Can a job be restricted based upon the employee having IA certification?
Not at this time. In the future, certain IACF positions may carry IA Certification requirements.
Can any of the training requirements be waived?
No, the training requirements are all critical elements of the program and will not be waived, including the leadership training, regardless of the applicant's experience.
Can contractors apply for certification?
No, certifications may be conferred upon U.S. Government employees only. Contractor or other officials may take courses that contribute to this program. Please read DSCA Contractor Certification Guidance (PDF).
Can military personnel apply for certification?
Yes, military personnel are encouraged to apply for certification.
Can the experience requirement be waived?
No, experience is a critical element of the program and will not be waived.
Do you have to be Level I certified before applying for Level II Certification?
No, when applying, an individual should apply to the highest level of certification for which they qualify.
Does everyone have to attend the International Programs Security Training to receive IA certification? Are there any previous courses that count as the equivalent?
It is a requirement for certification at any level that individuals attend one of the following courses to satisfy the International Programs Security Requirement Course training requirement:
- Defense Institute for Security Cooperation Studies (DISCS) courses
- IPSR-3 days
- IPSR-OL (on-line course)
- IPSR-2 days (offered before December 2005)
- IPSR-5 days (offered before December 2005)
- SCM-CONUS (if completed after October 2000)
- SCM-Overseas (if completed after October 2000)
- Defense Acquisition University (DAU) course PMT 203 International Security and Technology Transfer
Does IA certification impact certification received in current career program(s)?
No, IA certification is a stand-alone program targeted specifically at the IA community.
Have specific courses been identified to meet the training requirements associated with the three levels of certification?
Specific international courses have been identified and are listed in the requirements. Since so many varying courses can meet the functional training requirements, specific courses have not been documented. Rather, the applicant should review the training standards based on his/her own functional area.
If you have questions about the eligibility of specific courses or would like assistance identifying appropriate courses, please contact the Air Force Administrator at AirForceAdministrator@personnelinitiatives.org.
If an employee has already submitted an application and received certification Level (I or II) and would like to submit an application to obtain the next Level (II or III), do they need to resubmit the entire package (with all attached paperwork, certifications, career brief, etc..) or a modified version of the original package?
All applicants must submit a complete application for each request for certification including all necessary documentation and signatures.
What does IA certification do for your career?
IA certification is a way that all members of the IA community can differentiate themselves from others and demonstrate their commitment to international affairs. For civilians, IA certification will be documented on your individual career brief. Some specific positions may be identified as requiring certification.
What is the Foreign Area Officer Program (SAF/IA)? How does it relate to the International Affairs Certification Program, if at all?
Information about the FAO Program is located at http://fao.hq.af.mil/. This program is not directly related to the International Affairs Certification Program; however, the programs do have some similarities and benefits for the workforce.
What is the status of coding IA Certification on Civilian Career Briefs?
All civilian candidates earning a certification should use the Self-Service applications available in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS) via MyBiz. Changes will immediately update the personnel record and be reflected on Civilian Career Briefs the next day. For more information on using MyBiz, please click here.
You should enter the following codes in the "Certification and Licenses" section of the Career Brief:
- IA1 for Level I
- IA2 for Level II
- IA3 for Level II
What type of documentation is required to back up the IA certification application?
Documentation submitted must clearly justify the application. Example supporting documents include items such as copies of diplomas, career briefs, etc. We highly recommend that all applications include a Civilian Career Brief or Military SURF.
What will the organization, individual, and the Air Force gain under IACF?
The development of IACF provides numerous benefits for the Air Force IA community. IACF will leverage the existing Air Force career field model and provide deliberate training and education resources to develop IA professionals. From and individual perspective, IACF will deliver a flexible career development path, increased opportunity for challenging work experiences, and timely, appropriate training and education. Furthermore, IACF will ensure that the Air Force IA community has a cadre of highly trained civilian personnel to execute the future IA mission.
Who will fund the training required for IA certification?
There is no additional funding available specifically for this certification. Required training for IA certification will come from current organization training funds.