise of our security professionals.”

Tracy Kindle, Security Education, Training, and Awareness SPēD Program Management Office

Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy
- CERTIFICATION -
10 The Honorable Michael G. Vickers, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, congratulates CDSE for attaining national-level 

accreditation of the Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC).
11

CERTIFICATION

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CERTIFYING 

AGENCIES (NCCA) ACCREDITATION

On December 18, 2012, the DoD Security Fundamentals 

Professional Certification (SFPC) became the first Federal 

Government professional certification to obtain nationallevel accreditation from the National Commission 

for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). As shown in the 

congratulatory memo (opposite page) from Dr. Vickers, 

Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)), CDSE 

has impacted all of DoD with achievement of this success. 

SFPC is the first of three core certifications under 

the Department’s Security Professional Education 

Development (SPēD) Certification Program approved and 

conferred by the USD(I). The SPēD Certification Program 

is based on functions performed and requirements 

developed under DoD Instruction 3305.13, “DoD 

Security Training.” 

Certification provides several immediate and long-term 

benefits to commanders, directors, and the Defense 

Security Enterprise. Certification provides a portable 

credential across the DoD, addresses Intelligence 

Community competencies, promotes interoperability, 

and provides a clear pathway to success.

Accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying 

Agencies (NCCA) places SFPC certification on par with 

others in the financial, legal, and healthcare professions 

such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses 

and National Association of Social Workers.

CDSE began the process in January 2012 to obtain NCCA 

review and engaged in an extensive application and 

standards review process using the DoD Security Training 

Council as the governing board. The application package 

included statements and evidence to support compliance 

with NCCA’s comprehensive standards and covered all 

aspects of the SFPC program including administration, 

assessment development, and recertification.

The Security Asset Protection Professional Certification 

(SAPPC) was submitted for accreditation in August 2013. 

The NCCA expects to conclude their review and deliver 

a decision on this application late first quarter or early 

second quarter of FY14. 
Mr. Kevin Jones, Director, CDSE, presents a Security Program Integration Professional Certifcation (SPIPC) to CDSE instructor Mr. Stephen Raymond.

12

SECURITY PROGRAM INTEGRATION 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION (SPIPC)

After a successful beta test with 193 candidates 

participating, the third core Security Professional 

Education Development (SPēD) Certification Program 

assessment, Security Program Integration Professional 

Certification (SPIPC), was launched on April 30, 2013. 

SPIPC provides a recognized and reliable indication of a 

security practitioner’s understanding and ability to apply 

risk management and security program management 

concepts, principles, and practices. 

COMMERCIAL TESTING

In FY13, CDSE implemented commercial testing with 

Pearson VUE delivering three core SPēD Certifications: 

Security Fundamentals Professional Certification, Security 

Asset Protection Professional Certification, and Security 

Program Integration Professional Certification. Over 

1,400 SPēD Certification Program exams were delivered 

from February through September. In addition, the 

SPēD Certification Program used commercial testing to 

conduct Industrial Security Oversight Certification and 

Physical Security Certification beta tests, allowing security 

professionals to participate worldwide. 

CERTIFICATION CONFERRALS AS 

OF 30 SEP 2013

Security Fundamentals 

Professional Certification (SFPC) 1,817

Security Asset Protection 

Professional Certification (SAPPC) 425

Security Program Integration 

Professional Certification (SPIPC) 164

Adjudicator Professional 

Certification (APC) 228

Due Process Adjudicator 

Professional Credential (DPAPC) 131
13

13

NEW CERTIFICATIONS

INDUSTRIAL SECURITY OVERSIGHT 

CERTIFICATION (ISOC)

The ISOC is a specialty certification within the SPēD 

Certification Program for security professionals who 

perform oversight of industry under the National 

Industrial Security Program (NISP). The assessment 

focuses on the topic areas of information security, 

classification management, incident response, 

information assurance/cybersecurity, personnel 

security, physical security, industrial security, general 

security, the NISP, foundational concepts in facility 

security and clearance, general safeguard requirements, 

facility surveys, and inspections. ISOC beta testing was 

completed on August 3, 2013 with over 300 candidates 

participating. The production version is scheduled for 

release during the second quarter of FY14.

