PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J., May 29, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As U.S. federal government agencies look to adopt trusted PKI-based Enterprise Physical Access Systems (E-PACS) for use with PIV1 and PIV-I2 credentials, the Smart Card Alliance today announces the launch of a GSA-approved training and certification program for the integration engineers implementing ICAM standards-based E-PACS.
The Smart Card Alliance's "Certified System Engineer ICAM PACS" training and certification program will be available soon for systems engineers to receive advanced training on how to set-up and test E-PACS to align with government-wide specifications. Commercial organizations looking to bid on GSA acquisitions for access control systems will be required, under new contracting terms to be announced this fiscal year, to have certified E-PACS engineers. For more information on the certification program, visit http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/activities-certified-system-engineer-icam-pacs-training-and-certification-program.
"The Smart Card Alliance is uniquely qualified for this training role based on our experience providing a government-focused smart card certification program, and by using our broad member base that has extensive expertise and experience with federal standards, PIV/PIV-I credentials and E-PACS set-up, testing and installation," said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director of the Smart Card Alliance. "This comprehensive program will provide systems engineers with the necessary training to efficiently and effectively implement PKI and federal ICAM architecture for E-PACS."
The Alliance has established a core classroom training curriculum, and hands-on training, to teach engineers best practices for set-up and testing E-PACS. Once launched, the program will provide:
- A comprehensive three-day program including two days of instructed training and review, and one day for a written and hands-on practical exam
- Qualified instructors who have been certified by the Smart Card Alliance
- A comprehensive set of course materials addressing how E-PACS work, how PKI is managed within the system and how the PIV/PIV-I credentials interface with the security system
- Hands-on training using E-PACS listed on the GSA Approved Products List to provide real-world set up, test and configuration of PIV/PIV-I access control features within the security system
- An online directory of certified E-PACS engineers that can be used by federal contracting agents to verify if commercial organizations meet the minimum requirements to be a bidder or be awarded a contract
The new training and certification center is an expansion to the Smart Card Alliance's CSCIP/Government (CSCIP/G) training and certification programs which concentrate on smart cards for government identity and access control. Certification through these programs demonstrate that individuals have advanced knowledge of smart card technology and applications, and it sets individuals apart as industry experts able to compete on a global scale.
To celebrate the upcoming 10th anniversary of landmark security directive HSPD-123, the Smart Card Alliance invites government and industry executives to attend the "Government Conference Special Edition Event: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of HSPD 12," on July, 31, 2014 in Washington, D.C. The one-day event will feature government leaders and current heads of federal agencies looking back on identity and access security achievements of the past decade, as well as forward to opportunities for future advancements. For registration and more details, visit http://bit.ly/1gAzEA9.
About the Smart Card Alliance
The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to stimulate the understanding, adoption, use and widespread application of smart card technology.
Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. and Latin America. For more information please visit http://www.smartcardalliance.org.
1 Personal Identity Verification
2 PIV Interoperable
3 Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12