STEPP Help/FAQs

Most Common Solutions

• Configuration check
• Invalid website security certificate
• Perception error message
• Obtaining transcripts
• Printing course certificates
• "Course in progress" error
• Missing/blank content

FAQs by Topic

• Browsers/platforms
• Contact information
• Discontinued training
• Error messages
• Exams
• Logging in
• Mac users
• Password
• Prerequisites
• Reference materials
• Registration
• Seeing code
• Student guides
• Test scores
• Username
• Virtual training
• Waiting lists

FAQs by Course

• Antiterrorism Awareness
• Defensive Driving
• DoD Information Assurance Awareness
• FSO Role in the NISP
• Insider Threat
• Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS)
• OPSEC Fundamentals
• Transmission and Transportation for Industry
• Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence

Certificates

How do I view/print my certificate?

Not all learning activities have certificates of completion. To find out whether you may view and/or print a certificate for a successfully completed learning activity, follow these steps (also available in PDF ).

1. From the Learn menu, click Training Schedule.
2. Select Completed registrations or Completed activities from the View: drop down list.
3. Click the activity name you wish to view..
4. Click the diploma icon .
5. Click Print.

Please note that some courses require you to print the certificate as soon as you complete them and do not allow you to go back for copies at a later date. In cases such as this you will have to use a copy of your transcript as proof of completion.

When I try to print my certificate, I get the message "You have reached the end of the course material. Please register for the course exam." But I've already completed and passed the course exam. What should I do?

You have more than likely clicked on the course link in your completed activities rather than the exam link. Please make sure you select the exam link and try again.

Why can't I view/print my certificate?

Please allow 48-72 hours for our system to update its records with your completion of training. Once that happens you will be able to view and print a copy of your certificate.

Also, please be aware that only courses ending with .06 or .08 have printable certificates.

My training history says "incomplete" even thought I completed all of the exercises and screens for this site. What else do I need to do to complete the course and print my certificate?

Contact the Registrar's office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil.

I registered for a course and completed the training but failed the test. I took the test again and passed but I don't see the icon for my certificate under training transcript. It only has my history from my failed test. Would you update my training transcript?

If a user does not close the course properly, STEPP may not update their transcript with the completion and score. Contact the Registrar's office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for a resolution.

Can I change the profile information that is displayed on my certificate? My name is spelled incorrectly (or is printed in all caps, etc.).

Yes. Change your profile information by selecting "Change my profile" on the left of the STEPP homepage, and then reprint your certificate.

Do you accept external certificates?

No. We do not accept certificates from any other agencies.

Contact Information

If encountering a specific problem with STEPP, please contact the DoD Security Services Center.

If you are seeking a point of contact for a specific area of security and are unsure of who to contact, send a message to CDSE at CDSE@dss.mil describing the specific information you are requesting. Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for response.

If your question or concern references a specific CDSE community practice, or course content, please use the following email addresses:

• Academy questions (Internal DSS training):
• CDSE facility weather closures: 410-865-3232
• Counterintelligence:
• General CDSE questions or concerns: CDSE@dss.mil
• General Security questions:
• Industrial Security questions:
• Information Security questions:
• Information Systems Security:
• JPAS training inquiries questions:
• Physical Security questions:
• Personnel Security questions:
• Registrar/registration issues: cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil
• Special Access Program Security questions:
• SPēD questions:
• STEPP technical support: cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil
• STEPP username/password issues: DoD Security Services Center
• Comments/Concerns/Complaints

Error Messages

What do I do if, when trying to access a course/exam, the message "Access denied - Unable to proceed due to improper call of Perception" appears on my screen?

This error message most typically is related to Flash Player not loading the course properly. Please delete the cache in Internet Explorer (Tools > Internet Options > General Tab > delete browsing history). Close Internet Explorer. Reopen Internet Explorer and reinstall the latest Flash player: http://get.adobe.com/flash player/. Additionally, be sure that Internet Explorer is set to Trust our training site. You may do this in Internet Explorer by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab. Select "Trusted sites" and click the Sites button. Add the website to the zone and uncheck the box "Require Server Verification..." Press the Close button and then the OK button.

