What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The CJIS Security Awareness training and subsequent recertification exam cover the core pillars of the FBI CJIS Security Policy.

Participants are typically expected to review the policy modules, which may include details on:

• Policy Area 1: Information Exchange: Guidelines on how CJI can be requested, received, and shared.

• Policy Area 2: Security Awareness Training: The different levels of training required based on personnel roles and access.

• Policy Area 3: Personnel Security: Background check requirements for individuals with access.

• Policy Area 4: Dissemination and Disposal of CJI: Proper procedures for handling and destroying sensitive information.

• Policy Area 5: Media Protection: Securing both digital and physical media containing CJI.

• Policy Area 6: Physical Security: Standards for securing the locations where CJI is stored or accessed.

• Policy Area 7: Identification and Authentication: Implementation of strong access controls, including multi-factor authentication (MFA).

What to Expect in the Final Exam

While exact exam formats can vary slightly by state and agency, most CJIS Recertification Exams share common characteristics.

The final exam is usually a multiple-choice assessment designed to test practical knowledge of the Security Policy. It is typically delivered online through a state-specific portal or an authorized training vendor. The number of questions can vary, often ranging from 25 to 50 questions, and a passing score is commonly set at or above 70-75%. The exam is often untimed to encourage accurate comprehension over speed. You must successfully complete the training and exam periodically, typically every two years.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation is key to succeeding on your CJIS Recertification Practice Exam and the formal test.

Use these actionable strategies:

• Utilize a Dedicated Practice Exam: Take advantage of practice exams specifically designed for the CJIS recertification to identify weak areas.

• Review the FBI CJIS Security Policy: Familiarize yourself with the core text of the official Security Policy, focusing on areas relevant to your role.

• Complete Agency-Assigned Modules: Pay close attention to the online training modules provided by your state CTA or agency, as they form the basis of the test.

• Create Flashcards: Flashcards are excellent for memorizing specific policy terms, data handling procedures, and security protocols.

Regarding exam centers, CJIS Recertification training and testing are almost exclusively conducted online. You will not typically need to visit a physical test center. Instead, you will be directed to an official state portal (such as "CJIS Online") or your agency's Learning Management System (LMS) to complete the required modules and take the exam.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Maintaining a current CJIS Certification is an essential requirement for numerous career paths within the law enforcement and legal sectors.

Successful recertification directly unlocks and sustains opportunities in the following roles:

• Law Enforcement Officer (Sworn)

• Police Dispatcher and Communications Officer

• Crime Analyst

• Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC)

• Evidence Technician

• Administrative Assistant in Legal or Police Departments

• IT Specialist or Cybersecurity Analyst for Government Agencies

• Third-Party IT or Records Management Contractor for Law Enforcement