CANDIDATE

HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction to TRECCERT 3
2 About the Candidate Handbook 5
3 Applying for Certification 7
4 Maintaining the Certificate 13
5 Contact Us 19

DISCLAIMER
This Handbook is intended for general knowledge of the applicants and
certified individuals regarding the TRECCERT examination and certification
processes. Content of this handbook may not be copied, reproduced,
uploaded, published, posted, edited, shared or distributed in any way without
the explicit authorization of TRECCERT.

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK 2023

1 INTRODUCTION TO
TRECCERT
TRECCERT is a certification body for persons that provides certifications demonstrating
the competencies of professionals.

1.1 OUR PHILOSOPHY

The TRECCERT vision is to become a global leader in personnel certifications. TRECCERT
believes integrity is essential in its’ relationship with certified clients and the professional
community.

Strategic goals and strong leadership guide TRECCERT’s reliability and personal responsibility
towards honoring its’ commitments. The organization is committed to achieving the desired
results at all levels of the organization.

TRECCERT believes in providing high quality services through competence and

resourcefulness, and strives to create a professional environment that nurtures the desire for
its’ certifications and services.

TRECCERT believes in fostering growth through continuous educational opportunities and

pursuit of new opportunities, and is determined to continuously improve its’ services through
innovation and field-specific expertise, striving to create value for all parties involved in the
certification activities.

TRECCERT believes that customer focus is essential in the certification industry, and is
committed to provide exceptional services with the client at the heart of the organization.

1.2 OUR CERTIFICATION VALUES

TRECCERT certifications validate the knowledge, skills and ability of individuals to meet
the requirements of different compliance frameworks. TRECCERT certifies individuals in
information security, data protection, business continuity, ICT service management and
related areas. The following outlines the values of holding a TRECCERT certification:

• Professional Credibility: earning a certification or a series of certifications demonstrates

your dedication and motivation to professional development, and provides immediate
professional credibility.
• Professional Recognition: earning a certification or series of certifications from an
accredited Certification Body provides national and international recognition of your
credentials.
• Career Growth: professional certifications are highly valued in today’s fast changing
world, and provide a career boost for certified individuals. Certified professionals are
more likely to get hired and/or promoted.
• Enhanced Earning Power: professional certifications lead to enhanced earning power
due to increased knowledge and skills.

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2 ABOUT THE
HANDBOOK
The Candidate Handbook has been created to assist TRECCERT candidates throughout their
certification journey. It provides an overview of TRECCERT processes beginning with the
registering for and taking the exams that TRECCERT provides all the way to the maintenance
of the certificate. Its primary purpose is to provide individuals with comprehensive
information about the exam, the assessment process, and the rules and regulations they need
to adhere to during the examination as well as the requirements to maintain the certificate
once it is issued. These exams evaluate a candidate's understanding of the specific
Management System (MS) requirements and their ability to implement or audit the related
management system.

This handbook also serves as a guide for TRECCERT applicants and certified professionals who
need to maintain their knowledge and skills in their respective fields. Its goal is to ensure that
individuals have a clear understanding of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
program and the associated requirements for TRECCERT certificates. TRECCERT strongly
believes that its CPE Program is essential for professionals to continuously develop and
maintain competence throughout their careers. As the demand for qualified professionals
continues to rise, TRECCERT emphasizes the responsibility of professionals to keep their skills
up-to-date.

TRECCERT upholds a non-discriminatory policy and does not differentiate against individuals
based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental status, or
any other protected category under applicable laws. Individuals applying for TRECCERT
certification and taking the related exam are evaluated solely based on their adherence to the
eligibility requirements.

Please note that this Candidate Handbook is intended for general information for individuals
applying for the TRECCERT certification program and those planning to take the related
exam. While you may download a copy of this handbook for personal use, it is strictly
prohibited to copy, reproduce, upload, publish, post, edit, share, or distribute its contents in
any way without explicit authorization from TRECCERT.

2.1 TRECCERT CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

TRECCERT offers a range of certification programs to individuals around the world.
Our certification programs are developed in a wide range of topics, including information
security, cybersecurity, data protection, business continuity and more. For a detailed overview
of TRECCERT certification programs, please visit our website.

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 APPLYING FOR
3 CERTIFICATION
3.1 TRECCERT EXAMINATION
TRECCERT online examinations are conducted and proctored through the Gauge and
ProctorU platforms. To ensure a secure and fair examination process, TRECCERT uses
the ProctorU Live+ feature where live proctors guide individuals through the exam process,
including exam launch, multi-factor identity verification, and environment security scans in
order to remove unpermitted materials prior to the exam.
TRECCERT is committed to providing equitable examination conditions to all examinees.
Individuals with special needs who might require exam accommodation should contact us at
[email protected] at least one (1) week prior to the exam date.

