International Certification for Nuclear Security Professionals: Gaining Momentum and Political Support Beyond the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit

At the March 2012 Nuclear Industry Summit in Seoul, the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) proposed an idea to develop an international certification program for nuclear security, similar to the certification programs that exist for a variety of professions such as IT security, aviation security, and maritime shipping security. The idea took form at the March 2014 Nuclear Industry Summit in Amsterdam, when WINS announced the launch of the WINS Academy Nuclear Security Management Certification Program. Since the launch of the Academy, WINS has worked with subject matter experts to develop and peer review a series of ten Modules that make up an online program, centered on a core Foundation Module that sets out security as a strategic, operational activity to be implemented across the organization and as a fundamental aspect of risk management and corporate reputation. The development of all ten Modules has been completed, and comprises over 1,750 pages of content. The program has already attracted over 700 individuals from 77 countries, and efforts to support participants and encourage them to take the examinations and get certified have been successful. As of 31 May 2016, WINS has delivered 436 exams and issued 342 certificates to 202 graduates. These graduates have been entered into an Alumni network that was launched in August 2015, and they have been given expanded access to a specialized Nuclear Security Knowledge Centre library, which provides a single repository of all WINS publications and other nuclear security-related resources. Political support for the Academy program has also been strong and funding States have agreed on the delivery of a “Gift Basket” at the final 2016 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C. The Gift Basket will highlight the WINS Academy and the associated best practices that support INFCIRC 869 (The Joint Statement on Strengthening Nuclear Security Implementation). The sponsoring States will also encourage other States to sign up before the Summit, and as is customary with all Gift Baskets provide a pledge of support to ensure the sustainability of the program after 2016.