Reason for introduction of the ECE

All legitimate certifications have a re-certification program. In fact, ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024, which is the standard for accreditation, requires credible certification providers to have a re-certification program. Requirement 6.5.1 states, “The certification body shall define recertification requirements according to the competence standard and other relevant documents, to ensure that the certified person continues to comply with the current certification requirements.” 

Continued competency can be demonstrated though many methodologies such as continuing profession education, examination (often not re-taking the original exam but an exam that would be at a higher level), or portfolios (when there is a product involved). The fact is there needs to be a time limit for the certification to ensure the consumers that the person has up-to-date knowledge. 

This is why several governmental agencies are mandating accreditation of certifications in fields such as IT, Crane Operators, and Selling of Securities to the elderly. 

Certification’s main purpose is to “protect the public/consumers” NOT to protect the profession. When health, safety and security are at risk, certification is needed and it cannot be given for a “lifetime”. It is generally noted that, if professionals are not required to maintain their knowledge and skills in their profession, they won’t.  Today, credible organizations within professional domains require their members to provide evidence of a continuous learning as a basis for maintaining their license.

The ECE will brand, differentiate and distinguish dedicated IT Security professionals who are willing to continuously learn and share knowledge to keep themselves abreast of the latest changes in technology that affects the way security is viewed, deployed and managed. This is a key requirement of employers internationally and EC-Council being a major certification organization supports it.

How does it work?

The ECE system will be enforced on Jan 1, 2008. The relationship between EC-Council and its certified members has always been governed by the EC-Council Certification Agreement which has been agreed to prior to candidates receiving their certification. This agreement is also provided for members reading at

http://www.eccouncil.org/members/CandidateAgreement.pdf

Members with certifications included under the ECE scheme will have to achieve a total of 120 credits per member (not per certification) within a period of three years. They will have to clock in at least 20 credits per year. 

For members holding multiple certifications, credits earned will be applied to all the certifications.

The credits can be earned in many ways including attending conferences, writing research papers, preparing for training classes in a related domain (for instructors), reading materials on related subject matters, taking an exam of a newer version of the certification, attending webinars, and many others.

ECE credits are earned on a per annum basis, between January 1 – December 31 of each calendar year. Certified professionals must register their ECE credits earned by 1 February of the following year to maintain their certification status.

Note

1.       A maximum of 40 credits can be applied every year

2.       Should a member in Example 1 above earn less than 40 credits from Jan 1 2007 to Dec 31 2007, then the member will only be able to carry forward those credits toward their 2008 ECE credit requirement and the member will need to earn the balance in 2008 until the member achieves the 40 credit per year requirement in 2008.

3.       Exception – IN CASES WHERE A MEMBER ACQUIRES A RECERTIFICATION FROM EC-COUNCIL FROM JAN 1 2008, A TOTAL OF 120 CREDITS WILL BE AWARDED AND THE MEMBER WILL NOT NEED TO COLLECT ANY FURTHER CREDITS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

When is the effective date of the ECE scheme?

From Jan 1, 2008, members will be able to login to the ECE Portal which shall be made available at the Members section of the EC-Council website to submit the qualified activities events they have achieved. 

Important Note

The portal is still under development and should be deployed from Dec 2007 onwards and members will be notified via notices on the website and in the Members’ portal.

Are there any annual fees payable?

To encourage continuous learning and development in our industry, EC-Council takes a leadership role in waiving ECE Annual Fees.  We hope that this benefit to our members will be a catalyst in driving their enthusiasm to constantly learn and remain engaged in their industry.

How do I register my ECE credit?

From Jan 1, 2008, members will be able to login to our ECE Portal which will be located in the Members’ section of the EC-Council.

ECE Qualifying Activities

Members may earn ECE credits by attending pre-approved activities listed below.

Such activities will entitle the member to apply ECE credits regardless of the vendor that organizes it. Special credits will be awarded for Endorsed or Supported events, which will be listed below.

Unless otherwise specified, all other activities will not qualify for ECE credits.

• Attending Security Conferences 

• Chapter Meetings

• Attending Educational Courses and Seminars

• CBT tutorials

• Published papers and/or books on security

• Training in security topics

• Completing credits from University

• Speaking at security conferences and events

• Attending security webinar

What are some of the ECE’s Endorsed/Supported Activities that qualifies for additional credits?

 If the particular event or activity is not listed on our ECE Portal, you can contact our Administrator at ece@eccouncil.org for assistance.

Can I publish articles on magazines, trade publications etc or should I submit it to EC-Council to publish it?

Yes you can publish it in any reputable third party site provided your name and description identifies your EC-Council certification/s. Please note that these articles will not gain you the credits given to articles published onto EC-Council's member site's. EC-Council will advise on the credits given for articles published in a non-EC Council journal soon. If you need further details, please contact ece@eccouncil.org

Can I be exempted from the ECE system?

No one is exempt from the system.

What certifications from EC-Council are included in the ECE system?

ENSA, CEH, CHFI, ECSA/LPT, ECVP, ECSP, CNDA and ECDR

I have recently participated in an EC-Council endorsed event prior to Jan 1, 2008; will you consider giving me credits in the ECE program?

Yes. We will provide credits for your participation in any EC-Council ‘Endorsed’ event from the period of  Jan 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.

Who can I speak to if I need more help?

If the particular event or activity is not listed on our Member website, you can contact our Administrator at ece@eccouncil.org  for assistance.

Can I use the certification name and logo after I pass my exams?

Yes, members can use the respective logos and labels of the certifications they hold.

Where do I go to download the logos and guidelines?

Members can go to the EC-Council Certification portal to download the logos and usage guidelines (go to http://portal.eccouncil.org)

Revocation & Appeal

EC-Council members who fail to meet certification requirements will have their certification revoked and will not be allowed to continue usage of the certification. Individuals whose certification has been revoked will need to take and pass the certification exam again to achieve certification.

Members whose certification has been revoked due to non-compliance of certification requirements may send in an appeal in writing to EC-Council. This appeal letter must be received by EC-Council within forty-five (45) days of the revocation notice, providing details of the appeal and reason(s) for non-compliance.

Audit Requirements

Members are required to maintain sufficient evidence to show their involvement in activities that earn them ECE credits.  There is no requirement to submit evidence until it is requested for specifically.

Important Notice

Please note that the above is subject to change from time to time without prior notice. EC-Council reserves the right to make changes as required in order to maintain the reputation and recognition of its certifications and credentials.  However, best effort will be used in informing members of changes via the website and the members’ portal.