I need to verify membership and information on one of your members. How can I get this information?
In order to release information on any of our members, we require written verification containing the signature of the person about whom you are requesting information. You can send verification requests to our association by fax (417) 881-1865 or by mail (2750 East Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65804).
What is the Certified in Homeland Security, CHS® program?
The CHSSM program is a professional membership association dedicated to the credentials, training, and continuing education of professionals from across the nation interested in homeland security.
Who can become a member of ABCHS?
Please click here to review the requirements for membership.
What do I get with my ABCHS membership?
Please click here to review the benefits of membership.
For which level of CHS do I qualify?
CHS levels I, II, and III is based on a course 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.
- 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 at the Regional Conference. Also, you must have earned the CHS-III designation and successfully complete the FEMA courses IS-700.A and IS-800.B CHS Level-IV course is “Incident Awareness, Response, and Terrorism” and can be taken online The CHS Level-V course is “CBRNE Preparedness" and may be earned only at the annual National Conference.
Will ABCHS sell or share my personal information with third parties?
No. The privacy of our members is extremely important to us. All of the personal information sent to us is kept confidential.
Does ABCHS verify the credentials of members?
Yes, the credential verification process is as follows:
Applicants for general membership in CHS must provide documentation of their degrees, licenses, and qualifications. These applicants must also provide their signature confirming that the information they provide to CHS in their applications is complete, accurate, and up-to-date. These general membership applications are reviewed when they are received. In this review process, an applicant’s degrees are confirmed for legitimacy whenever possible and his or her professional licenses are confirmed with that individual’s particular state licensing board.
How long does the CHS application and credentialing process take?
The application and credentialing process usually takes 2–4 weeks after we receive all requested documentation.
Is there a student membership in CHS?
No, at this time there is no CHS student membership.
How do I advance CHS levels?
In order to advance, all applicants must successfully complete the CHS courses and exams in successive order.
Can I check my membership status online?
Yes, the Members Only section will show your renewal date after you log in.
How can I update my contact information?
If you have moved, changed jobs, have a new area code, new e-mail address, or simply want to confirm what contact information we have on file, you may call member services or the accounting department, 8:00am–5:00pm CST toll free at (877) 219-2519, send a fax with your updated information to (417) 881-1865, or update online by visiting the Modify Account page in the Members Only area.
Whom should I call to confirm that my dues payment was received?
For questions regarding your membership dues, you may call the accounting department, 8:00am–5:00pm CST toll free at (877) 219-2519. A second renewal notice may cross in the mail with your payment; simply disregard this notice. You may also check your membership status online to verify a payment was received by visiting the Members Only area.
I let my membership lapse; what do I have to do to reactivate my membership?
Contact CHS member services at (877) 219-2519.
Can I contact other CHS members?
If you are a member of a CHS-NEMT Team, you may search for other CHS-NEMT Team members by state and division in the Members-Only area.
Is there any way I can communicate with all CHS members?
Yes. CHS has a forum in the Members-Only area where you can read other members’ comments and post comments of your own.
When is the next CHS conference?
For detailed information, visit the conference page.
How do I access the Members Area (Back Office) of the Web site?
Go to the home page at www.abchs.com. Next, on the far upper right side of the front page, click on Login.
On the log-in page, enter your Login ID, then your password. By default, your password is your last name with the first letter capitalized unless you have changed it.
I forgot my Login ID and/or password; how do I obtain that information?
Please call CHS Headquarters at (877) 219-2519 during regular business hours for assistance. Additionally, you may e-mail
support@abchs.com to request your log-in information. Please send log-in requests from the e-mail
address we have on file for you for faster verification.
How do I sign up for higher levels of CHS?
First, log in to the Members Area of the Web site. Please refer to the information above for help on logging in. After logging in,
you will see a gray dialog box that indicates your current CHS level. This box provides a link to upgrade to the next level.
Click that link to proceed.
How do I resume a CHS course that I started earlier?
First, log in to the Members Area of the Web site. Please refer to the information above for help on logging in. After logging in, click on "CHS Certification"
under the Back Office menu on the right side. Next, click on "In Progress" next to the CHS level you want to resume.
