Lodging Professional Certification Program

Certified Lodging Security Director (CLSD)

Download CLSD Application

Today's most effective lodging security executives and top hospitality security personnel must have a keen ability to plan operationally with a broad understanding of hospitality legal systems, policies and procedures. They must practice due diligence with the growing need for safety in a hospitality operation, improve their knowledge and share their experience with others. Once certified, you've demonstrated due diligence in making your property a secure place to stay. Not only have you protected your business and your reputation, you've gained the respect of your peers.

The Certified Lodging Security Director (CLSD) designation provides recognition for these skills. Recognized worldwide, the CLSD designation is the premier symbol of professional achievement for lodging security directors and executives. It's an honor awarded to professionals whose leadership and managerial abilities are exemplary--professionals who, by combining education and experience with dedication to the industry, have achieved a high level of expertise.

The CLSD designation may be used on letterhead, business cards, and other writings. The CLSD lapel pin and wall plaques are the visible symbols of the holder's status and achievement.

Once certified, designees are automatically enrolled in the CLSD Recertification Program, which recognizes and rewards continuing efforts toward hospitality career growth.

A portfolio to help track professional-development activities is provided. Every five years, the Certification Commission will recertify those who qualify based on their accomplishments. A new lapel pin (reflecting the number of years certified) and certificate are awarded at the time of each recertification.

Qualifications for CLSD Certification

Because individual backgrounds vary widely in the hospitality industry, applicants may pursue the CLSD designation through one of three options: Plan A emphasizes an education background; Plan B emphasizes industry experience; and Plan C emphasizes early entry. All plans require documented evidence of managerial experience and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Plan A Eligibility -- Education Emphasis

• At least a 2-year criminal justice or security related degree from an accredited institution.
• and
• Current employment as a security director at the property level or corporate executive* (see below) in a lodging hospitality company, with at least two years of full-time experience in one or more such positions.

Plan B Eligibility -- Experience Emphasis

Current employment as a security director at the property level or corporate executive* (see below) in a lodging hospitality company, with at least three years of full time experience in one or more such positions.

Plan C Eligibility -- Early Entry

Plan C requires a candidate to hold a qualifying position at the time of application. Plan C does not have an education requirement, but a degree will reduce the length of time you are required to spend in a qualifying position.

Through Plan C you can begin working on your CLSD designation and demonstrating your commitment to professional development the first day on the job. Plan C enables you to take the CLSD certification test up to three times so you can gauge your progress and knowledge against an industry proven standard. You no longer need to wait to see if you meet the benchmark of industry quality. You can prove it, and pursue a strong professional development regimen. This plan will allow individuals who are in qualifying positions to pursue their certification even if they are lacking in experience.

A Plan C candidate who is in a qualifying position:

• May sit for the examination BEFORE meeting the experience requirement.
• May take the examination up to 3 times.
• May sit for the examination while in the process of completing a criminal justice/security-related degree.
• Will be required to submit documentation of employment at the time the experience requirement is met.

*A corporate executive is defined as an individual, employed by a firm responsible for the operation of three or more properties, who serves as a regional or corporate director of security, or has ultimate corporate responsibility for security and/or risk management issues.

How to Apply for CLSD Certification

1. Print, complete and return the application form by mail or fax, along with all supporting documentation and the application/examination fee. You must have Adobe Acrobat to view this application form. Click Adobe Acrobat to download program.
2. Ask your supervisor to complete and return the CLSD Recommendation/Employment Verification Form that comes with the application. Within three weeks, the Educational Institute will review the application and send notification of acceptance.
3. Successfully complete the CLSD comprehensive exam through a group certification-review class or through an approved proctor. (Consult the calendar for information on review classes and examination sessions.)

Streamlining Exam Preparation Time

A number of resources are available to help prepare for the CLSD comprehensive examination:

CLSD Study Guide

This guide offers a thorough overview of the CLSD exam material, along with practice questions. Highlights include: Lodging Security Overviews, Legal System, Security Planning, Operational Policies and Procedures, Locks and Keys, Investigating and Reporting, Managing Security Department Human Resources & Crisis Management and Emergency Response Procedures. See Section 3 of the application for ordering information or call (407) 999-8100.

CLSD Review Classes and Exam Sessions

(Coming Soon)

Participate in an informally led review workshop, then take the CLSD exam. See the calendar for review class and exam sessions scheduling.

All Review classes and examination sessions are open to individuals enrolled in the CLSD program unless otherwise stated. Individuals who are enrolled in other certification programs are welcomed to take their examination at any of the public sessions listed. Upon registering for a review class and examination session, a letter of confirmation will be sent to you providing you with more details on the particular program. A typical review class seminar begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at noon. After a break for lunch, the comprehensive examination will be proctored.

For additional information, contact the Institute by calling (888) 575-8726.

All review classes and examination sessions are subject to change without notice. Some programs require a nominal registration fee payable to the sponsoring organization. Please refer to this web site for up-to-date listings of review classes and examination sessions.

Certified Lodging Security Directors (CLSD)

Mr. Laurence Bergin, CLSD	Coronado Island Marriott Resort
Mr. John Blomstrand, CLSD	Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort
Mr. Kenneth Fleeger, CLSD	Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
Mr. Eric Hoffman, CLSD	Newport Beach Marriott Hotel
Mr. Jim Lennon, CLSD	La Jolla Marriott
Mr. William Marweg, CLSD	Hilton San Francisco
Mr. Daniel Marweg, CLSD	Hilton Anaheim
Mr. Glen Taylor, CLSD	Marina Beach Marriott Hotel
Mr. Graham-Letch Taylor, CLSD	Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Mr. Shahram Ariane, CLSD	Le Meridien at Beverly Hills
Mr. Jesse Bowman, CLSD	JW Marriott's Desert Springs Resort
Mr. Craig Cox, CLSD	Omni Los Angeles Hotel
Mr. Lance Ruiz, CLSD	Doubletree Hotel San Diego Mission