3.2 EXAM REGISTRATION PROCESS

Individuals interested to take a TRECCERT certification must meet the following
requirements:
• Be at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of application*.
• Have completed the payment for examination or otherwise been approved by
TRECCERT to apply.
• Be able to present a valid form of identification (e.g., ID, passport, driving license).
• Have checked and understood the certification requirements of the chosen credential.

*Persons under the age of 18 should contact TRECCERT in order to discuss eligibility.

3.3 EXAM REGISTRATION PROCESS

To register for a TRECCERT Exam, you are required to initially fill out the Exam Application
Form and carefully read and understand the guidelines in this Candidate Handbook, which
will be sent to you via email by the Examination Manager. Once you fill out the Exam Applica-
tion form, please email it to [email protected] to continue to the next step. Please
submit the Exam Application Form at least 72 Hours before your intended exam taking time.
For applications submitted within a shorter period, we cannot guarantee the availability of
your desired time slot.

3.4 EXAM SCHEDULING PROCESS

Upon sending the completed Exam Application Form, the Examination Manager will
dispatch your Exam Credentials to you via email. Within this email, you will find the link to the
Examination Platform – Gauge, along with your username and password. After successfully
logging in, it is requisite for you to navigate to the specific exam you intend to take.
Subsequently, click on the "Open Proctoring Portal to Manage Start Taking Authorization and
Scheduling" button to view available dates and schedule your exam.

3.5 EXAM RESCHEDULING AND CANCELLATION

After initially scheduling the exam, please contact the TRECCERT Examination Manager if you
need to cancel or reschedule the exam, preferably at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the
scheduled exam appointment. Failure to appear for the scheduled exam appointment will
result in exam cancellation. Please note that a 99.00€ fee is applicable for exam rescheduling.
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3.6 PRE-EXAM EQUIPMENT CHECK
Review the following requirements for your camera, operating system, upload/download speeds,
RAM, ports, microphones, and browsers.

Please be informed that in the event of an interruption to the internet connection, the proctor will
allow a 5-minute grace period for reconnection. Should reconnection not occur within this
stipulated time frame, the proctor will terminate the exam session.

Please make sure you have download and installation rights on the device you intend to use!

Type Minimum Recommended

Internet Connection Wi-Fi Connection Wired Connection

Internet Download Speed 1 Mbps 12 Mbps

Internet Upload Speed 1 Mbps 3 Mbps

Windows 8 (Windows 10 S Windows 10 (10 S mode is

PC Users
mode is not supported) not supported)

MacOS 10.13 (Oldest Still

Mac Users MacOS 10.15
Maintained Version)

RAM 4 GB (less than 95% RAM usage) 16 GB (less than 90% Usage)

more than 2 core CPU (less than more than 4 core CPU (less than
CPU 50% CPU Usage)
85% CPU Usage)

Connectivity Ports 1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613, UDP/TCP

1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613, UDP/TCP

Screen Resolution 1366 x 768

1920 x 1080 and above

Webcam 640x480 resolution

1280x720 resolution

Chromebook Users (Only for Chrome device is running the Chrome device is running the
Automated Proctoring. Is not latest version of Chrome OS. latest version of Chrome OS.
Supported for Live Proctoring)

Please be aware that you are only allowed to use one monitor during the exam. If you have
more than one monitor connected to your device, please disconnect them before starting the
exam session.

To check whether your equipment conforms to the ProctorU equipment requirements outlined
above, you are required to test your equipment by the following link:

https://go.proctoru.com/testitout.

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3.6 EXAM DAY

1. Log in to Your TEST.COM Account

Please refer to the exam credentials (link, username, and password) provided by TRECCERT
Examination ([email protected]) 2-3 minutes before your scheduled appointment
and click Start Session when the countdown timer reaches 0:00:00.

2. Pre-Checks
If you don’t already have the ProctorU extension, you’ll be prompted to download it. You’ll be
required to accept exam guidelines and terms of service. The browser will prompt you to
share your screen, a required part of being proctored online.

3. Photos and Authentication

You’ll take a photo of yourself as well as your I.D. for identity verification purposes.
You’ll be automatically guided through a series of equipment checks to make sure your
system meets minimum requirements.

4. Chatbox Download
You will be prompted to download and run a LogMeIn Rescue applet file that will bring up a
chat box allowing you to text with your proctor. If prompted, be sure to click “open” or “allow”
to give the file permission to run.
When the chat box says “waiting,” it means that you are in the queue waiting for your proctor.
TIP: If your status shows “waiting,” do not re-download the applet file as that will put you
back at the end of the queue.

5. Proctor Connection and Confirmations

Your proctor will greet you and confirm that you passed your identity verification steps. You’ll
review the exam rules with your proctor and they’ll ask to see any permitted resources that
your instructor has allowed you to use during your exam.