How do I sign up for another programs, such as CDP-I or SSI?
For civilian applicants, visit the home page at www.abchs.com. Halfway down the page, there is the heading
"Our Programs." Click on the banner for the program in which you would like to enroll. On the overview page for that program, click on the enroll
link at the bottom of the page.
For active-duty military applicants, login to the Members Area of the Web site. Please refer to the information above for help on logging in. After
logging in, there will be additional gray dialog boxes in the middle of the page for each program. Click on the appropriate link to enroll.
You will be asked for a 5-digit code that was provided to you by the program administrator. If you are unable to find this code,
please call CHS Headquarters at (877) 219-2519 during regular business hours for assistance.
How do I take continuing education courses online?
Current members, both civilian and active duty, need to log in to the Members Area of the Web site. Please refer to the information above for help on logging in.
After logging in, select "CE Courses" from the Back Office menu on the right side. Then click on "Enroll in a Course." Next, select which course you would like
to take by clicking on its name. On the course overview page, scroll to the bottom and click on "Enroll in this Course Now." If the selected course is a "full
course," you will be asked for payment information. If the selected course is a "short course," you will simply need to click the enroll button to proceed, as
there is no charge for that course.
How do I resume a continuing education course that I started earlier?
First, log in to the Members Area of the Web site. Please refer to the information above for help on logging in. After logging in, select "CE Courses" from the
Back Office menu on the right side. Next, on the CE page, scroll down until you see the course you want to resume, then click on "In Progress" next to it.
How can I sign up for the Homeland Security Speakers Bureau?
Please visit the Homeland Security Speakers Bureau Web site at www.homelandsecurityspeakersbureau.com.
Next, scroll down until you see the button "Get Listed Now Click Here," then click on that. On the next page, scroll to the bottom and download the application.
Please follow the instructions on screen. This service is complimentary to all CHS members.
How can I renew my CHS membership?
Visit the home page at www.abchs.com. On the home page, click on "Renew," which is on the right side of the page
under "Member Services." Complete the 2-page renewal form. Please allow 1–2 business days for processing. Alternatively, you may contact CHS
headquarters by calling toll free (877) 219-2519 during normal business hours.
I have an article that I would like to publish for Inside Homeland Security®, what is the process for doing so?
Please contact the Inside Homeland Security® editor at editor@abchs.com for details.
I have a course that I would like to publish; whom do I contact in regard to this process?
Please contact Chief Association Officer Marianne Schmid at (800) 592-0960 or e-mail cao@abchs.com for details.
I have several people in my company that I want to come aboard the CHS program; how can I get them information?
Please contact CHS Headquarters at (877) 219-2519 so that we may send them information packets. As incentive for bringing applicants to the program,
you will receive $25 in membership bucks for each applicant who successfully signs up. When the applicant joins online, they will need to select "Referral"
on the survey question and enter your name in the field provided. Alternatively, the applicant may contact CHS headquarters by phone during normal business
hours to join.
How do I take the CHS-IV prerequisite courses from FEMA/NIMS (IS-700.A and IS-800.B)?
These courses can be taken free of charge at FEMA's training Web site. Below are the links for each prerequisite course:
IS-700.A
IS-700.B
Upon completion of both courses, please submit your certificates of completion to CHS headquarters by e-mail to cao@abchs.com
or fax (417) 881-1865.
Whom should I call if I haven't received a renewal invoice?
To request a renewal invoice, you may call Member Services or the Accounting Department, 8:00am–5:00pm CST toll free at (877) 219-2519.
Can I renew by telephone?
Yes, you may find out what your dues are and pay by telephone with a credit card. Simply call member services or the accounting department, 8:00am–5:00pm CST toll free at (877) 219-2519.
Can I renew online?
Yes, you may renew your membership dues online by simply filling out a membership renewal application.
Can I renew by fax?
Yes, you may fax the completed renewal form with credit card payment information to (417) 881-1865 to the attention of the accounting department.
What are CHS-NEMT teams?
