NAPSA Certification Program Overview

The National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) offers a Certification Program that provides national recognition to qualified pretrial professionals. Individuals who achieve certification earn the designation Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP), demonstrating a fundamental understanding of the pretrial movement and the legal principles on which it is based. Currently NAPSA is offering two (2) CPSP options:

  • Pretrial Release
  • Diversion

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The Certification Program is designed to enhance the knowledge and professionalism of individuals working in the pretrial field, as well as other system stakeholders. It promotes best practices, supports adherence to the NAPSA Code of Ethics, and enhances the public image of pretrial services professionals. Certification also serves as a tool to attract and retain high-quality staff in the field. Those working in the pretrial field may apply for certification through NAPSA.

CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES
There are (3) three major phases to the Certification Program:
  • Candidate Status
  • Certification Status
  • Recertification
The FIRST PHASE, candidate status, has two steps.
  1. Applying for certification
  2. Passing an examination
Both steps must be completed within (90) ninety days from the date the application is received by certification staff. An individual who wishes to become certified begins the process by submitting the completed electronic application for certification. This is available HERE. Submitting a completed application, along with required documentation and applicable fee, 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 at 85%. These exams are available online and applicants are provided one (1) hour to complete this open book exam.
  • A candidate who passes the exam enters the SECOND PHASE and will become a CERTIFIED PRETRIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL (CPSP). Their pretrial career has received the highest level of national peer recognition in that certification category. This SECOND PHASE lasts for (3) three years.
  • To continue as a CERTIFIED PRETRIAL PROFESSIONAL beyond the three year period, the CPSP must be recertified, 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) during the previous three years.

PROGRAM SPECIFICS
Applicants who apply for Candidate Status sign an agreement on the Application for Certification indicating they will uphold NAPSA’s professional Code of Ethics.

  • Applicants who do qualify enter Candidate Status and are invited to take the examination. The exam must be taken within ninety days from the date their initial application was received by the Certification Staff.
  • Candidates who do not pass the examination will need to take it again within (6) six months from the date of their initial application. There is an additional $30 administrative fee for taking the exam a second time. If a person does not take the exam within (6) six months, or fails a second time, they will need to start over again by completing a new Application for Certification and paying the appropriate fee. 
  • Candidates who pass the examination are Certified and will receive a Certification certificate. Certification expires after (3) three years after which certified individuals need to become recertified. The requirements for this determination are based on whether the individual has submitted the appropriate form, required fees, and has acquired 25 continuing education hours during the (3) three years as a CERTIFIED PRETRIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL. Those who meet these criteria will be recertified and receive a new (3) three-year Certification certificate.
The Certification fee is $75.00 for members and $175.00 for non-members. For those who do not pass the Certification exam on the first attempt, a $30.00 administrative fee will be collected to retake the exam (single attempt). For more information about NAPSA membership ($75.00), please click here.