ACA launches first nurse-specific certification examination for professionals in the correctional work force.

The American Correctional Association's Professional Development department offers a variety of educational opportunities. One of the most valuable programs is the Corrections Certification Program. The certification exam is offered at four different levels--Executive (CCE), Manager (CCM), Supervisor (CCS) and Officer (CCO). First administered to corrections personnel in the summer of 2000, the program already has approximately 600 certified corrections professionals.

The Corrections Certification Program is designed to advance the overall knowledge level of practitioners in the corrections field, promote the capabilities of corrections professionals to the public, and enhance society's image of corrections personnel, thereby aiding in the recruitment of new, talented staff members. As a result of demand from the field, ACA has finalized the first nurse-specific certification examination for correctional health care professionals. The exam will be available to nurses who work in corrections in two categories, Certified Corrections Nurse/Manager (CCN/M) and Certified Corrections Nurse (CCN).

The vision of the certification program is to increase the level of professionalism in the field of corrections via professional development. Successfully completing the certification process affirms that there is a body of knowledge associated with corrections; knowledge that both separates it from other fields and distinguishes it as a true profession. Having passed the exam means that a person has achieved the highest level of professionalism in his or her area of corrections. As that person moves upward on the career ladder, the program follows him or her. Indeed, the program recognizes a lifetime of progressive achievement through the various levels of certification.

An overall grade of 75 is required to pass. Candidates who successfully pass the exam receive a certification certificate suitable for framing. They may also immediately begin to use the following letters after their name, depending on their level of certification: CCE, CCM, CCS, CCO, CCE/Juv, CCM/Juv, CCS/Juv, CCO/Juv, CCM/STG, CCS/STG, CCN/M or CCN. Candidates who recieve an overall grade of 90 or higher are awarded a "with honors" credential.

Earning a designation as a certified corrections professional verifies that a person has mastered a particular body of knowledge and skills in a particular area of corrections. It shows that he or she is an individual who strives to grow as a professional. Simply put, certification demonstrates a sincere commitment to the field.

The Corrections Certification Program requires that the individual become re-certified after a period of three years. In order to do so, the individual must participate in various learning activities and earn a specified number of contact hours. Moreover, the re-certification process documents that corrections is a bona fide profession requiring not only the possession, but the on-going enhancement of knowledge and skills throughout one's career.

There is a need for certification from the top to the bottom of an organization. The questions to ask are: "why should one become certified?" and "what are the benefits of certification?" The answer an individual or an organization may seek can be any of the following:

* Retain good employees;

* Increase professionalism and promote leadership;

* Certify mastery of knowledge and skills;

* Increase commitment to one's career;

* Enhance career development opportunities;

* Encourage staff participation in education and training;

* Acknowledge a lifetime of individual, progressive achievement;

* Establish higher standards;

* Promote personal pride and self-fulfillment;

* Better work ethic and job performance;

* Teamwork;

* Self-discipline;

* Secure a pool of certified individuals who enter the field with higher standards, leadership skills, professional knowledge of the corrections field and commitment;

* Help in recruiting of good personnel;

* Licensing/certification; and

* Enhance public image of corrections.

The purpose of the Corrections Certification Program is to provide a national, voluntary method by which individuals can gain recognition as qualified corrections practitioners. Earning a designation as a certified corrections professional benefits both the individual and his or her organization. And it conveys to the public that well-educated, well-trained staff members are the backbone of corrections.

If you would like to enroll or receive more information on the program, please visit ACA's Web site at www.aca.org or contact certification staff at [phone].

Ania Dobrzanska, M.S., CCM is former grant manager for the American Correctional Assocaition's Professional Development Department.