Certified Secure Destruction Specialist
CSDS Professional Credentials
The Certified Secure Destruction Specialist® (CSDS®) accreditation is awarded to information governance professionals who have demonstrated a high degree of expertise in data destruction operations, regulatory compliance, information security, and risk management. They achieve this through study and the passing of an intensive exam intended to ensure their in-depth knowledge on these topics, and by keeping up-to-date on these subject matters by earning mandatory Continuous Education Units (CEU). CEU are earned by attending relevant events and webinars, reading articles and blogs, and presenting on related topics.
By working with an accredited CSDS, clients are assured their representative has the complete knowledge of their responsibilities and the resources to create compliant destruction policies, advise them on contractual and indemnification issues, and provide them with the required regulatory employee training. Also, because the maintenance of CSDS credentials requires ongoing education, clients working with a CSDS professional know they are staying abreast of the latest regulatory requirements and industry advancements
Why Work with a Certified Destruction Specialist
Choosing a data destruction provider isn’t just about price—it’s about protecting your organization. Regulations require businesses to perform due diligence when selecting vendors, ensuring they have the proper processes and security protocols in place to safeguard sensitive information.
That means looking beyond cost to credentials, compliance, and proven expertise. i-SIGMA supports this with resources and standards like NAID AAA Certification®, helping you identify providers that meet rigorous industry requirements.
Working with a Certified Secure Destruction Specialist® (CSDS®) adds another layer of confidence. These professionals are trained in regulations and best practices, maintain ongoing education, and bring the expertise needed to help you reduce risk, stay compliant, and make informed decisions for your business.
Become a CSDS
The Information Disposition textbook is the primary study guide for the CSDS Exam. It is the first comprehensive digest covering the wide range of issues related to protecting information at its most vulnerable point – the end of its life cycle. Information Disposition: A Practical Guide to the Secure, Compliant Disposal of Records, Media and IT Assets contains everything one needs to know, including policies and templates, to create a state-of-the-art, compliant and secure information destruction program.
Series of 10 Webinars
Watch the recorded webinar series in which the exam material is fully covered as it relates to the textbook. Cost: $99 (Credited Toward Exam Fee)
The CSDS® exam is offered annually ahead of the association conference, or any time of year by either traveling to i-SIGMA headquarters in Phoenix, AZ or by coordinating with i-SIGMA to have it proctored by a nearby CSDS colleague.
CSDS Exam Fees
- Member Rate w/ webinar credit: $189.00
- Member Rate w/o webinar credit: $288.00
- Non-Member Rate w/ webinar credit: $289.00
- Non-Member Rate w/o webinar credit: $388.00
In order to preserve the designation, a CSDS must achieve 20 CSDS Continuing Education Units (CEU) annually (deadline of June 30). CSDS will be notified when we enter the new annual cycle, all CEU reset to zero, and CSDSs need to begin accrual once again.
CSDS may earn CEU by attending i-SIGMA events, contributing articles for an i-SIGMA publication, participating in a committee, watching webinars, reading industry articles, and more.
Maintain Your CSDS® Accreditation
The CSDS® Accreditation Program ensures professionals stay current, credible, and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. To maintain your designation, CSDS professionals must earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually, reinforcing ongoing expertise in regulations and best practices.
Earning CEUs is simple through everyday industry engagement—reading i-SIGMA publications, attending webinars and events, or accessing resources in the member portal. Each year, CEUs reset, giving you a fresh opportunity to continue building your knowledge and professional value.
Additional resources, including the CSDS Handbook and training modules, are available to support you every step of the way.
CSDS professionals
CSDS Handbook
CSDS Speakers Bureau Registration Form
Take Your Data Destruction Career Further
CSDS FAQs
The CSDS accreditation is awarded to professionals who demonstrate expertise in data destruction operations, regulatory compliance, information security, and risk management. It involves passing an intensive exam and maintaining knowledge through Continuous Education Units (CEUs).