6. Remote System Check

Your proctor will ask to take remote control of your mouse and keyboard via the LogMeIn
Rescue applet in order to make sure no unpermitted programs are running.
You will be able to see everything that your proctor is doing during this step, and it is impossi-
ble for them to access any files without your knowledge.

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7. Camera Pan
Your proctor will ask you to show the 4 walls of your room as well as your desk space via your
webcam. You may be asked to show your computer monitor by using a mirror or cellphone
camera. Also, you may be asked to show to the camera any paintings or documents in the
room that appear to contain written text. Lastly, your proctor will make sure your cell phone is
out of reach.

8. Navigating the Exam

Your proctor will then direct you into your LMS or exam delivery system so that he or she can
unlock your exam.

9. Take Your Exam

Your proctor will release control of your computer and you’ll begin your exam when you’re
ready.
NOTE: Your webcam view and your screen will be recorded through the duration of your
exam.

10. Alert the Proctor When Finished BEFORE Submitting

Prior to submitting your exam, let your proctor know through the chat box that you’re
finished. They will oversee the submission process.

11. Log Out of Your Exam Site and Browser

Your proctor must observe you log out of the exam website and close out all browser tabs.
Close Out of ProctorU Chat Box This will end your session with ProctorU. Once the chat box
closes, you’ll be invited to complete a ProctorU customer satisfaction survey.

3.7 EXAM RESULTS

Exam results are given by the Examination Manager ([email protected]) via email
within 5-7 business days of exam date. Upon receiving the exam results, successful candidates
can apply for certification. Exam results are valid for one (1) year, starting from the day when
the examination was completed.

3.8 EXAM RETAKE

Candidates are entitled to exam retakes, in case of unsuccessful attempts, which can be
taken after ninety (90) days from the date of the previous examination. Fees may be
applicable for exam retakes. Please contact [email protected] to find out more.

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3.9 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
After the successful completion of the exam, candidates shall receive a blank copy of the
Certification Application Form and Experience Verification Form. Candidates are required to
provide all the required information in the Certification Application Form.

Additionally, candidates need to identify Colleagues, Managers, Supervisors, Directors or other

persons with whom they have a professional relationship that are willing to attest to their
experience and fill out the Experience Verification Form.

In order to apply for certification, the candidate needs to attach the filled and signed
Certification Application Form and Experience Verification Forms and email them to the
certification manager ([email protected]).

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 MAINTAINING
4 THE CERTIFICATE
 TRECCERT CONTINUING
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
(CPE) PROGRAM
4.1 WHAT IS CPE?
CPE stands for Continuing Professional Education. The term refers to the learning and
professional activities undertaken by individuals that want to obtain and maintain the
required knowledge, skills and abilities in a particular profession. One (1) CPE credit is
accrued per 45-60 minutes of CPE activity. In some cases, such as academic or professional
training sessions, an 'hour' might be shorter—between 45 to 55 minutes, taking into account
breaks between sessions. CPE activities that last a minimum of 45 minutes may be reported
as a full hour of activity and earn one (1) CPE credit.

4.2 THE CPE BENEFITS

The certification industry is built on various standards that are adapting to a specific
field/industry and job market needs in a continuous basis. Continuing Professional Education
(CPE) activities are important to individuals that want to be relevant to the current job
market demands. Please check the main benefits of a CPE program related to the TRECCERT
certification programs below.

BE UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST ADD VALUE TO AN ORGANIZATION

LEARNING/PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS TI THE
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

HELPS BUILDING CONFIDENCE HELPS CAREER PROGRESSION

AND TRUSTWORTHINESS IN THE AND ATTAINING HIGHER SALARIES
PROFESSION

CONTRIBUTE TO PROFESSIONAL
CAREER ADVANCEMENTS

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK 14
4.3 CPE REQUIREMENTS
To ensure and maintain competence in implementation or audit, applicants and certified
individuals of TRECCERT need to adhere to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
requirements. In order to maintain and be eligible for the renewal of TRECCERT
credentials, certified individuals must:

1. Accumulate 90 CPE credits during the three-year recertification cycle (with a

recommended minimum of 30 CPE credits per year).
2. Earn at least 30 CPE credits annually and submit the CPE Log Form to the TRECCERT
Certification Manager.
3. Ensure the annual maintenance fee (AMF) is paid upon submitting the CPE report.
4. Maintain a record of CPE activities, credits, and the corresponding evidence.

Please be aware that the CPE credits earned for each certificate are required to be related to
the subject matter area in which the candidate is certified. Please visit our website for
detailed information regarding the applicability of CPE credits for each certification program.

