Achieving Certified Pretrial Services Professional status involves qualifying in occupational experience and education, and passing an examination, which deals with both general legal and court issues and practices, and issues specific to the individual’s pretrial area. Persons obtaining Level One Certification demonstrate a basic understanding of the Pretrial movement and the history upon which it is based.

To maintain this status, individuals must be re-certified when the three year certification term expires. This requires that an applicant meet qualifying criteria concerning his/her current position, and acquire 25 continuing education hours.

The program is designed to advance the overall knowledge level of practitioners in the pretrial field, and help ensure that they are aware of the most current information and best practices. Further, it promotes the capabilities of pretrial professionals – both within the program and to the public in general by demonstrating their adherence to the NAPSA Code of Ethics, and enhancing their public image thereby aiding in the recruitment and formation of new and talented staff.

There are three major phases to the certification program:

  1. Candidate Status,
  2. Certification Status, and
  3. Re-certification.

Phase 1: Candidate Status

The first phase has three steps: applying for certification; qualifying; and passing an examination. All three steps must be completed within two years from the date the application is received by certification staff. An individual employed full-time in pretrial release or diversion who wishes to become certified begins the process by submitting the completed electronic application for certification available at www.napsa.org during the specified application period. Submitting a completed application, along with required documentation, constitutes entering the certification program.

After the application material has been reviewed and approved by the certification staff, the now-qualified candidate must take and pass an exam. These exams will be given twice each calendar year.

Phase 2: Certification Status

A Candidate who passes the exam enters the second phase and will become a Certified Pretrial Services Professional Level One (CPSP). His/her pretrial career has received the highest level of national peer recognition in that certification category. This second phase lasts for three (3) years.

Phase 3: Recertification Status

To continue as a Certified Pretrial Services Professional Level One beyond the three year period, the CPSP must be re-certified – which constitutes the program’s third phase. Recertification requires the individual to have attended 25 hours of continuing education (that is pertinent to pretrial and the law), and to hold a position equal to, or higher than, his/her position at the time the original certification was issued. (Persons who are in a lesser position than the position held at the original certification may appeal to the Chair of the Education committee to be re-certified. This will be reviewed on a case by case basis.)