RTM Certification
Risk Terrain Modeling Certification
Simsi's partnership with Rutgers University makes this certificate the only authentic credential for RTM
Overview
This Rutgers University issued credential sets a basic standard of excellence for people using Risk Terrain Modeling (RTM). It identifies certificate holders as skilled spatial risk analysts and place-based problem-solvers. The certificate is free and there's no cost to apply.
Eligibility
You must have an active subscription to the RTMDx software, or be an authorized user within an organization that has an active subscription, and you must have completed an approved training program within the past two years, such as from the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ), Rutgers Center on Public Security (RCPS), International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA), or Simsi (see below for details).
Skills
Credential-holders are demonstrably skilled and knowledgeable in: setting-up and running analyses in the RTMDx software; interpreting and communicating RTM results and RTMDx outputs; producing risk narratives and other information from RTM analytics that drives actions; using insights from RTM for decision-making and activities for crime prevention and public safety programming; the origin and history of RTM, and have a basic awareness of the scientific research and evidence base for RTM; common professional use-cases and current best-practices for RTM, risk-based policing, data-informed community engagement, and other fields of professional practice where RTM offers value.
Review Criteria
Applicants for certification must demonstrate a more-than-basic level of proficiency in Risk Terrain Modeling methods and practical applications of RTM. This is achieved by (1) submitting an “industry standard” product demonstrating your application of RTM to a topic of interest and (2) appropriately answering 3 questions relating to the content and recommended readings of the approved training programs. Certificates are awarded to people who pass both parts of the certification process.
Approved Training Programs:
- Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) or other educational institutions with formal access to RTMDx software: undergraduate or graduate credits earned from one of the following semester-length courses: “Reducing Local Crime”, “Risk-Based Policing”, or “Risk Terrain Modeling”. (Courses offered at other colleges/universities with similar content may be acceptable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis upon request.)
- Rutgers Center on Public Security (RCPS): RTM Training Online
- International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA): Reducing Local Crime with Risk Terrain Modeling
- Simsi: Training Workshops or successful completion of live professional development training sessions with authorized instructors.
Conditions
Certification is valid for 3 years. To keep an active RTM Certification in good standing, you must 1) use RTM to produce at least one industry standard product for professional purposes within the past two years during your certification term, 2) participate in a documented form of professional development or continuing education in RTM within the past two years (e.g., in-person or online webinar, workshop, course, conference, or similar training session/event), 3) be knowledgeable of current best practices with RTM, and 4) have authorized access to an active subscription of the RTMDx software at time of renewal. Renewal requires evidence of these criteria.
Application Form
New or renewal applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed by a committee. Expect to hear from them by email within three (3) weeks. If you have questions before applying, please email instructors@simsi.com