CERTIFICATION

The NMGIA offers a three (3) tier Professional Certification Program. Certification provides an opportunity for NMGIA members who engage in the process to increase their knowledge, skill set and experience and to be recognized by their peers and employers. Certification may assist investigators in achieving the required investigative competencies suitable for fact or expert testimony. It also provides employers with an enhanced means by which to measure the investigative competencies and experience of their investigators.

REQUIREMENTS

Any individual who is an NMGIA Regular Member in good standing may enter the Professional Certification Program. Once a certification has been awarded, the recipient is required to remain a NMGIA member in good standing to maintain their status active.

Applicants shall:

• be an actively participating Regular member in good standing for at least one (1) year (from date of registration) who adheres to the NMGIA bylaws;
• possess full-time employment in a criminal justice agency or the military;
• currently assigned to a job function that involves the application of gang investigations;
• provide a copy of their official position description;
• register for the certification program and submit related fee.

The examination may be taken up to three (3) times; however the $100.00 fee must be paid each time an examination is scheduled. The Gang Specialist Certification will be awarded after successfully completing the certification process and passing the examination with a minimum composite score of 70%. Examination retesting is scheduled in conjunction with new certification applicants. Applicants who are retesting are welcome to attend any portion of the block of instruction (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!).

RECERTIFICATION

In order to maintain your certification from year to year, schedule for Recertification sixty (60) days prior to your certification expiration date. We will provide you with any refresher materials to prepare you for testing. Recertification applicants are welcome to attend any or all portions of the block of instruction. Each certification program includes additional requirements which can be viewed by visiting the pages below.

INCENTIVES

NMGIA members holding any level of certification:

• Receive all training offered throughout the year at no cost.
• Receive special offers throughout the year.
• Receive an association email (yourname@nmgia.org) with access to domain resources.
• Are exempt from paying annual renewal membership dues only if maintaining certification(s) from year to year.
• Receive special pricing for the annual conference.
• Are given preference when applying for committees projects and/or to fill vacancies on the Executive Board.
• Are given priority for requests, projects, programs and/or initiatives.
• Are recognized on the association website, all social media platforms, newsletters and at the annual conference.
• Are provided with letters of recommendation for any endeavor they may pursue.
• Receive commendation from the association to their respective employer.
• Receive a special membership package, changing their membership classification to their level of certification.
• Become members of the Professional Certification Board.