PHYSICAL SECURITY CERTIFICATION (PSC)

The PSC is a specialty certification within the SPēD 

Certification Program for security professionals who 

perform physical security functions. The assessment 

focuses on the topic areas of installation and physical 

access control; physical security for conventional arms, 

ammunitions, and explosives; key and lock control; 

storage of classified information; and physical security 

planning and plan implementation. PSC beta testing 

commenced on September 3, 2013 with over 600 DoD 

security professionals participating or scheduled to 

participate. The scheduled release date is projected for 

the third quarter of 2014.

is is to certify

Having successfully demonstrated understanding of the physical security concepts, principles

and applications deemed critical to protect Department of Defense assets, we hereby bestow the

Physical Security Certification

United States Department of Defense

Stanley L. Sims

Director, Defense Security Service

Michael G. Vickers

Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence

Sample Sample

John E. Dough

is is to certify

Having successfully demonstrated the concepts, principles, understanding and

application for industrial security oversight deemed critical under the

National Industrial Security Program, we hereby bestow the

Industrial Security Oversight Certification

United States Department of Defense

Sample Sample

John E. Dough

Stanley L. Sims

Director, Defense Security Service

Michael G. Vickers

Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence

CERTIFICATION
Accreditation is the recognition that an institution maintains 

standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other 

reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials 

for professional practice. The goal of accreditation is to ensure 

that education provided by institutions of higher education meets 

acceptable levels of quality. 

U.S. Department of Education
- ACADEMIC CREDIBILITY -
Dr. Paul Krasley, CDSE Senior Education Program Specialist, meets with International Association for Continuing Education and 

Training (IACET) Commissioner Jo Ann Linseisen. 16
17

ACADEMIC CREDIBILITY

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR 

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

(IACET) ACCREDITATION

On July 18, 2013, the CDSE was accredited by the 

International Association for Continuing Education & 

Training (IACET). This accreditation makes CDSE an 

authorized provider of IACET Continuing Education 

Units (CEUs). One CEU equals ten contact hours of 

participation in an organized continuing education 

or training experience delivered under responsible 

sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. 

As an authorized provider, CDSE awards IACET CEUs 

for all of its education and training programs. IACET 

CEUs provide a permanent record of the educational 

accomplishments of an individual who has completed 

one or more significant non-credit educational 

experiences. 

This accreditation recognizes the significance of the 

professional development and delivery of all CDSE 

course material. With IACET CEUs, employers are assured 

individuals have completed a quality program and 

individuals can demonstrate they have met the education 

requirements to maintain certification and professional 

memberships.

COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION 

(COE) ACCREDITATION

Since initial accreditation in February 2003, CDSE 

has been continuously accredited by the Council 

on Occupational Education (COE). This institutional 

accreditation affirms that CDSE has met and continues 

to meet the highest quality and integrity standards 

for providing education and training. To attain and 

maintain institutional accreditation by the Council, CDSE 

is required to submit an annual report to demonstrate 

continued compliance with institutional standards 

procedures, and obligations as set forth by COE’s member 

institutions. Additionally, a quality assurance team 

visits CDSE to review exhibits that further validate our 

compliance. 

As a result of CDSE’s continued compliance, the security 

community and students alike can be confident they 

are receiving quality instruction that facilitates the 

achievement of learning objectives.
STAKEHOLDER VALIDATION

The CDSE hosted its Annual Curriculum Review Meeting 

on September 10-12, 2013 at the Pentagon Library and 

Conference Center. The event included participation 

from over 45 individuals from the Under Secretary of 

Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)), Joint Chiefs of Staff, 

Military Departments, Combatant Commands, Agencies, 

and Activities. The purpose of this meeting was to 

review curricula across functional areas as well as for 

CDSE representatives to get firsthand feedback from 

community stakeholders. 

AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION 

COLLEGE CREDIT RECOMMENDATIONS

The American Council on Education College Credit 

Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) evaluated and 

recommended college credit recommendations for 23 

CDSE courses. The accomplishment of having courses and 

curricula evaluated to provide credit recommendations 

reinforces CDSE’s credibility as an institution meeting 

the highest standards in education and training. This 

achievement also benefits students by allowing them to 

transfer credit to participating institutions at which they 

may be pursuing a degree. For more information, visit 

the ACE CREDIT website at www.acenet.edu/credit.

ACE reviewers meet with CDSE staff.

18
19

ACE CREDIT RECOMMENDATIONS 

OF CDSE COURSES

GRADUATE

Assessment and Evaluation of DoD 

Security Programs (ED 509)

3 semester 

hours

Budgeting and Financial 

Management for Security Programs 

(ED 505)

3 semester 

hours

Challenges in Analyzing and 

Managing Risk (ED 602)

3 semester 

hours

Constitutional Law and its 

Application to DoD Security (ED 503)

3 semester 

hours

Human Resource Management for 

DoD Security (ED 506)

3 semester 

hours

Organizational Considerations in 

Applying Security within the Federal 

and DoD Bureaucracy (ED 502) 

3 semester 

hours

Research Methods, Data Analysis, 

and Reporting to Support DoD 

Security Programs (ED 508)

3 semester 

hours

Security as an Integral Part of DoD 

Programs (ED 501) 

3 semester 

hours

Statutory, Legal, and Regulatory 

Basis of DoD Security Programs 

(ED 601)

3 semester 

hours

Understanding Adversaries and 

Threats to the United States and to 

the DoD (ED 504)

3 semester 

hours

Writing and Communication Skills 

for Security Professionals (ED 201)

3 semester 

hours

UPPER-DIVISION BACCALAUREATE

The Future of Security Systems and 

Information Assurance (ED 510) 

3 semester 

hours

Special Access Programs Mid-Level 

Security Management (SA 201) 

3 semester 

hours

LOWER-DIVISION BACCALAUREATE/ASSOCIATE 

Applying Physical Security 

Concepts (PY 201.01)

3 semester 

hours

Applying Physical Security 

Concepts eLearning Certificate 

(PY 201.CU)

2 semester 

hours

Basic Industrial Security for the

Government Security Specialist 

eLearning Curriculum Certificate

(IS 050) 

3 semester 

hours

Department of Defense Security 

Specialist Course Curriculum 

(GS 020)

3 semester 

hours

DoD Personnel Security 

Adjudications (PS 101)

4 semester 

hours

Facility Security Officer Orientation 

for Non-Possessing Facilities 

Curriculum (IS 020)

4 semester 

hours

Facility Security Officer Program 

Management for Possessing 

Facilities Curriculum (IS 030)

2 semester 

hours

Information Security Management 

Course (IF 020)

 3 semester 

hours

Introduction to Special Access 

Programs (SA 101)

2 semester 

hours

ACADEMIC CREDIBILITY

19
“As a security professional, you can’t stop learning.” 

Karen D. Raiford, SPIPC

Security Division, DPTMS, U.S. Army
- EDUCATION -
CAPTION Goes here

Mr William Moisant, Chief of the Protection Division, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Ft. Eustis, VA, receives his 

Challenges in Analyzing and Managing Risk completion certificate from Mr. Wayne Lund, CDSE Chief of Education. 22
23

EDUCATION

CDSE EDUCATION CURRICULUM

CDSE completed development of its curriculum of 17 

semester-long, college-level and graduate courses 

designed to prepare DoD security professionals 

for leadership positions and responsibilities within 

the Department. The curriculum provides security 

professionals a unique opportunity to achieve academic 

and professional goals, while using the flexibility of an 

online collaborative learning environment. The course 

topics align with DoD Security Skill Standards which 

underlie courses in CDSE’s Training Division and the 

COURSE

Assessment and Evaluation of DoD Security Programs

Budgeting and Financial Management for Security Programs

Challenges in Analyzing and Managing Risk

Constitutional Law and its Application to DoD Security

Cybersecurity and Oversight of Information System Security

Effective Communication in DoD Security

The Future of Security Systems and Information Assurance

Human Resource Management for DoD Security

Leadership in DoD Security

Managing a DoD Installation Security Program

Organizational Considerations in Applying Security within the Federal and DoD Bureaucracy

