Certified Secure Destruction Specialist Accreditation

The National Association for Information Destruction® (NAID®) launched the Certified Secure Destruction Specialist®  Accreditation Program (CAP) in 2010 to promote and acknowledge an individual's competency in a range of subject areas related to the secure destruction of information and the secure destruction of other items. The CAP is separate and distinct from the NAID AAA Certification Program, which verifies and acknowledges the ongoing compliance of an organization's secure destruction services with established security and operational standards. NAID AAA Certification applies to an organization whereas CAP applies to an individual.

The CSDS is available to anyone, regardless of whether they are affiliated with a NAID member company. Participation is strictly voluntary. The CAP is provided completely under the authority of NAID and only on the condition that the applicant agrees to comply with the rights and restrictions of the CAP and the rulings of the NAID Board of Directors.

The proctored test will consist of 300 multiple-choice questions drawn from designated areas of competency on a proportional basis. A score of 85% (255 correct answers) is required to pass. In the event that the applicant fails to achieve a passing grade, he/she will have six months from his/her first exam date to retake the exam at no additional fee. To review more information regarding the exam, please refer to the CSDS Handbook.

This summer, the CAP is being revised. The 10-session webinar series will be held this fall, after the revision is complete, with exams to follow. As of now, these dates have not been released.

To view the current exam schedule, click here.

For a copy of the CSDS Study Guide, please contact accreditation@naidonline.org.