International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection

The IFCPP offers the ONLY professional certification for persons working in, or responsible for, cultural property protection. Our multi-tiered program applies to security officers, supervisors, directors, administrators, facility managers, human resources staff, curators, registrars, librarians, and others who wish to gain crucial information and education about the latest methods available in protecting cultural, educational, and public institutions.

Certified Institutional Protection Specialist (CIPS): designates those line officers, mid-level supervisors, or other staff working in, or directly responsible for, the protection of a cultural institution.  This category includes proprietary or contract security officers, or other staff with additional duties in facility protection.  The CIPS basic certification program provides valuable information with regard to first response and front-line protection concerns.

Certified Institutional Protection Manager (CIPM & CIPM II): designates those managers, directors, administrators, or others responsible for the protection of a cultural institution. Candidates in this category include contract or proprietary security managers, security directors, law enforcement officers, facility managers, administrators, or those ultimately responsible for protection of the facility.  The CIPM II program offers IFCPP's advance level of management certification, and requires completion of the CIPM level one program as a pre-requisite.

Certified Institutional Protection Technician (CIPT): designates qualified alarm, computer, communications, and other technology experts working in a cultural property protection environment, with primary responsibilities in technology-based areas.  Certification is currently awarded by application.  Contact us for additional information on CIPT certification courses, to be introduced in 2011.

You may qualify now for internationally-recognized certification.  Completion of CIPS and CIPM programs requires active membership, a clear criminal history, submittal and approval of qualifications, attendance at a scheduled full-day class or completion of online course work, and written examination.  The program is presented by a highly skilled team of expert instructors. 

IFCPP offers the following certification options:

CIPS Live Course Work ($165) – Three-year certification.  Presented at any location, or in conjunction with a relevant educational event (e.g. industry trade conference).  Per person fee inclusive of application, background check, course work, handouts, exam, and certification.

CIPM Live Course Work ($195) – Three-year certification.  Presented at any location, or in conjunction with a relevant educational event (e.g. industry trade conference).  Per person fee inclusive of application, background check, course work, handouts, exam, and certification.

CIPS Online ($200) – Three-year certification. Per person fee inclusive of application, background check, course work, quizzes, and certification.  Available at www.ifcpp.org for completion of 11 courses and quizzes.  To be completed at your own pace within 60 days.

CIPM Online ($250) - Three-year certification. Per person fee inclusive of application, background check, course work, exam, and certification.  Available at www.ifcpp.org for completion of 8 courses and exam.  To be completed at your own pace within 60 days.

CIPS DVDs ($119 per segment or $1,099 for box set of 11 courses, $59 per exam) - Three-year certification. Fee inclusive of application, background check, course work, and certification for an unlimited number of participants/candidates.  Discounted fee requires Institutional or Associate membership.

CIPS & CIPM Re-Certification ($45 & $65, respectively) - Every 3 years by application or completion of updated course work.

CIPT Certification ($195) – Three-year certification by application.  Contact us for details.

All certification program offerings require completion of preliminary application and certification forms and authorization for the conduct of a confidential criminal history check.  Ask us now for the required forms.  Active membership is required for all online programs.

If qualified, candidates may attend a live program workshop/exam or complete online course work/exam and leave with certification in hand!

Please see the Training Calendar page for class dates and locations.