CNSS web link

  Drew Hamilton
Director of IAL
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IAL Key Personnel & Participants

Who is the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS)?

National Security Directive (NSD) 42 specifies the membership of the CNSS. This consists of representatives from 20 U.S. Government Departments and Agencies that are given voting privileges for all CNSS activities.

In addition to the main membership of the CNSS, observers are also permanent, participating in meetings as non-voting members in CNSS activities. They provide comments and suggestions on all actions staffed for coordination, and participate in all subcommittee and working group activities.

The Assistant Secretary of Defense NII/CIO chairs the quarterly meetings of the CNSS. Meetings of the CNSS subcommittees are co-chaired by the Chairs of the Subcommittee on Information Systems Security (SISS) and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications Security (STS).

The CNSS has broad membership across the departments of the Federal Government. CNSS Membership is listed at: http://www.cnss.gov/membership.html

Specific certifications available at Auburn University include:

NSTISSI 4011 National Training Standard for Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals

CNSS 4012 National Information Assurance Training Standard for Senior Systems Managers

CNSS 4013 National Information Assurance Training Standard For System Administrators

Why should I bother with professional certifications?

That is certainly a matter of opinion. Many potential employers believe certifications are a valuable indication of professional competence. Most employers respect the extra effort required to obtain a meaningful certification.

Why should I pursue CNSS certifications?

The CNSS certification standards are recognized by the U.S. Government. There is no charge for the examinations administered by Auburn University. Although the standards themselves are subject to revision and retirement, the certifications themselves do not "expire" as do many offered by "for-profit" companies.

How can I meet the certification requirements?

NSTISSI 4011 - INFOSEC Professional: Successfully complete COMP 5370/6370 Computer and Network Security; Attend additional instruction on government-specific learning objectives, pass a qualification exam with a score of 70% or better.

CNSS 4012 - IA for Senior Systems Managers: Successfully complete COMP 7370 Advanced Computer and Network Security; Attend additional instruction on government-specific learning objectives, pass a qualification exam with a score of 70% or better.

CNSS 4013 - IA for System Adminstrators Entry Level: Successfully complete COMP 3500 Operating Systems; COMP 4320 Introduction to Computer Networks; COMP 4730 Computer Ethics; COMP 5370/6370 Computer and Network Security; COMP 5340 Network Quality Assurance and Simulation; COMP 5520 Network System Administrator; Attend additional instruction on government-specific learning objectives, pass a qualification exam with a score of 70% or better.
Intermediate Level certification is limited to those already certified under the Entry Level criteria who are either conducting IA research in a system administration setting and/or working as a network administrator. Interested persons should contact Dr. Hamilton directly. Due to the experience requirements, there are currently no plans for Advanced Level certifications at Auburn.