Requirements for CHS

Requirements for Levels I, II, and III

Professionals with significant and demonstrable experience in any of the below areas that interface with homeland security are eligible to apply to the CHS program.

  • Transportation
  • Communications
  • Public works and engineering
  • Firefighting
  • Emergency management
  • Mass care, housing and human services
  • Resource support
  • Public health and medical services
  • Urban search and rescue
  • Oil and hazardous material response
  • Agriculture and resources
  • Energy
  • Public safety and security
  • Long-term community recovery and mitigation
  • External affairs

CHS Levels I, II, and III are based on coursework and examination.

CHS-I - This entry-level program is obtained by completing a 50-question exam.

CHS-II - This entry-level program is obtained by completing a 75-question exam.

CHS-III - This entry-level program is obtained by completing a 75-question exam.

In addition to the aforementioned requirements, to become Certified in Homeland Security, applicants must:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have no record of disciplinary action from any state, province, or territory licensing or certification board during the past 10 years, nor currently be under investigation
  • Have no felony convictions
  • If a U.S. veteran, be honorably discharged from military service and furnish a copy of your discharge
  • Agree to uphold the Code of Conduct for the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security

Requirements for Advanced Levels IV and V

After becoming Certified in Homeland Security at CHS-III, members may choose to pursue advanced levels: CHS-IV and CHS-V.

Applicants are required to submit their certificates of completion for FEMA/NIMS courses IS-700.A and IS-800.B via fax at (417) 881-1865, Attn: Marianne.

CHS-IV and CHS-V are attainable only through the successful completion of in-depth homeland security courses and exams provided by prominent CHS instructors.

The live instruction and exams for CHS-IV and CHS-V are be offered at the Certified in Homeland Security National Conference every year. Additionally, the CHS-IV course is offered online.

Click here for conference information or call (877) 219-2519 or e-mail cao-chs@acfei.com for more information on the CHS program.

Continuing Education

At the core of the CHS program is the premium placed on continuing education. Members are strongly encouraged to complete 15 continuing education credits related to homeland security each year. CEs may be earned through participation in presentations/workshops at CHS national and regional meetings or through journal learning (reading relevant CE articles in ACFEI's peer-reviewed journal, The Forensic Examiner®, or in the Certified in Homeland Security publication, Inside Homeland Security®).

Homeland security-related education and training completed through equivalent organizations, government-sponsored programs, and/or work-related activities may also be submitted for consideration.