Smart Card Alliance Creates Professional Certification Program -- Security Today

Smart Card Alliance Creates Professional Certification Program

Nov 06, 2008

The Smart Card Alliance recently announced it has created the Leadership, Education and Advancement Program (LEAP) for individuals interested in continuously improving their knowledge and professional proficiency in the smart card industry.

LEAP membership is open to all individual professionals working in the smart card industry in the United States and worldwide, regardless of whether their organization is a current member of the Smart Card Alliance.

“The smart card industry is increasingly complex, as more diverse markets are adopting the technology for new and innovative applications,” said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director of the Smart Card Alliance. “The Smart Card Alliance recognizes that many smart card industry professionals are challenged to find quality educational resources to broaden their industry knowledge, and therefore has designed LEAP to advance education and professional development.

“Being a LEAP member will enhance individuals’ proficiency and knowledge about smart card technology and applications, distinguish themselves within their organization and with clients, and increase their recognition with other industry professionals.”

Beginning in 2009, LEAP members also have the option to earn a Certified Smart Card Industry Professional (CSCIP) designation. CSCIP is a standardized certification program available to all LEAP participants that recognizes industry professionals that have advanced levels of knowledge and experience, and have passed a multi-part exam developed by leading smart card industry experts.

LEAP members have access to the following members-only benefits: the LEAP Web site containing a comprehensive library of educational materials such as Smart Card Alliance reports, white papers, research, past Webinars and conference presentations; a social networking site to meet and share information with other LEAP members; private Webinars and briefings on relevant industry topics; special networking receptions; and discounts to events and services.

The program is administered and reviewed annually for relevance and updates by the Smart Card Alliance Professional Development Committee, comprised of Leadership Council-level members and board members of the Smart Card Alliance Board of Directors. Membership information and fees can be found at http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/activities-leap.

For more information contact the Smart Card Alliance at 1-800-556-6828 or e-mail the LEAP administrator at [email protected].

Featured

Browser-Based AI Agents: The Silent Security Threat Unfolding

Some of the most revolutionary advances in artificial intelligence include browser-based AI agents, which are self-sustaining software tools integrated into web browsers that act on behalf of individuals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Report: Cybercriminals Abandon Tech Tricks for Personalized Email Deception Tactics

VIPRE Security Group, a cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection company, has released its email threat landscape report for Q2 2025. Through an examination of worldwide real-world data, this report sounds the alarm on the most significant email security trends observed in the second quarter of 2025, enabling organizations to develop effective email security defenses for the remainder of the year. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
AI-Generated Code Poses Major Security Risks in Nearly Half of All Development Tasks

Veracode, a provider of application risk management, recently unveiled its 2025 GenAI Code Security Report, revealing critical security flaws in AI-generated code. The study analyzed 80 curated coding tasks across more than 100 large language models (LLMs), revealing that while AI produces functional code, it introduces security vulnerabilities in 45 percent of cases. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
Unlocking the Possibilities

Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now
- Access Control
- Dealers and Integrators
Freedom of Choice

In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now
- Video Surveillance

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.
ResponderLink

Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.
EasyGate SPT SPD

Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.