Can anyone suggest any free/low-cost (under $500) trainings or certifications for a field investigator looking to get into personnel security? I have been a contract BI for years and know the job well. There are a few openings in my area for generalist security work in offices of big cleared employers. Not rocket science - just a lot of the workaday stuff at a location that has a lot of cleared personnel and material.
It’s not a job that I am necessarily qualified for on paper, but it’s a job that is very straightforward and I’m confident I could learn quickly, especially with more experienced staffers alongside me. Are there any certifications or other things I can do that will improve the look of my resume?
Thanks.
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Check out course offerings on the CDSE website
https://www.cdse.edu/catalog/index.html
It’s basically all the stuff you would be dealing with in a security specialist role
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Hey there Fantassle, long time lurker, first posting… as a former BI that has recently moved on to something similar to persec, here is my advice …1) obviously, line up your resume with the specific job description, look for buzz words. Although you may not have direct experience with everything that’s listed in the rec, your BI skills should match up depending on experience… 2) getting your foot in the door is sometimes the hardest part, use your networking skills. I ended up being pretty tight with a lot of big DOD contractors in HR just cause I would see them on a weekly basis. 3) apply, apply, apply … brush up on your interview skills, research everything in REC descriptions and try to take any free CDSE courses (unsponsored). I noticed a previous post regarding CDSE but most courses you need a sponsor. Take the free ones and bring it up during an interview, it will show your trying and willing to learn… hope all the best.
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Your best bet is to go work as a personnel security assistant (PSA) for a contractor. Then you can move into a federal personnel security specialist role later.
As for CDSE education, only DoD employees are eligible. Contractors are not.
I think that was a recentish change to not allow contractors right? Maybe 2 years ago? I know I was taking the certs from a government provided computer at work…but I did not have a government email address so I had to stop. I think that was not a good decision as contract workers make up a large part of the security support community. It is the best way to build formal knowledge and remain current. Doesn’t hurt for eval bullets either.
Agreed it wasn’t a good decision. But it is what it is.
Contractors can/do use the CDSE - but there are restrictions.
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I forgot how I did it but I was able to make an account when I was with Perspecta, I don’t remember which course I took so apologies for not being more helpful. I did it sometime after NBIB transitioned to DCSA and it had let me create an account with no problem, I had to supply my supervisors email address and such.
I’m with an army contractor now and I have a .mil email address so I plan on signing up again and knocking out a bunch of courses
I do the courses myself. They are in easily digestible sessions.