Certification Options

Are You Certified?

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/managers, law enforcement officers, 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, and other staff responsible for the protection of a cultural or related institution. This category includes proprietary or contract security officers and other staff with additional protection duties. 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, and others responsible for the protection of a cultural or related 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 institution.

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 or related environment, with primary responsibilities in technology-based duties and disciplines. Certification is currently awarded by application. Contact us for additional information on CIPT certification.

You may qualify now for internationally-recognized certification. Completion of CIPS and CIPM programs requires active membership.

Completion of CIPS and CIPM programs requires 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. Requires completion of 11 online video 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. Requires completion of 8 online video 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, 10 exams, 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.

Note: Online and DVD certification program registration requires active IFCPP membership.

Members: Please log in before proceeding.

Non-Members: Please complete membership application before proceeding. Upon completion and online payment of membership dues, immediate access will be granted to certification registration and all other benefits & resources.

Please see the Training Calendar page for class dates and locations