Does IA certification impact certification received in current career program(s)?
No, IA certification is a stand-alone program targeted specifically at the IA community.

Do I have to be in an international affairs position/billet to become certified?
No, if you currently work in an international affairs related position, or have worked in such a position in the past for the requisite months of experience and have completed the required training courses, you can apply for certification. If you have had several assignments/position in international affairs, you may count all months of experience even if they are not continuous.

Do I have to be certified at all levels to obtain certification at Level III?
No, it is not necessary to obtain Level I and Level II certification prior to being Level III certified as long as you meet the qualifications for Level III. The same applies to Level II – no need to obtain Level I certification.

How do I get started?
Your first step should be to review the requirements for the level certification you are seeking. Once that is known, you should work to determine your own qualifications and how they match with the requirements. You may at any point, establish an account in the personnel initiatives system. Fill in courses in the "Completed Courses Input" area as you complete them to track your progress towards meeting the course requirements. Once you have completed and entered the course requirements for a level and have met the experience requirements, apply for certification through the "Apply Online" option. The system will screen to be sure that you have entered courses and have the correct length of experience, then will ask you a few short questions. For more information, visit the "Getting Started Guide".

How do I enter a course?
Visit the "Completed Courses Input" area, and select your service. Then enter all of the grey highlighted course information for the requirement. When you have finished entering your data, click the "Save Courses" button. A page will load confirming the number of courses you have entered. Click the link to view the courses to be sure that they have all been entered. Be careful to enter all of the information highlighted in grey within each requirement. If you miss a box, the course will not save.

How do I know if a course I am entering is an introductory, intermediate, or advanced course?
If the course you are entering is from a drop down menu, the level of the course is generally listed in the course title or course summary. If you are entering a course as “other” than one from the drop down menu, again, the course title may provide the answer (e.g. Introductory Logistics, Intermediate Contract Management, Advanced Structural Analysis). If this is not the case, contact your immediate supervisor to determine the best level for the course you have taken. Finally, if you are still unable to determine the proper level of the course, contact your MILDEP POC, or the non-MILDEP POC for DoD agencies for a determination. (Contact Us)

What is the process?
All data is put into the system by the individual - except certification award - that is done by the service/agency or Command Administrator. Once data is complete and requirements have been met by the individual, the supervisor must approve the application. Your application will be electronically sent to the supervisor for review and his/her electronic approval. Upon supervisor approval, the application will be electronically forwarded for certification. The Administrator will prepare all applications for review by the command panel (or service/agency designated authority) authorized to grant certifications. Once the application has been reviewed, the administrator either produces a certificate of certification or identifies to the individual why certification was not awarded. If certification is awarded, the certificate will be provided to the command for presentation in whatever manner they choose.
Click here to see a graphical representation of the process.

If I have a question or an issue, is there someone to call?
Yes, MILDEP and non-MILDEP (DoD Agencies) focal points are listed on the web home page under “Contact Us” as well as numerous other places.

Do I need to have my supervisor sign my request for certification?
Yes, but it is an electronic approval/signature before the application is forwarded to the service/agency or Command Administrator.

How do I know if a course is acceptable for certification?
A list of those approved courses for each MILDEP associated with Security Assistance is included in the certification database. If the course is one of the courses needed for functional requirements or leadership requirements, suggest you review the course with your supervisor prior to applying for the course. Your supervisor will ensure you are taking courses that are appropriate to your level and job requirements.

Is there a specific timeframe when I need to submit my request for certification?
No. When you have completed your requirements, complete the application; and it will be forwarded to your supervisor. When he/she has completed their portion, it will be placed back in the system in a "hold" for the service/agency or Command Administrator. He/She will go into the system and pull all applications pending and prepare them for the certification processing.

Can anyone go into my record and make changes?
No. The only person that can make changes to your record is you. The Administrators can review your file, but they can not make changes. The only other thing the Administrator can do with your file is deny you access to the system if you are not a Government Employee working in the Security Assistance career field.

Can my contractor counterparts obtain certification?
No. At this time, the system is just for military and civilian employees. There are not plans at this time to expand the system to contractor personnel.

For more information click here.

Can a certification request be turned in via hardcopy?
No. To ensure that all applications are presented in the same manner, all applications must be electronic via the certification system. If you are experiencing problems with the automated system, please notify your service/agency or Command Administrator for assistance.

For Continuous Learning Points frequently asked questions, click here.