Research Methods, Data Analysis, and Reporting to Support DoD Security Programs

Security as an Integral Part of DoD Programs

Security in the DoD Acquisition Process

Statutory, Legal, and Regulatory Basis of DoD Security Programs

Understanding Adversaries and Threats to the United States and to DoD

Writing and Communication Skills for Security Professionals

SPēD Certification Program, and were determined by a 

formal needs assessment study and focus-group session 

with representatives from the military services and 

DoD agencies. These courses are designed to enhance 

analytical thinking and problem solving skills and help 

security professionals gain critical knowledge about 

principles, concepts, and facts that will allow them to 

become leaders within DoD. The courses are tuition 

free, online, and allow students flexibility when they 

collaborate with each other and Subject Matter Expert 

(SME) Instructors. 

23
CDSE EDUCATION CERTIFICATES 

CDSE organized 16 of the college-level and graduate courses into five Certificate programs. CDSE Education 

Certificates provide an ideal path for individuals who wish to expand their career prospects as a security professional 

and demonstrate to employers that they have acquired a body of security knowledge in a specific area of 

concentration. Courses within each certificate program have received American Council on Education 

(ACE) credit recommendations. By completing four courses, a security professional can 

earn a CDSE certificate in:

“Earning the Certificate in Risk Management provided me the 

ability to execute cost benefit analysis to present vital information 

for leadership to make informed and effective decisions. Therefore 

this type of skill and knowledge (Risk Management Certificate) can 

be applied across all of the security disciplines.”

Jeffrey G. Cooper, Program Security Manager

482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, FL

First Student to earn a CDSE Education Certificate

Risk Management

Security Leadership

Security Management

Security (Generalist)

Systems and Operations

Presents to

Certificate in Risk Management

Center for Development of Security Excellence

DEFENSE SECURITY SERVICE

John Smith

For successfully completing an advanced program of study designed for 

Department of Defense security professionals.

this

on June 20, 2013

Stanley L. Sims 

Director, Defense Security Service

Sample

Presents to

Certificate in Risk Management

Center for Development of Security Excellence

DEFENSE SECURITY SERVICE

John Smith

For successfully completing an advanced program of study designed for 

Department of Defense security professionals.

this

on June 20, 2013

Stanley L. Sims 

Director, Defense Security Service

Sample

Presents to

Certificate in Risk Management

Center for Development of Security Excellence

DEFENSE SECURITY SERVICE

John Smith

For successfully completing an advanced program of study designed for 

Department of Defense security professionals.

this

on June 20, 2013

Stanley L. Sims 

Director, Defense Security Service

Sample

Presents to

Certificate in Risk Management

Center for Development of Security Excellence

DEFENSE SECURITY SERVICE

John Smith

For successfully completing an advanced program of study designed for 

Department of Defense security professionals.

this

on June 20, 2013

Stanley L. Sims 

Director, Defense Security Service

Sample

24
25

EDUCATION

Ms. Julie Wehrle, CDSE Education Curriculum Manager, addresses the student assembly.
“I have made CDSE my agency’s primary source for security 

training and that is due directly to the enhancements made to the 

quality and variety of training.” 

Hugh Wiley, Director of Security and Counterintelligence

Defense Contract Management Agency
-TRAINING-
28
29

TRAINING

CDSE WEBINARS

In the past year, CDSE hosted 86 webinars for security 

professionals, both within the DoD and the Industrial 

Security community. These 30 minute webinars provided 

over 22,000 security professionals the opportunity to 

learn about various security topics. 

CDSE webinars continue to evolve with increased 

interactivity between audience and subject matter 

experts. During the live sessions, participants have the 

opportunity to ask questions directly to the expert and 

participate in live chats, poll questions, and feedback 

surveys. Participants on the move can attend these 

webinars on their mobile devices. 

