Certification Exam: Covert Entry Associate

The Red Team Alliance Covert Entry Associate certification is the first tier of achievement within the Red Team Certification Group.  The certification is administered in two parts:

* Knowledge Test  (administered by means of an web-based testing portal)
* Practical Skills Test  (administered as a series of hands-on challenges)

The knowledge portion of the exam is multiple-choice and driven by an established third-party software vendor in the standardized testing industry.  Each student's exam will vary slightly, consisting of 75 questions that are drawn from larger question pools.  This prevents any one candidate from gaming the system by repeated exam attempts or by means of collusion with other candidates.  All knowledge exam attempts are logged and all attempted answers, whether correct or incorrect, are recorded for later review and audit if necessary.  An instructional video showing the practical hands-on exam process and what you can expect is available to view here.  If you have additional questions concerning the Covert Entry Associate exam process, please feel free to email certification@redteamalliance.com for more details.

The knowledge test costs $250 and the practical skills portion of the exam costs $450.  Successful completion of the knowledge exam is required prior to attempting the practical skills module.  Re-tests are possible of either of these two exam sections with an additional fee and possible waiting period depending on circumstances.   Once achieved, a Covert Entry Associate certification is valid for a period of three years from date of issue.  Recertification may be pursued by means of a re-attempt of the Knowledge exam at the cert holder's convenience.

Candidates who have experience with the tools and tactics surrounding Covert Entry should be well-equipped for just about everything on the exams, which cover mostly mechanical locks but also touch on the electronic elements and other related materials.  Participation in any specific training classes are not mandatory, and many who work in this industry find it possible to attempt the certification based on their experience and work history.

Those who wish to attempt this certification process in the absence of having enrolled in any RTA training courses (courses which, while germane to the topics at hand, are not required for the completion of the certification) would do well to review the following resources that are available to the general public...

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj2iSdBw4-0
  

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHf1vD5_b5I
  

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvbNQnZlPJg
  

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQTWe75GjVw
  

• https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Lock-Picking-Physical-Penetration/dp/1597499897
  

• https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Kingdom-Impressioning-Privilege-Escalation/dp/1597499838
  

• https://www.redteamtools.com/learn-about-lockpicking-kit

Professional technical training for Access Control and Locksmithing generally provide an excellent foundation of preparation for the certification. Furthermore, applicants who have sufficient professional experience are often qualified to pass the exam.

1. Purpose

• This policy outlines the procedures for submitting, acknowledging, reviewing, and tracking appeals and complaints related to all credentialing activities. It ensures transparency and accountability in handling both administrative complaints and complaints against certified persons.

2. Scope

• This policy applies to all credentialing activities conducted by Red Team Alliance.

3. Appeals Process

• Accessibility: The appeals process is publicly accessible on the RTA’s website at the following link: Certification Exam: Covert Entry Associate.
• Submission: Appeals must be submitted in writing by emailing certification@redteamalliance.com
• Acknowledgment: Appeals will be acknowledged within five business days of receipt.
• Review: Appeals will be reviewed by an independent panel within 30 days.
• Tracking: All appeals will be tracked in a secure database.
• Outcome Communication: The outcome of the appeal will be communicated to the appellant within 45 days of submission via email.

4. Complaints Process

• Accessibility: The complaints process is publicly accessible on the RTA’s website at the following link: Certification Exam: Covert Entry Associate.
• Submission: Complaints must be submitted in writing by emailing certification@redteamalliance.com
• Acknowledgment: Complaints will be acknowledged within five business days of receipt.
• Review: Complaints will be reviewed by an independent panel within 30 days.
• Tracking: All complaints will be tracked in a secure database.
• Outcome Communication: The outcome of the complaint will be communicated to the complainant within 45 days of submission via email.

5. Types of Complaints

• Administrative Complaints: Concerns related to the administrative processes of the RTA.
• Complaints Against Certified Persons: Concerns related to the conduct or performance of certified individuals.

6. Compliance with Standards

• The Red Team Alliance ensures that its credentialing processes meet the standards outlined in this policy. If any aspect of the credential does not meet these standards, the reasons will be specified, and corrective actions will be taken to address the deficiencies.