CHS members are encouraged to join a Certified Homeland Security National Emergency Management Team (CHS-NEMT) in their area. The purpose of these teams is to develop a proactive support unit to assist, supplement, and collaborate with all first responder agencies, groups, and organizations to achieve the maximum degree of preparedness to anticipate, prevent, and respond to acts of terrorism in order to protect our nation, families and communities.
CHS-NEMT represent a blending of efforts from professionals in all areas that interface with homeland security. United, we can proactively recognize potential security threats, disseminate information, and collaborate to plan for and prevent a terrorist act. CHS-NEMT allow us to vigilantly plan long-term for the security of our homeland. CHS-NEMTs represent the ultimate opportunity for those who are Certified in Homeland Security to actively and meaningfully participate with other CHS professionals to prepare for and respond to potential terrorist incidents at the community level.
CHS-NEMT teams have been developed in nearly all U.S. states. Leadership positions are available on these teams. For more information or to form or join a CHS-NEMT in your area, contact Marianne Schmid via e-mail (cao-chs@acfei.com) or by phone toll free at (877) 219-2519.
Who can join a CHS-NEMT team?
Any CHS member with specific areas of specialization in homeland security can join a CHS-NEMT.
How much does it cost to join a CHS-NEMT?
To join a CHS-NEMT you must enroll in at least one CHS Division. CHS Divisions are organized by specialty; you may enroll in as many CHS Divisions as you like. You are permitted enrollment in one CHS Division for free! All that is required is a fee of $9.95 for shipping, which includes a certificate indicating your CHS Divisional Membership(s) and CHS-NEMT participation and a CHS-NEMT Team Reference Manual. You may enroll in additional CHS Divisions at an annual fee of only $25.00 per CHS Division. View a CHS-NEMT application to see the 15 CHS Divisions.
How do I join a CHS-NEMT?
In order to become a member of a CHS-NEMT, CHS members are required to enroll in one or more CHS divisions. The 15 divisions will be listed when you fill out a CHS-NEMT application. You may also contact Marianne Schmid at (877) 219-2519 for more information on the 15 divisions.
Are there any leadership opportunities within CHS-NEMT?
Yes, when you fill out a CHS-NEMT application, you will have to opportunity to indicate whether or not you would like to be considered for a leadership position at the local, state, regional, or national level.
How do I know if there is a CHS-NEMT in my state?
Once you have received your CHS-NEMT certificate, you may contact Marianne Schmid at (877) 219-2519 to find out about CHS-NEMT in your state.
How many continuing education credits do I have to submit each year?
CHS members are strongly encouraged to complete 15 CEs each calendar year.
What ways can I get CEs through CHS?
CHS offers a variety of avenues for acquiring CE credits. You can receive CE credits by reading articles in our peer-reviewed publication and completing accompanying quizzes. The same articles and quizzes are also available online. CE credits are also given for attendance at our conferences, teaching courses or workshops, serving on a CHS-NEMT team, or authoring an article or column for the Inside Homeland Security® publication.
Can I earn CEs from outside sources?
Yes, CHS’s CE department also accepts CEs awarded by equivalent outside sponsors for review. To obtain credit, submit a certificate of completion that clearly shows the sponsoring agency’s name, title of the workshop/course, date of the event, and number of CEUs or contact hours awarded. Send this information to the CHS CE department via fax (417) 881-1865 or mail (2750 E. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65804). CHS honors outside CE submitted on a CE-to-CE basis. This means that outside CE submitted with a number of contact hours are honored at the number of contact hours minus 1 hour for lunch and breaks.
How many CEs can I earn when I teach a course or workshop, give a speech, or sit on a panel?
For each course/workshop taught for an equivalent organization, panel you sit on or speech you give, you are awarded 3 CEs. For every relevant course/workshop taught at the college or university level, you receive 5 CEs.
How do I submit my CE to CHS for each year?
You may choose to submit CEs as you get them throughout the year or wait and submit all 15 at once at the end of the year. Regardless, please use one of the CE Reporting Forms to tally your total CE points. All outside CE is subject to review. You may e-mail cedept@acfei.com or fax to (417) 881-1865.