Webinars are archived and can be accessed on the 

CDSE website. The webinar archive includes content 

summaries, slides, video/audio files, handouts, transcripts, 

and more. A student can listen to webinar audio using 

the media player on the web page or download the 

webinar audio file for an mp3 player. In addition, webinar 

recordings are now available on the CDSE 

YouTube channel.

New webinars from various security disciplines are 

offered each month, and are usually offered two times 

each day so that participants across the nation can learn 

at lunch. 

FY 2013 CDSE WEBINAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CDSE conducted 86webinars

22,668participants

registered for webinars

SAMPLE POLL QUESTION

When classified information is approved for 

reclassification, holders and recipients must be 

notified within ___ days of the decision.

 a. 7 days

 b. 30 days

 c. 90 days

 d. 180 days

 No Vote

2.96% (4)

93.33% (126)

3.70% (5)

0% (0)

During webinar sessions, participants have the opportunity to 

participate in informal polls.

29
CLOSING TRAINING GAPS

In response to stakeholder requests for education and training, CDSE responded to the following needs within the 

DoD security community:

The Establishing an Insider Threat Program for Your 

Organization Course is designed for DoD or Federal 

Government, military, civilian and industrial individuals 

designated as the organizational Insider Threat Program 

Manager. The instruction provides guidance for 

organizational Insider Threat Program Managers on 

how to organize and design their specific program. It 

covers the minimum standards outlined in the Executive 

Order 13587 which all programs must consider in 

their policy and plans. The course recommends which 

internal organizational disciplines should be included 

as integral members in the organization’s Insider Threat 

team or “hub” to ensure all potential vulnerabilities are 

considered. The course instructs the Insider Threat 

Program Manager to ensure he and his team receive 

fundamental training in the topics required by the 

National Policy. 

NATIONAL INSIDER THREAT PROGRAMS

On November 21, 2012, the President signed Executive 

Order 13587 which provided the Minimum Standards 

for organizational Insider Threat Programs. The policy 

requires specific training for all personnel with access to 

classified information or systems and for those working 

on an Insider Threat Program. CDSE responded by 

developing two new eLearning courses.

The Insider Threat Awareness Course provides a thorough 

understanding of how Insider Threat Awareness is 

an essential component of a comprehensive security 

program. With a theme of “If you see something, say 

something,” the course promotes reporting of suspicious 

activities observed within the place of duty. Using a 

few case study scenarios, the course teaches common 

indicators which highlight actions and behaviors that 

can signify an insider threat. The instruction promotes a 

proactive approach to reporting the suspicious activities.

Insider threat training needs Suitability adjudications training gap across DoD 

and the Federal Government

The HSPD-12 CAC adjudication training gap across 

the entire DoD community

Security specialist training between government 

and industry

Needs of individuals in the field responsible for 

preparing and implementing a T-SCIF Cyber knowledge

30
31

INTRODUCTION TO HSPD-12 CAC CREDENTIALING

The Introduction to HSPD-12 CAC Credentialing course 

was developed to address adjudication training gaps 

across the DoD community. The course was developed as 

a part of a collaborative effort between USD(I), member 

of military services and DoD agencies. Representatives 

of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Washington Headquarters 

Services, and CDSE beta tested the course.

This four-hour eLearning course is currently the only 

DoD-specific Common Access Card (CAC) credentialing 

training course available. The course provides a four-step 

module for the conduct of investigation and adjudication 

for issuance of the CAC. The course is designed to expose 

learners to the basic underlying processes required to 

investigate and render either interim or final credential 

determinations. 

TEMPORARY SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED 

INFORMATION FACILITIES (T-SCIF) TRAINING

This course was developed in collaboration with the 

U.S. Army to address the needs of individuals in the field 

responsible for preparing and implementing a T-SCIF. 

The course is designed to help both newly assigned 

or appointed individuals with little or no Sensitive 

Compartmented Information (SCI) experience in their 

performance as an SCI security official, and those in the 

field who are engaged in implementing a T-SCIF.

