Your application may take up to two weeks to be processed. Thereafter, via
email, you will receive:
- Exam registration number
- Details of your exam (date, time and location)
- Proctor’s contact information
- Exam Study Guide
- Certification Handbook
An incomplete application will result in a delay in processing your
application.
Step 3
Candidates who pass the exam will become Certified Corrections Professionals
(CCP). A letter will be sent confirming your status as a CCP along with a
certificate, sample press release, a supervisor notification form, and a
certified pen. CCP’s will be recognized in Corrections Today, ACA’s magazine
published six times per year.
When and where are CCP examinations offered?
Click Here to View the Time and Location information
for upcoming CCP Examinations
The list of exam sites is updated twice a month.
Does ACA offer any resources or assistance?
To help you with your CCP exam, ACA offers a Certification Handbook and an
Exam Study Guide! Click the links below to access these documents.
Click Here to View the Certification Handbook
To order the materials listed in the Study Guide from the ACA Store, click
the link below or call 1-800-222-5646
Click Here to Access the ACA Store
What is the cost of certification?
Cost of examination varies by field and professional certification level.
American Correctional Association members receive discounts on the examination
cost, as well as receiving other benefits of membership. For more information
about joining ACA, visit our membership section by following the link below.
Navy Personnel:
Navy personnel may be able to get their certification exam paid for through
the Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program. To be eligible for
a Navy COOL voucher, the member must have a minimum of one (1) year remaining in
service and have documented competency or experience within the credential being
sought. For more information, contact Navy COOL at (850) 452-6683, DSN: 922-6683
or via the web at https://www.cool.navy.mil
Click Here to View to Learn More about becoming a Member of ACA
|
Exam Level |
ACA Members |
Non-Members |
| Executive |
$260 |
$325 |
| Manager |
$235 |
$295 |
| Supervisor |
$180 |
$225 |
| Officer |
$140 |
$175 |
| Nurse/Manager |
$235 |
$295 |
| Nurse |
$180 |
$225 |
Cancellation Policy:
- Examinations that are canceled by ACA due to severe weather and/or a
natural disaster and/or necessity as determined by ACA will be rescheduled
as soon as possible. There will be no additional charges. In the event of
such a cancellation, ACA shall not be held responsible for any airfare,
charges, or any other expenses incurred by the individual/individuals, and
shall not be required to return any fees paid by the individual/individuals.
- If an exam is scheduled for an individual but not administered to that
individual, due to the fault of that individual, on the date scheduled, ACA
will charge a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the certification examination
fee.
- Individuals may retract their application for examination if
Certification Staff receives a written request no less than 10 days
prior to the Examination date. The request should detail the special
circumstances that occurred; e.g., no longer employed in corrections,
promoted or demoted, etc. A refund of the examination fee, minus a $75
dollar processing charge, will be assessed.
What is ACA’s Code of Ethics?
Certified Corrections Professionals (CCPs) are expected to display unfailing
honesty, respect for the dignity and individuality of human beings, and a
commitment to professional and compassionate service. To this end, CCPs must
adhere to the American Correctional Association’s Code of Ethics.
RESPECT and protect the civil and legal rights of all individuals.
TREAT every professional situation with concern for the welfare of the
individuals involved and with no intent to personal gain.
MAINTAIN relationships with colleagues to promote mutual respect
within the profession and improve the quality of service.
MAKE public criticism of their colleagues or their agencies only when
warranted, verifiable, and constructive.
RESPECT the importance of all disciplines within the criminal justice
system and work to improve cooperation with each segment.
HONOR the public’s right to information and share information with the
public to the extent permitted by law subject to the individuals’ right to
privacy.
RESPECT and protect the right of the public to be safeguarded from
criminal activity.
RESPECT from using their positions to secure personal privileges or
advantages.
REFRAIN from allowing personal interest to impair objectivity in the
performance of duty while acting in an official capacity.
REFRAIN from entering into any formal or informal activity or
agreement which presents a conflict of interest or is inconsistent with the
conscientious performance of duties.
REFRAIN from accepting any gifts, service, or favor that is, or
appears to be, improper or implies an obligation inconsistent with the free and
objective exercise of professional duties
DIFFERENTIATE, clearly, between personal views/statements and
views/statements made on behalf of their agency.
REPORT to appropriate authorities any corrupt or unethical behavior in
which there is sufficient evidence to justify review.
REFRAIN from discriminating against any individual because of race,
gender, creed, national origin, religious affiliation, or any other type of
prohibited discrimination.
PRESERVE the integrity of private information; refrain from seeking
information on individuals beyond what is necessary to implement
responsibilities and perform their duties; refrain from revealing non-public
information unless expressly authorized to do so.
MAKE all appointments, promotions, and dismissals following
established civil service rules, applicable contract agreements, and individual
merit, rather than personal interest.
RESPECT, promote, and contribute to a work place that is safe,
healthy, and free of harassment in any form.
Can Certification be revoked?
Certified Corrections Professionals (CCPs) are expected to uphold the highest
standards of professionalism and present themselves as role models for their
positions. CCPs who are involved in any of the following situations will have
his/her certification revoked.
- Violation of the ACA Code of Ethics
- Conviction of any crime
- Demotion for disciplinary reasons
- Involuntary separation from employment
CCPs will be notified of the revocation of their certification, along with
their supervisor or former employer. They will have the opportunity to appeal
their revocation to the Certification Commission.
Certified Corrections Professionals who have knowledge of any violations
committed by another Certified Corrections Professional should contact the
Director of Standards, Accreditation, and Professional Development. Integrity is
a hallmark of being certified.
Kelli McAfee
Director
Professional Development
206 North Washington Street
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
