FAQ's

What is necessary for certification?
Why must I be recertified?
What is the Registry?
Must I understand NIMS, NRF, NIPP and other governmental directives?
What are the benefits to certifying?
What's the fee?
Do you discriminate based on age, religion, gender, or race?
Do you sell official stamps and seals?
How often must I renew my certification?
How is my certification acknowledged?

 

What is necessary for certification?
Because the Office of Infrastructure Training and Certification follows governmental recommendations, standards, and directives as found in NRF, NIMS, NIPP, OSHA, DOT, EPA and others - those who desire certification must attend training and shall demonstrate competency during training by methods that includes and not limited to: active class participation, scenario activity, course materials presentation, verbal quiz, and in some cases written examination*.

*Methods used for demonstrated competency shall be determined by the instructor and or as authorized by the NREP/OIP Director, which is based upon candidates level of knowledge, skills, and experience; as well as methods of training received during the certification program and prior to receiving certification. In some cases, the OIP director may determine that passing a written examination is required.

Examples of experience, training, and skills considered for OIP Certification may include but is not limited to
Infrastructure preparedness and/or protection professions
Emergency planning, emergency management, or emergency response
Disaster management or Disaster site work
Risk control or risk management
Law enforcement or security services
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Management or Technology
Military Service
Emergency services and/or response
And several others

Why must I be recertified?
Because the CIPS grandfathering provision has expired, all CIPS related certification applicants must be certified. Furthermore, this challenging field is expected to be routinely modified, updated, and changed as governmental directives change. Those who claim specialties within the infrastructure management preparedness arena must be fully cognizant and kept abreast of any and all changes implemented within the field. Only through recertification and continual training can this important standardization of learning be assured.

What is the Registry?
Registry involves listing individuals who are currently certified, where they work, and what levels of specialization they have attained. The purpose of the OIP Registry service is to provide governmental agencies and facility owners and operators with a reliable, up-to-date resource that can easily locate trained and knowledgeable specialists in infrastructure preparedness.

Are OIP Certified Professionals required to be knowledgeable of NRF, NIMS, NIPP, OSHA and other governmental directives as applied to their specific certification?
Yes. The OIP supports training professionals as required by all applicable regulatory and otherwise applicable guidance standards. OIP works with governmental agencies by assisting and providing input in the development of regulatory standards that interface with Infrastructure Preparedness careers, including:
1.Facilitating the creation and implementation of the newest standards, rules, protocols, and guidelines designed for certification of an individual.
2.Defining and publishing general qualification and certification requirements as they relate to governmental directives.
3.Reviewing and recommending discipline-specific requirements.
4.Establishing and maintaining a record-keeping system that provides interested parties with requested information, including qualifications, experiences, and training information relating to OIP certified professionals.

What are the benefits to certifying?
There are many benefits that come with becoming certified, including:

1.Recognition by the public, the individual's peers, as well as governmental agencies of an individual's infrastructure preparedness knowledge, expertise, and experience.
2.Opportunities for career advancement, new jobs, and pay increases.
3.Listed within the Official OIP Registry.
4.Written verification of the individual's qualification by the OIP to employers, governmental agencies, and clients.
5.National committee participation.
6.Allow the public, government, and industry to easily identify Infrastructure Preparedness professionals.
 

What's the fee to be a part of the Registry?
The OIP is a nonprofit organization. Because governmental agencies are not charged for use of the OIP's Registry, and to make sure that the Registry is always maintained in an up-to-date readiness state, an annual fee is assessed of individuals to ensure that their information is always accurate and current. Annually, a renewal invoice of $90 USD, along with a data confirmation sheet, will be sent to the all individuals listed within the OIP Registry. Certifications, workshops, and recertification’s are all priced individually. (Link to Registration/Store page)

Do you discriminate based on age, religion, gender, or race?
Absolutely not. It has been, and will always be, the policy of the OIP to employ, promote, and provide equal preparedness training and credentialing to all qualified persons. One's race, religion, age, sex, national origin, physical limitations or handicaps, or veteran's status shall never be taken into account when considering an application for certification.

Do you sell official stamps and seals?
The Office itself does not sell the official stamps and seals, which are a professional and tasteful way of embossing official documents. OIP has authorized certain suppliers to handle this request, and an order form will be provided upon approval of submitted credentials. These seals and stamps are an optional cost, determined by the professional. The OIP is not responsible for any errors or omissions that lead to an inaccurate or incorrect stamp or seal.

How often must I renew my certification?
As mentioned in Question 2 above, the ever-changing field of infrastructure preparedness insists that there be a continuing education and training. To ensure that individuals remain current in knowledge and practices, all qualified and currently registered and/or certified individuals are required annually to sign a declaration of continuing competency through education and practice. OIP provides a checklist of activities that may be used to establish proficiency maintenance. This information may be completed online with www.oip-usa.us, and will be provided to governmental agencies for verification if requested.

How is my certification acknowledged?
Upon meeting all of the requirements for a specific level of professional credentialing, and with the approval of the Board of Governors, registrants are sent a special certificate, identification card, and ordering information for embossing seals and stamps, along with a variety of other informative and educational materials. Upon payment of the annual renewal fee, as well as meeting the educational proficiency maintenance requirement, a new identification card is issued annually. Furthermore, jobs well done, recognition, and other accolades that come to the specialist will be noted on the OIP's official website.