The two-hour course provides policy guidance to help 

individuals understand the DoD principles for SCI 

and the critical importance of T-SCIFs. It also provides 

guidance on the processes required for the approval 

and operation of T-SCIFs, when required, in support of 

tactical, contingency, emergency, and other immediate 

operational needs. The course also details the execution 

and protection of a sound command security program 

to protect classified information and prevent 

unauthorized disclosure.

INTRODUCTION TO SUITABILITY ADJUDICATIONS 

FOR THE DOD

The Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DoD 

is the first and only DoD-centered suitability training. It 

also has national impact as agencies across the Federal 

Government will use the timely and easily accessible 

training to fill their respective suitability training 

gaps. The target audience is DoD personnel with a 

responsibility for suitability case review and adjudication 

as defined by Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

Part 731.

The 2.5-hour eLearning course introduces the purpose 

of suitability adjudications and outlines the regulations, 

processes, and guidelines that apply. It provides 

instruction on the basic phases of suitability and the 

responsibilities of Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 

and the agency or component during each of 

these phases.

TRAINING

31
BASIC INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FOR 

THE GOVERNMENT SECURITY SPECIALIST 

ELEARNING CURRICULUM CERTIFICATE

This curriculum closes the gap between government 

and industry training by providing the government 

security specialist a baseline curriculum tailored to their 

involvement in the NISP. 

This curriculum also affords the government security 

specialist the opportunity to receive ACE credit 

recommendation of 3 lower division baccalaureate/

associates degree category semester hours in physical 

security or corporate security. Courses included in this 

curriculum are:

Introduction to Industrial Security

FSO Role in the NISP

ISFD Facility Clearance Verification and Notifications 

for Industry

Facility Clearances in the NISP

Business Structures in the National Industrial 

Security Program (NISP)

Understanding FOCI

Personnel Clearances in the NISP

NISP Reporting Requirements

NISP Self Inspections

Visits/Meetings in the NISP

Safeguarding Classified Information in the NISP

Transmission and Transportation for Industry

Introduction to the National Industrial Security 

Program (NISP) Certification and Accreditation 

(C&A) Process

CYBERSECURITY

CDSE’s Cybersecurity Training Division, formerly known 

as Information Assurance, has been transformed. 

Updated curriculum and exciting new courses engage 

students in both technical and non-technical aspects of 

cybersecurity. CDSE Cybersecurity offers courses and 

curricula in a variety of cyber disciplines, including:

• Phishing Awareness

• Social Networking

• Smartphones and Tablets

• Cybersecurity Awareness

• Certification & Accreditation

• Information Assurance

• Incident Preparation & Response

• Intrusion Detection Systems

CDSE Cybersecurity Training provides timely, relevant 

information for security professionals in federal, defense, 

and private sectors. With eLearning and instructor-led 

options, CDSE Cybersecurity makes it easy to meet your 

organization’s cybersecurity training needs.

Curriculum Manager Mr. Thomas (Noah) LeBaron leads a discussion during the NISPOM Chapter 8 Implementation course.

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33

TRAINING

CURRICULUM EVOLUTION

To enhance training outreach and quality, CDSE is modifying courses by changing the delivery method from 

instructor-led into an online collaborative learning environment (CLE) format.

This course represents the first CLE training offered by the 

CDSE Training Division and is tailored for DoD national 

security adjudicators assigned to the DoD Consolidated 

Adjudications Facility. This effort will eliminate DoD 

adjudicator wait time to attend the course, allow greater 

learner and instructor flexibility, and decrease 

student travel.

NEW DELIVERY METHOD FOR 

ADJUDICATIONS COURSE

The instructor-led DoD Advanced Personnel Security 

Adjudications Course was redesigned and now 

utilizes collaborative online learning with instructor 

facilitation. This allows students the flexibility to 

complete assignments at their own pace while providing 

individualized instructor feedback. The newly revamped 

course incorporates presentations, practical exercises, 

and forum discussions during which students make final 

security eligibility determination decisions and prepare 

Statements of Reasons. 

