Eligibility Requirements for Certified in Homeland Security, CHS^®

General Eligibility Requirements

The following general eligibility requirements must be met by all American Board for Certification in Homeland Security (ABCHS) applicants:

• U.S. Citizenship (or Active Duty status in the U.S. military)
• At least 18 years of age
• No felony convictions
• No dishonorable discharge from the U.S. military (for U.S. Veterans only)
• Neither a record of disciplinary action from any state, province or territory, or licensing or certification board within the past 10 years nor subject under any such investigation
• Agreement to uphold the ABCHS Code of Conduct

CHS Level I (CHS-I) - Homeland Security Generalist

In addition to meeting all general eligibility requirements to sit for ABCHS certification exams, applicants must have at least two (2) years of experience combined with general training, knowledge, skill, and education within their respective homeland security-related area, such as security, law enforcement, fire service, military, emergency management, cyber security, public health, hazardous materials, medical, or other related areas.

CHS Level II (CHS-II) - Preparedness

In addition to meeting all general eligibility requirements to sit for ABCHS certification exams, applicants must be hold current a CHS-I certification and have at least two (2) years of experience combined with general training, knowledge, skill, and education within their respective homeland security-related area, such as security, law enforcement, fire service, military, emergency management, cyber security, public health, hazardous materials, medical, or other related areas.

CHS Level III (CHS-III) - Mitigation

In addition to meeting all general eligibility requirements to sit for ABCHS certification exams, applicants must hold current CHS-II certification must be a CHS-II and have at least two (2) years of experience combined with general training, knowledge, skill, and education within their respective homeland security-related area, such as security, law enforcement, fire service, military, emergency management, cyber security, public health, hazardous materials, medical, or other related areas.

CHS Level IV (CHS-IV) - Response/Recovery

In addition to meeting all general eligibility requirements to sit for ABCHS certification exams, applicants must hold current CHS-III certification must be a CHS-III and have at least two (2) years of experience combined with general training, knowledge, skill, and education within their respective homeland security-related area, such as security, law enforcement, fire service, military, emergency management, cyber security, public health, hazardous materials, medical, or other related areas.

Applicants must also submit certificates of completion for the following courses to ABCHS Headquarters: FEMA IS-00100.B, FEMA IS-00700.A and FEMA IS-00800.B. These courses are offered online and free of charge by FEMA.

CHS Level V (CHS-V) Prevention, Response, and Mitigation

Prior to sitting for the CHS-V examination, candidates must have been awarded CHS-IV.