Working with a CSDS professional ensures that your representative has comprehensive knowledge of secure destruction policies, regulatory compliance, and employee training. They also stay updated on the latest industry advancements and regulatory requirements.
To become a CSDS, you need to study the relevant materials, pass the CSDS exam, and commit to ongoing education through CEUs. Visit the “Become a CSDS” section for more details.
CEUs are earned by attending events, webinars, reading industry articles, and presenting on related topics. They ensure that CSDS professionals stay informed about the latest developments in the field.
You can find a directory of accredited CSDS professionals on the i-SIGMA website under the “Find CSDS Professionals” section.
CSDS® CEU & Renewal Frequently Asked Questions
To maintain your Certified Secure Destruction Specialist® (CSDS®) designation, you must:
- Earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during your certification year.
- Submit your renewal application by June 30.
- Remain in good standing with i-SIGMA.
Log into the i-SIGMA Member Portal and navigate to the CSDS section. Select Log an Activity to enter eligible activities and upload any supporting documentation if required.
A step-by-step video tutorial is available in the CSDS section of the Member Portal. The tutorial walks through how to log activities, upload documentation, and submit your renewal application.
If you cannot locate the tutorial, please contact the CSDS Team at [email protected].
CEUs may only be claimed for activities completed during your current certification cycle while you held an active CSDS® designation.
If you attended Shred School before taking the exam, those activities generally would not qualify for CEU credit. If you have took your exam at the qualifying event, you may submit the event for qualifying CEU. If you have a unique situation, please contact the CSDS Team for review.
Yes.
Committee participation is an eligible CEU activity. Not every committee bears the same weight. Please see the CSDS Handbook for Credit validation.
Current Committee Members
If you recently joined a committee and have actively participated during the current certification cycle, you may claim eligible CEUs for your service.
Past Committee Members
If your committee service concluded before your current certification cycle began, it would not be eligible for CEU credit during the current renewal period.
When in doubt, contact the CSDS Council for guidance.
As a general guideline:
Article / Podcast
Select this category when:
- You read or listened to a qualified article or podcast and wrote a synoposis for the piece on your application.
- Qualifying pieces published by i-SIGMA will include a 2 CEU CSDS logo.
Published Work
Select this category for an authored work such as:
- Books
- Articles
- White papers
- Research reports
- Major industry publications
*Both Authored and Reviewed items must be educational as it complies with the CSDS Guidelines. For questtions please reach out to [email protected]
Yes.
i-SIGMA webinars are one of the easiest ways to earn CEUs. Both live attendance and qualifying on-demand webinars may be eligible when accompanied by any required documentation or summaries.
Attendance at i-SIGMA events such as:
- Annual Conference & Expo
- Shred School
- International Summit
- Approved educational programs
may qualify for CEU credit.
Don’t panic—there is still time.
Many CSDS® holders earn a significant portion of their credits during the final weeks before renewal.
Consider:
- Watching eligible on-demand webinars.
- Attending upcoming live webinars. i-SIGMA webinars will be designated with the 2 CEU image
- Participating in committee activities.
- Completing educational write-ups for approved webinar recordings.
- Logging activities you may have completed but not yet entered into the portal.
Before assuming you are short on credits, review your activity history and make sure all eligible activities have been logged.
Some of the fastest options include:
- Viewing recorded i-SIGMA webinars and completing required write-ups.
- Participating in upcoming educational sessions.
- Logging qualifying committee participation.
- Submitting previously completed professional development activities in the calendar year that have not yet been entered.
Visit the Education section of the Member Portal for available opportunities.
The CSDS Council and i-SIGMA staff can manually review supporting documentation and verify eligible credits as needed. If additional information is required, the team will contact you directly.
For assistance with CEUs, renewals, or eligibility questions, contact:
The CSDS Council is happy to help ensure you maintain your CSDS® designation successfully.