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NEW SECURITY SHORTS

In 2013, CDSE released the following security shorts:

INFORMATION SECURITY

Marking in the 

Electronic Environment

This short allows users to recognize 

and apply classification marking in 

the electronic environment.

NATO Information

This short provides information on 

the who, what, where, how, and why 

of NATO handling and processing 

requirements in accordance with 

DoD Manual 5200.01, Volumes 1-4, DoD Information Security 

Program and USSAN 1-07.

Requirements for OCAs

This short provides an overview 

of the changes for Original 

Classification Authorities (OCAs) 

resulting from the promulgation 

of Executive Order 13526. It includes a brief review of the 6 

steps of the original classification process and highlights the 

mandatory annual training requirement, as well as sanctions 

that can be imposed for failure to timely complete that training.

Security Incidents Reporting 

Requirement

This short identifies the appropriate 

reporting requirements to follow in 

the event of a security incident.

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE

CI Foreign Travel Brief

This 15-minute short assists facility 

security officers (FSOs) working in 

cleared defense contract facilities 

in the development of their own 

tailored briefs. This course provides users with an outline of 

topics which are recommended for inclusion in a CI Foreign 

Travel Brief. A briefing template is included which FSOs may use, 

adding or subtracting information to fit their individual needs.

INDUSTRIAL SECURITY

Procuring GSA 

Approved Containers

This short provides guidance 

on procuring new and/or used 

GSA security containers for the 

protection of classified information. Also included are best 

practices and a useful job aid that can be printed for 

future reference.

PERSONNEL SECURITY

Reciprocity in the Personnel 

Security Program

This short provides users with an 

overview of the importance for 

reciprocity in the Personnel Security 

Program. It emphasizes the reason for reciprocity, as well as a 

review of the numerous national and DoD policies that 

require reciprocity.

SPECIAL ACCESS PROGRAMS (SAP)

SAP Security Roles

 and Responsibilities

This short provides users with 

information that helps them to 

identify and distinguish the roles 

and responsibilities of the Program Security Officer (PSO), 

Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO), and Contractor 

Program Security Officer (CPSO). 

“I just reviewed and completed 

the new Special Access Programs 

(SAP) short. It was an excellent 

training module! Thank you 

to CDSE for developing and 

sharing this with the community.”

James (Jim) Torre, DAFC, Chief

USSOCOM Central Office

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35

TRAINING

TOOLKITS

Toolkits are collections of training, job aids, videos, 

briefings, templates, resources, and samples organized 

into security discipline categories and related to a specific 

security role. 

This year, CDSE released the Facility Security Officer (FSO) 

Toolkit, the first of several Toolkits to be developed over 

the next few years. The FSO Toolkit is a web-based tool 

that provides access to a variety of industrial security 

products and resources. Rather than focusing on 

individual products, this Toolkit focuses on the major 

tasks and responsibilities of a FSO operating under the 

NISP. By consolidating these security resources into a 

one-stop shop, the FSO Toolkit eliminates the need for an 

FSO to spend needless hours searching for or recreating 

security information and resources that already exist. The 

FSO Toolkit provides just-in-time information that can be 

used, modified, or adapted to meet the security needs of 

any company.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

CDSE supported two special requests for information and Personnel Security training in FY13. 

CDSE TRAINS AFGHANISTAN MILITARY IN POLAND

CDSE delivered personnel security investigation and 

adjudication process training at the NATO Joint Forces 

Training Center, Bydgoszcz, Poland, in March 2013. To 

build a stable government structure, the Afghanistan 

government requested tailored training to refine their 

personnel security processes and techniques for clearing 

and vetting Afghan nationals. Five interpreters translated 

instructional material to Dari, the Afghanistan language. 

Despite challenges with cultural, legal, and language 

differences, all 15 students successfully completed 

the training. 