What do I do if, when trying to access STEPP, my screen says Internet Explorer cannot display the web page?

Try this work around: In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced Tab. Scroll down and select the check box next to the TLS 1.0 security setting. Close and relaunch Internet Explorer.

You may also want to try this work around: 1) Click the Start Menu 2) Choose Run down at the bottom 3) Type “cmd” and hit the OK button 4) Type ipconfig /flushdns (space between ipconfig and "/")in the black box that comes up and then hit enter. It is successful if it says "Successfully Flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

What do I do if, when opening a course, the message "Alternate Content" appears on my screen?

This message generally appears when you do not have the most recent version of either Adobe Reader or Adobe Flash. Please make sure you have downloaded and installed the most recent version of both software applications (Flash player at http://get.adobe.com/flash player/ and Adobe Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader/) and then try accessing the training again.

What do I do if I receive a prompt asking me to click to run an ActiveX control on this webpage?

STEPP requires ActiveX to be able to see content. Select the option to run ActiveX.

What do I do if I receive a warning about this website's security certificate?

Click the link to "Continue to this website..." You may also try the following:

• Install a DoD Root Certificate, which is a digital document providing the identity of a website or individuals. STEPP uses a certificate to identify itself to its users and to enable secure connections. If you are receiving a warning that this site is untrusted/insecure, you will need to install the "DoD Certificate." To download the DoD Certificates, please go to http://dodpki.c3pki.chamb.disa.mil/rootca.html. Follow the directions for downloading and installing the certificate for Root Certificate Authority (CA) posted on the site. For questions or problems installing the certificate, please contact the DISA OKC OST at 1-800-490-1643 or by email at disa-esmost@csd.disa.mil.
• Put STEPP into your Trusted Sites by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab. Select "Trusted sites" and click the Sites button. Add the website to the zone and uncheck the box "Require Server Verification..." Press the Close button and then the OK button.

What do I do if, when attempting to take an exam for a course I've already completed, I get an error message stating that I have not met the prerequisites?

Contact the Registrar's office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil.

Why can't I launch a course?

You may not be using the required browser. Check the system requirements listed in the course description/class details. You may require the following Internet Explorer (IE) setting changed: Select Tools/Internet Options, Advanced tab, under "Security" check the box "Use TLS 1.0". If you do not see the Advanced tab option, contact your information systems administrator. Confirm you have turned off Pop-up Blocker in your browser. Directions for Internet Explorer: Select Tools/Pop-up Blocker/Turn off Pop-up Blocker.

Why isn't the website displayed/working correctly?

Some users are experiencing problems with connecting to websites using Internet Explorer 8. To correct this problem please use the following instructions to enable the view compatibility function for IE8.

1. Start Internet Explorer 8.
2. On the "Tools" menu, click "Compatibility View Settings".
3. Click to select the "Display all websites in Compatibility View".
check box, and then click "Close".
4. Visit several websites that were not displayed correctly or that were not working to see whether the problem is now resolved.

If this method worked, and all websites are now displayed correctly and work correctly, you are finished. If this method did not work, and some or all of the websites are still not displayed correctly or are not working, you are experiencing a different problem.

What do I do if I get "kicked" out of Internet Explorer or if I get a popup window with a little red x in it?

Make sure you have Sun's Java Virtual Machine installed on your local machine and that it is the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) and not the J2SE Development Kit (JDK). You can check this by opening a command prompt (go to your Start menu, select Run, type cmd into the input box and click OK) and enter the following command into the interface:

java -version

Press Enter. The output should look like:

java version "1.5.0_03"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_02-b09)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_02-b09, mixed mode)

You may then close the command prompt. The JVM version necessary to view virtual machines must be 1.5.0 or higher. If you receive an error, or if it is a different "environment," then you may need to install or reinstall Sun's Java: http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.

Exams

When I submit the answers to my exam, the submission process seems to freeze or stop working. What should I do?

