Welcome to the ISCB® Certification Credit Framework (CCF)
At ISCB®, we are committed to providing a fair, transparent, and equitable path toward professional certification. Our Certification Credit Framework (CCF) has been designed in alignment with ISO 17024, ensuring that all candidates meet high standards of competency while allowing flexibility in how credits are earned. Whether you are seeking certification as a Certified Compliance Officer (CCO®) or a Professional Polygraph Examiner (PPE®), the CCF offers a clear and measurable system for achieving certification.
Credit Framework Overview
The ISCB® Certification Credit Framework (CCF) ensures that professionals in compliance and polygraph examination accumulate credits through a balanced mix of education, work experience, specialized training, and additional contributions. Below is a summary of the credit requirements for both certifications, as well as guidelines for recertification.
Certified Compliance Officer (CCO®)
Total Credits Required: 40 credits
1. Candidates with an Associate Degree
- Associate Degree: 10 credits
- 80 Hours of Compliance-Related Training: 40 credits (1 credit per 2 hours of training)
- Work Experience: 10 credits per year of relevant compliance experience
- Additional Credits (Optional): Available through professional contributions such as speaking, publishing, or committee participation (details below)
- Total Credits Earned: 40 credits
2. Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree: 20 credits
- 80 Hours of Compliance-Related Training: 40 credits (1 credit per 2 hours of training)
- Work Experience: 10 credits per year of relevant compliance experience
- Additional Credits (Optional): Available through professional contributions such as speaking, publishing, or committee participation (details below)
- Total Credits Earned: 40 credits
3. Candidates with a Master’s Degree or Higher
- Master’s Degree: 30 credits
- 80 Hours of Compliance-Related Training: 40 credits (1 credit per 2 hours of training)
- Work Experience: 10 credits per year of relevant compliance experience
- Additional Credits (Optional): Available through professional contributions such as speaking, publishing, or committee participation (details below)
- Total Credits Earned: 40 credits
Professional Polygraph Examiner (PPE®)
Total Credits Required: 70 credits
1. Candidates with an Associate Degree
- Associate Degree: 10 credits
- 400-Hour Polygraph Training: 50 credits (1 credit per 8 hours of training)
- Internship: Mandatory (letter of completion required)
- 2 Years of Polygraph-Related Experience: 10 credits per year = 20 credits
- Additional Credits (Optional): Available through professional contributions such as speaking, publishing, or committee participation (details below)
- Total Credits Earned: 80 credits
2. Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree: 20 credits
- 400-Hour Polygraph Training: 50 credits (1 credit per 8 hours of training)
- Internship: Mandatory (letter of completion required)
- No additional work experience required
- Additional Credits (Optional): Available through professional contributions such as speaking, publishing, or committee participation (details below)
- Total Credits Earned: 70 credits
3. Candidates with a Master’s Degree or Higher
- Master’s Degree: 30 credits
- 400-Hour Polygraph Training: 50 credits (1 credit per 8 hours of training)
- Internship: Mandatory (letter of completion required)
- No additional work experience required
- Additional Credits (Optional): Available through professional contributions such as speaking, publishing, or committee participation (details below)
- Total Credits Earned: 80 credits
Additional Credits (Optional for Both CCO® and PPE®)
Candidates have the opportunity to earn additional credits through professional contributions. These credits can supplement the required training or work experience and are awarded for contributions to the profession, including:
- Publishing Articles or Research: 5 credits per published article in an industry-recognized journal or publication.
- Speaking at Industry Conferences: 10 credits per speaking engagement at an industry-related conference, seminar, or webinar.
- Serving on Professional Committees or Boards: 10 credits per year for active involvement in professional organizations (e.g., compliance boards, security councils).
- Volunteering for Industry-Related Causes: 5 credits for volunteer work that contributes to the development of standards or education in compliance or polygraphy.
Recertification and Ongoing Professional Development
Recertification Requirements
To maintain certification, professionals must earn 60 credits every two years through a combination of continuing education, work experience, and professional contributions. This ensures that certified professionals stay current with industry changes and continue to meet high standards.
Credit Breakdown for Recertification:
- Continuing Education: Candidates must complete at least 30 credits of approved continuing education, including workshops, seminars, or online training programs related to compliance or polygraphy.
- Work Experience: Earn 10 credits per year of relevant professional experience in compliance or polygraph-related roles.
- Professional Contributions: Earn up to 20 credits through publishing, speaking, or serving on professional committees (credits awarded as detailed in the "Additional Credits" section).
Documentation Requirements for Recertification:
- Proof of Continuing Education: Certificates or proof of participation in training or educational programs.
- Proof of Work Experience: A letter from your employer verifying your role and relevant work experience.
- Proof of Professional Contributions: Documentation such as published articles, conference schedules showing your speaking engagement, or evidence of board membership.
How the CCF Aligns with ISO 17024
The ISCB® Certification Credit Framework (CCF) complies with the key principles of ISO 17024, ensuring fairness, equity, and transparency in certification and recertification. Below is an explanation of how our system meets these critical standards:
1. Fairness and Impartiality
The CCF ensures that candidates from different educational and professional backgrounds have an equal opportunity to achieve certification. Credits are awarded for education, work experience, training, and professional contributions, allowing flexibility in how candidates meet the total credit requirements.
- Equal Opportunities: The same credit structure applies to all candidates, regardless of their educational institution or location.
- No Bias: All candidates are required to pass the same standardized certification exam, ensuring competency across the board.
2. Competency-Based Certification
The framework ensures that all certified professionals meet the required competency standards through a combination of training, experience, and education. All candidates must:
- Complete a required number of training hours (400 hours of polygraph training or 80 hours of compliance-related training).
- Pass a standardized certification exam that validates their skills and knowledge.
3. Transparency and Clarity
The CCF provides clear and transparent information on how credits are awarded and what documentation is required. Candidates understand how their qualifications translate into certification credits, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
- Documentation Requirements: Proof of education, training certificates, and a letter verifying completion of a polygraph internship are mandatory for certification.
4. Equity in Assessment
Candidates can earn credits in a variety of ways—through education, work experience, training, and professional contributions—allowing flexibility for individuals with different career paths. This ensures that the certification process is equitable and accessible to all qualified professionals.
- Standardized Competency Exam: Regardless of how credits are accumulated, all candidates are required to pass the same certification exam, ensuring fairness in competency assessment.
5. Recertification and Ongoing Professional Development
To maintain certification, professionals must earn 60 credits every two years through continuing education, work experience, and professional contributions. This ensures that certified professionals stay current with industry changes and continue to meet high standards.
Get Certified with ISCB® Today
Our Certification Credit Framework (CCF) provides a clear and fair path to certification and recertification, ensuring you are well-equipped to advance your career as a Certified Compliance Officer (CCO®) or a Professional Polygraph Examiner (PPE®). Ready to take the next step? Explore our certification programs and start earning your credits today!
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For more information on the ISCB® Certification Credit Framework (CCF) or to learn more about our certification programs, feel free to