Alliance Activities : LEAP : CSCIP/Government Training Modules

CSCIP/G Training Modules

The Smart Card Alliance has developed eight training modules covering the body of knowledge for CSCIP/G applicants to use to prepare for the CSCIP/G certification exam. Seven modules are common with the CSCIP certification, with one focused module on the U.S. governments FIPS 201 and identity management initiatives.

These educational modules prepare applicants for the multi-part CSCIP/G exam administered by the Smart Card Alliance. CSCIP/G certification requires demonstrated proficiency in smart card technology fundamentals, security and application/data management, identity usage models, and FIPS 201, PIV card and Federal identity management initiatives. Applicants must receive a passing grade on all parts of the exam to receive the CSCIP certification.

Important note: The CSCIP/G training modules are only available to LEAP members who have applied and paid for CSCIP/G certification. The modules are for CSCIP/G applicants ONLY for use in preparing for the CSCIP/G exam. These documents may be downloaded and printed by the CSCIP/G applicant. Further reproduction or distribution of these modules in any form is forbidden.

  • Module 1: Smart Card Fundamentals. This module covers the following topics: smart card market and applications; integrated circuit types; form factors; communications interfaces; memory sizes and types; operating systems; manufacturing process; smart card readers; relevant standards and specifications.

  • Module 2: Security. This module covers the following topics: industry certifications and evaluations; integrated circuit level security; card edge interface security; security implications of contact and contactless interfaces; cryptography and PKI; security at the system level.

  • Module 3: Smart Card Application and Data Management. This module covers the following topics: single and multi-application smart cards; chip initialization; key management; issuance; card life cycle management; relevant standards and specifications.

  • Module 4: Smart Card Usage Models–Mobile and NFC. This module covers the following topics: smart card drivers and benefits; mobile telecommunications; UICCs; Near Field Communication (NFC) technology; sample smart card mobile and subscriber models; relevant standards and specifications.

  • Module 5: Smart Card Usage Models–Identity and Security. This module covers the following topics: smart card drivers and benefits for identity and security applications; identity cards and tokens; ePassports; physical access; logical access; smart cards and biometrics; mobile devices and identity; identity and security application examples; privacy; relevant standards and specifications.

  • Module 6/G: FIPS 201, the PIV Card and Federal Identity Management. This module covers the following topics: FIPS 201, the PIV card physical and logical characteristics; PIV card issuance and lifecycle; FIPS 201 and biometrics; PIV card physical and logical access use cases; Federally-defined identity levels of assurance and authentication mechanisms; Federal public key infrastructure; Federal identity, credential and access management guidelines; key standards and policy guidance.

  • Module 7: Other Topics–Technology Comparison and Implementation Considerations. This module covers the following topics: RF-enabled contactless smart cards vs. RFID; smart cards vs. other card technologies; project management considerations for smart card system implementations.

  • Module 8: Smart Card Technology and Application Glossary. This module includes a glossary to define commonly used terms related to smart card technology and applications.

  • Module 9: Bibliography. This module is a bibliography of resources for applicants preparing for the CSCIP certification exam.