Answer:
There is a course called: Certified Financial Services Security Professional (CFSSP). The Bank Training Center offers CFSSP training and certification information for those individuals interested in earning the prestigious Certified Financial Services Security Professional certification.
The Certified Financial Services Security Professional (CFSSP) certification is the undisputed professional credential for financial services professionals whose primary function and expertise focus on management and/or execution of physical safety and security for a financial services organization's facilities, staff, systems, and/or customers. The CFSSP designation signifies that an individual working in this field has attained comprehensive training in the following professional knowledge areas: Written Security Programs, Security Devices, Crimes, Investigations, Life Safety, and Other Laws and Regulations.
Curriculum
Candidates must pass an examination that covers the knowledge areas below:
Written Security Programs - Bank Protection Act (20% of the exam)
Elements of an effective security program, the requirements of applicable laws, and regulations and standard operating procedures for implementing the program.
Security Devices & Systems (15% of the exam)
The entire spectrum of alarms, cameras, access controls, vaults/safes, ATMs, after-hours depositories, barriers, communications devices, dye packs, bait money and technical standards.
Crimes (20% of the exam)
Manners of crimes that you may be required to investigate including internal crime (embezzlement, drug trafficking, conflict of interest, falsification of records and insurance fraud), as well as external crimes (burglary, robbery, larceny, check fraud, credit card fraud, wire fraud and loan fraud).
Investigations (15% of the exam)
How to conduct an investigation, the parameters for cooperation with law enforcement agencies, how to do polygraphs and drug analysis, the full range of investigative techniques, employee screening methods, how to conduct a due diligence investigation as well as how to conduct an incident investigation.
Life Safety & Emergency Response (10% of the exam)
Methods for protecting human life, and assuring the continued operation of an institution in the event of a disaster, emergencies or after a crime. Your knowledge must also include first aid and emergency medical assistance, evacuation procedures, natural disaster plan, employee training, prevention programs and equipment.
Other Laws & Regulations (20% of the exam)
Bank Secrecy Act, Reg. E, Electronic Funds Transfer, FACTA, Check 21, UCC, FIRREA, Reg. CC, Expedited Funds Availability Act
Examination Requirements
The qualifying exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions; three hours is provided in which to complete the exam. Candidates may retake the exam if they do not pass; the exam re-take fee is $150. Candidates have the option of taking the exam in one of two formats:A proctored exam at the candidate’s company, with an ICB-certified member serving as exam proctor, at an exam site that is within two hours driving time from the candidate's company.
Additional Requirements
Candidates must meet the experience, education, ethics and examination requirements determined to be competency measures for retirement services professionals.
Professional Experience & Education
Candidates must be employed at a financial services institution with 50% of their work time dedicated to security responsibilities or appointed by an institution's Board of Directors to be a security officer; and meet one of the following requirements:
- One (1) year of experience in financial services security and a bachelor's degree;
- Two (2) years experience in financial services security and an associate's degree;
- Three (3) years experience in financial services security and a high school diploma/equivalency diploma.
Professional Reference - One letter of recommendation from a senior officer attesting to your qualifications for certification including your security experience is required.
Ethics Statement - Each candidate must sign ICB's Professional Code of Ethics statement, which is the last page of the application.
Application - Candidates must complete and submit an application, affirming that they comply with the eligibility requirements at the time of submission; application fee is $425, covers exam as well.
Fingerprint Requirement - You must submit a fingerprint card with your application.
Continuing Education Requirements
Each certificant must complete twenty-four (24) credits of continuing education every three (3) years. Certificants are allowed to carry over up to eight (8) credits per three-year cycle. An annual membership fee of $199 also is required to keep certification active.
First published on BankersOnline.com 10/26/09
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