Corrections_Today_March_April_2021_Vol.83_No.2

Certification Spotlight

Photo courtesy Joseph Koenig, MCJ, CCM

The fun part of traveling for the CCM exam was seeing a thing or two I may not otherwise have been able to see. Immediately after the exam, I went for an “unwind” ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s locomotive 4501, c. 1911.

journey does not finish. For me, one who turtles routinely pass along the trail, the road to Corrections Man- ager certification demanded two years of spare-time study — study that necessarily ramped-up as the examination date neared. It resulted in notepad after notepad of notes, and consumed a handful of annual leave days, as I strove to toss all I had learned into a tiny brainpan, like a correctional chef salad in a bowl too small — but fresh for the big day. I found the certifica - tion examination intimidating: 200 scenario-based questions in four hours — you do the math. Despite a proctor’s encouraging prediction that we probably scored better than we feared, I was not the only kid in the nine-member test group who drove home unsure of the outcome. I’m not sure I completely exhaled until a week later, when an ACA email, subject line: “Exam Results,” pinged my workstation. The message began, “Congratulations ...” Exhale. So, what does ACA certification signify? To me, now having been there, it suggests one is truly dedi- cated to the field of corrections, to

dangerous, sometimes frustrating — and changing — conditions. It’s how we make a difference in people’s lives. Whether one is a Correctional Officer, Supervisor, Manager, Behav - ioral Health Practitioner, Nurse, Nurse Manager, Health Services Administra- tor, or Corrections Executive, ACA certification criteria is established and is a great place to start. My sincere thanks to Sheriff Jim Hammond and Sergeant Tracey Case of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Of- fice, in Chattanooga, for hosting the ACA Certified Corrections Officer, Certified Corrections Supervisor, and Certified Corrections Manager ex - ams. I may never be faster than that speeding bullet, nor more powerful than ole’ 4501 on the Tennessee Val- ley Railroad, but ACA certification does have me looking hard at that tall building. Maybe after lunch. Be safe out there, brothers and sisters. And be the difference!

correctional leadership, and to being the best corrections professional she or he can be. It demonstrates a certain level of current correctional knowledge, a certain level of com- petence and proven expertise in the industry, as well as commitment to continued professional develop- ment. Perhaps more importantly, it signifies to the Community that an internationally respected professional organization has validated the prac- titioner’s professional skillset, and hopefully raises public confidence in the agency represented. I’ve never been faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, or able to leap tall prisons in a single bound, but I made it through the certification process. Other staff members can, too. I encourage everyone in the various correctional disciplines to learn as much as possible about their craft, to be the best officer, supervisor, health - care professional or executive they can possibly be — not to be satisfied with a minimum standard. It’s how we move forward as professionals and as a profession, and how we provide the highest level of public safety available, even under challenging,

Joseph Koenig, MCJ, CCM is the Post Orders Manager for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Division of Security & Emergency Operations.

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