4.4 CPE CATEGORIES

One (1) CPE credit is accrued per 50 minutes of CPE activity. CPE credits shall be reported
prior to the end of the one-year period.
There are five categories of CPE activities which TRECCERT CPE credits can be earned:

Category 1: Professional Activity

Credits from “Category 1” are earned from completion of activities which have a substantial
professional knowledge sharing or educational contribution to the particular credential. Some
examples of activities for “Category 1” are shown below:

• Preparing and/or presenting a webinar, seminar, conference or

presentation.
• Delivering a course.
• Attending professional meetings.
• Serving as a subject-matter expert (SME) for a panel.
Category 2: Work-Based Learning
Credits from “Category 2” are earned from completion of activities which extend beyond
the job responsibilities of the individual and are related to the particular credential.
Some examples of activities for “Category 2” are shown below:
• Completing a workshop.
• Completing lab exercises.
• Performing peer-reviews.
• Completing in-house trainings.

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Category 3: Education Activity
Credits from “Category 3” are earned from completion of activities which involve individual
learning including pursuing academic studies which are related to the particular credential.
Some examples of activities for “Category 3” are shown below:
• Completion of formal university courses (in-person or online).
• Completion of structured courses designed as a self-study, instructor-led or blended, which
offer CPE hours.
• Completion of trainings, including in-house corporate trainings.
• Completing a webinar, seminar or conference.
• Passing a professional examination related to the industry.

Category 4: Exam Items Development and Review

Credits from “Category 4” are earned from completion of activities which involve the
development or review of TRECCERT exam items related to the particular credential.
Some examples of activities for “Category 4” are shown below:
• Item creation for certification exams.
• Item review of certification exams.

Category 5: Publication/Review of Articles, Research Papers or

Books
Credits from “Category 5” are earned from completion of activities which involve the
publication or review of materials related to the particular credential. All publications
must appear in a formal website address.
Some examples of activities for “Category 5” are shown below:
• Publication/review of articles.
• Publication/review of research papers.
• Publication/review of whitepapers.
• Publication/review of training materials.

TRECCERT requires from its certified individuals to use their professional judgement to
make a verifiable contribution to the development of their knowledge and skillset related
a particular credential.

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4.5 CPE REPORTING
TRECCERT certifications are valid for a period of three (3) years. The recertification period
begins on January 1st of the year following the year in which candidates are certified.

The CPE annual/triennual reporting period begins on January 1st, of the year after which the
recertification period begins.

TRECCERT representatives contact via email all certified individuals on the beginning of the
CPE reporting together with the CPE Log and Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF)/Triennual
Maintenance Fee (TMF) invoices.

4.6 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE (AMF)

Certified individuals are required to report their Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
credits in the CPE log and submit relevant evidence. Additionally, they must ensure the
payment of the Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) or Triennial Maintenance Fee (TMF) invoices,
depending on the chosen fee structure. This can be done conveniently through the
TRECCERT website.

Failure to report the CPE hours by the end of January of the third full year of certification
or pay overdue invoice(s) can result in suspension or withdrawal of the certification. Please
visit our website for applicable AMF and TMF fees as well as information on certificate
maintenance.

4.7 CPE RECORDS

TRECCERT certified individuals shall maintain a copy of the submitted CPE log form and
related evidence of the CPE credits earned during the triennual period, and shall be available
to the TRECCERT representatives based on request.

TRECCERT Certification Department will conduct an audit on submitted CPE records to

evaluate if a certified individual complies with the TRECCERT CPE requirements.

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK 17
4.8 COMPLAINTS
Both certified individuals and candidates hold the right to submit complaints regarding their
respective processes and outcomes. For certified individuals, TRECCERT advises initiating
this process by discussing concerns with the TRECCERT Certification Manager at (certifica-
[email protected]). In the event that an informal resolution proves ineffective, certified
individuals can proceed with a formal complaint by filling out the form on our website and
emailing it to [email protected].

Likewise, candidates have the prerogative to file complaints concerning exam administration
and results. TRECCERT encourages candidates to first attempt resolution through dialogue
with the TRECCERT Examination Manager at ([email protected]). If an informal
resolution is unattainable, candidates may file a formal complaint by filling out the form on
our website and emailing it to [email protected].

TRECCERT will administer complaints fairly and transparently, in accordance with applicable
requirements and will inform candidates about the results via email. If TRECCERT candidates
are not satisfied with the response to their complaint, they can also file an appeal. Please be
aware that, while the submission and administration of complaints is free of charge, there is
an associated cost for administering appeals. Please visit our website for more information
regarding our complaints and appeals process.

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK 18
5 CONTACT
US
Vahrenwalder Str. 269A, 30179 Hannover, Germany
+49 5115468440
Customer Services ([email protected])
Examination Department ([email protected])
Certification Department (certifi[email protected])
www.treccert.com
www.linkedin.com/company/treccert/
www.facebook.com/treccert/
www.instagram.com/treccert/