CERTIFICATION PROCESS

A Professional Recognition in Crime Prevention

When you apply to be certified as a Crime Prevention Specialist (CPS)© from the Ohio Crime Prevention Association, you are on your way to demonstrating that you are among the best in the field. You'll join a select group of men and women who have made the commitment to excellence in crime prevention, and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge. 

Founded in 1992, the OCPA CPS Program was designed not only to further evaluate professional standards and evaluate individual performance, but also to recognize and distinguish those who have reached one of the highest levels of achievement in the crime prevention profession. Among crime prevention professionals and law enforcement executives, the CPS is known and valued. Not only is it a mark of distinction within our profession, but it offers you a wide range of benefits:

• Professionalizes and institutionalizes the crime prevention field
• Recognized professional certification by a professional organization
• Demonstrates qualifications to obtain Continuing Education Units for higher education
• More clearly defines a Crime Prevention Practitioner's job description
• Establishes crime prevention standards that all departments will strive to follow
• May lead to promotion within your agency based on a recognized professional specialization
• Assist in defining the crime prevention officer's relationship to the Department's Accreditation program
• Further defines the role of the crime prevention professional within a community policing framework
• Assists the OCPA in identifying professional instructors
• Assists the CPS upon retiring, to maintain professional standards and to increase marketability
• Eligible to purchase and wear the OCPA’s distinctive CPS lapel pin

TESTING PREPARATION AND TESTING

The test consists of 100 questions, multiple choice, and true and false. Each certification candidate will have two hours to complete the examination. The test is based on the 2021 revised OCPA Basic Crime Prevention Manual curriculum. In order to be eligible to take the CPS exam you must have a Certificate of Completion from the OCPA 3-Day Basic Crime Prevention Course and be an OCPA member.

RE-CERTIFICATION

The principle purpose of the CPS Certification Program is professional development. Continuing education in the field of crime prevention is necessary for all who are involved with crime prevention programming, whether from the private or public sector. A Re-certification Program has been designed to encourage individuals to keep current in new field developments and maintain their credentials. The certification designation is based on two criteria:  staying current on OCPA membership dues and attending at least one OCPA educational event every 12 months.  Educational events can include OCPA training, OCPA annual training conference, or a district meeting with a training component that focuses on emerging crime trends and new developments in crime prevention. 

The 3-Day Introduction to Crime Prevention Course and 
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) are copyrighted property of OCPA.