TRAINING DIVISION ASSISTS THE OFFICE OF 

MILITARY COMMISSIONS

On November 16 and 19, 2012, CDSE Training Division 

provided training support to approximately 95 personnel 

at the Office of Military Commissions (OMC) in Alexandria, 

Virginia. CDSE provided two information security 

training sessions to the legal, administrative, and security 

professionals involved in the military commissions being 

held at Guantanamo Bay. The primary training focus 

was derivative classification requirements and marking 

classified information processes for various classified 

venues. This was part of an ongoing collaboration 

between CDSE and OMC.

“CDSE continues to make great advances 

in providing tools that are essential to the 

FSO and we appreciate your prodigious 

partnership with NCMS and all that you 

do for the industrial security professional. 

The FSO toolkit is a fantastic resource 

and another example of the great work the 

CDSE is doing.”

Leonard Moss, Jr., ISP®, CPP®, CHS-V

President and Director, NCMS

Access the FSO Toolkit at www.cdse.edu and click on 

Facility Security Officers (FSOs) under Toolkits.

35
Recipients of the Federal Government Distance Learning 

Association (FGDLA) Five -Star Award demonstrate excellence 

in providing enterprise-wide distance learning solutions for the 

Federal Government.

From FGDLA Awards
- AWARDS -
Mr. Kevin Jones, Director, CDSE, accepts the FGDLA award

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AWARDS

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FIVE STAR AWARD

The Federal Government Distance Learning Association 

(FGDLA) presented the Five Star Award to CDSE for 

demonstrating excellence in providing enterprise-wide 

distance learning solutions. 

For the past two decades, the FGDLA has been a leading 

advocate of distance learning in the Federal Government. 

The purpose of the Association is to promote the 

development and application of distance learning for 

education and training, primarily within the 

Federal sector.

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE AND 

SECURITY AWARD

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence 

(ODNI) announced the winners of the 2012 Annual 

Counterintelligence (CI) and Security Awards. As part of 

a collaborative effort, CDSE and the CI Directorate were 

recognized as winners of the Education/Training 

Team category. 

The CDSE/CI Team was recognized for successfully 

integrating CI awareness into multiple CDSE training 

venues. CDSE designed and presented numerous new 

training courses and presentations, meeting priority 

needs of the community by training over 74,000 

security professionals on CI topics and issues. The 

program significantly increased threat awareness and 

reporting in the security community. This resulted in the 

timely identification and mitigation of CI and security 

vulnerabilities. 
The Omni Awards recognize outstanding media 

productions that engage, empower, and enlighten. 

Awards are given in the fields of Film & Video, Animation 

& Effects, and Website Design.

The Horizon Interactive Awards is a prestigious 

international competition recognizing outstanding 

achievement among interactive media producers. The 

competition recognizes and awards the best web sites, 

videos, online advertising, print media and mobile 

applications. 

OMNI AND HORIZON AWARDS

AWARD WINNING SHORTS

Three CDSE security shorts won multiple Omni and Horizon Awards.

DOWNGRADING AND 

DECLASSIFICATION

SUSPICIOUS EMAILS DISPOSAL AND DESTRUCTION 

OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Omni, Silver Education Omni, Bronze Education Omni, Silver Education

Omni, Silver Government Omni, Bronze Government Omni, Silver Government

Horizon, Bronze Education/

Training

Horizon, Silver Education/

Training

Horizon, Silver Education/

Training

Horizon, Bronze Government Horizon, Silver Government Horizon, Silver Government

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Number of certifications to obtain 

national-level accreditation

5

17

86

800

22,668 

85,153

197,641 

62

7

Number of education certificates offered

Number of certifications offered

Number of semester hours offered through ACE

Number of education courses 

Number of webinars conducted in FY13

Number of sites available for SPēD testing

Number of webinar registrants

Number of CDSE students

Number of student hours

1

CDSE BY THE NUMBERS

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The editorial content of this publication was prepared, edited, and approved by the Director, Center for Development 

of Security Excellence. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of 

Defense. To comment, contact the DSS Public Affairs Office at (571) 305-6751 or email dsspa@dss.mil. 
visit us at www.cdse.edu

Learn. Perform. Protect.

Center for Development of Security Excellence