Corrections_Today_March_April_2020_Volume 82, Number 2

Professional Development

Certification Spotlight

Ready to stand out?

By Cindy Gomez

A re you ready to elevate your professional development through the Corrections Certification Program (CCP)? The CCP provides individuals with a national method to become Certified Corrections Professionals and recog- nizes the high-level capabilities and accomplishments they have dem- onstrated in the field of corrections. The CCP is designed to increase the overall knowledge level of practitio- ners, foster professional development and lifelong learning, promote corrections as a rewarding career and enhance society’s image of cor- rections personnel and the field of corrections. If you are ready to take the leap and embark on the journey to lifelong learning and professional development just follow the three- step process to become a Certified Corrections Professional: Step 1: Apply Complete and submit the follow- ing forms, along with your payment. You can find these forms on aca.org under Professional Development: –– Your Application –– Your Payment Form

Send your completed forms and payment to: Email: acaprodev@aca.org Mail: American Correctional Association Attention: Certification 206 North Washington St., Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314 Once your application is ap- proved, you may begin studying for the exam. Purchasing study material on our website is optional. However, the exam is based on both study ma- terial and your firsthand knowledge and experience. Step 3: Take the Exam The final step is to take the exam. ACA offers testing at its two annual conferences (locations vary) and agencies certifying their staff, upon approval of the hosting agencies. Testing sites and dates are listed on the ACA website, the chart is updated monthly. If you cannot travel to a testing site, ACA will Step 2: Study

work with you to identify a proctor in your area. The purpose of certification is to provide an effective and reliable program for corrections profession- als to recognize their education, knowledge and professional exper- tise. Becoming certified allows you to become part of an elite group of corrections professionals who are a model of excellence for the field. Certification not only benefits you as an individual professional, but your organization as a whole. Be- ing certified will not only give you an edge and stand as proof of your capabilities as a CCP, but also allow you to serve a role model for other corrections professionals. If you have any questions or concerns about the Certification Program you can contact Professional Development at acaprodev@aca.org or at (703) 224-0710.

Cindy Gomez is a certification specialist with the American Correctional Association.

80 — March/April 2020 Corrections Today