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with the exams, specifically submittal of the exams. After you click submit (once), allow up to one hour for processing. Please do not click the submit button multiple times and do not close or "X" out of the exam screen. You must keep the exam screen open until a score or an error message is displayed. Contact the Registrar's Office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for further assistance. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Why doesn't the exam show me the answers to the questions I got wrong?

Whether the answers are shown depends on the course/curriculum. Contact the Registrar's office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for information pertaining to a particular course.

Can I stop in the middle of an online exam and return later to finish it? If so, will it keep my answers for me?

No. Once you have started an exam, the selected answers cannot be saved and completed later. If you need to stop, you can either complete and submit the exam or close the browser, lose the input and start again at another time.

Why do I not see a score for the online exam I just took?

Currently, we are experiencing technical difficulties with the online exams, specifically submittal of the exams. After you click submit (once), allow up to one hour for processing. Please do not click the submit button multiple times and do not close or "X" out of the exam screen. You must keep the exam screen open until a score or an error message is displayed. Contact the Registrar's Office at at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for further assistance.

I have completed a course and am trying to launch the exam but I keep getting an error message that I have not met the prerequisites. Can you give me credit for the course so I may register for and take the exam?

Contact the Registrar's office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil.

I opened an online final exam and forgot to print reference material. What should I do?

If the online exam includes print capability, print the exam. When you have it in your hand, go back to the Course Web Page (where you first started the exam), and print off Step 2 (Exam Reference Materials). Open the exam area again and, using the printed exam, remark your answers, finish the test and submit. Once an exam is started, you cannot refresh the screen or bookmark it to finish later.

What should I do if I took an exam and passed but the system does not show that I passed?

Contact the Registrar at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for assistance.

I have exceeded the number of times allowed to take the test for a particular course. I retook the course again but the system will not allow me to reregister for the test.

Exams are setup to allow a maximum of three attempts. If you receive the following message: "Registration blocked", you must contact the Registrar's Office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for assistance.

Why can't I register for a particular exam?

There are several reasons you may be unable to register for an exam. For example,

• If you cancel an exam registration, you cannot re-register yourself for the same exam.
• If you attempt and fail an exam three times, you cannot register yourself for the same exam again.

Contact the Registrar's Office at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for assistance with exam registration.

Logging In

What do I do if my STEPP account is disabled and needs to be reset?

Contact Customer Support at 1-888-282-7682 or .

What if I changed my password but can't login with it?

Your account may need to be reset. Contact the Customer Call Center at 1-888-282-7682 or .

What do I do if, when trying to access STEPP, the screen says Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage?

In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced Tab. Scroll down and select the check box next to the TLS 1.0 security setting. Close and relaunch Internet Explorer.

Why can't I get past the STEPP login screen once I've entered my login and password?

This usually means the browser cookies in your computer are not enabled. Browser cookies must be enabled on to use STEPP. To enable browser cookies in Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options/Privacy tab/Setting - Set to medium or lower.

How do I find my student profile information?

Once you log into STEPP, select "Profile" from the top right of the homepage.

Locked/Blocked

What do I do if a "Registration blocked" message appears or if I am locked out of registering for an exam?

There are several reasons you may be getting this message.

• You may not have completed a prerequisite that is required for the course or exam for which you are attempting to register.
• Users are allowed 3 attempts to complete an exam within STEPP. If you receive the message "Registration Blocked," when trying to re-register for an exam, you must contact the Registrar's Office at (410) 865-3495 or cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil and they will re-register you for the online exam.
• Finally, when exiting a course, click the "Exit" or "Close" or "X" that is inside the window to end the course. DO NOT use the RED BOX "X" in the upper-right hand corner. Exiting courses improperly will cause an "In progress" status which may prevent you from registering from the course exam.

Missing/Blank Content

What do I do if a page/screen within a course appears blank?

We are currently working to address this issue. For now, navigate to the next page/screen of the course. For courses with completion requirements that you view every page, you may notify us to finalize your transcript.

When do I do if, when trying to access the STEPP website, my screen says Internet Explorer cannot display the web page?

In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced Tab. Scroll down and select the check box next to the TLS 1.0 security setting. Close and relaunch Internet Explorer.

What do I do if, when trying to launch a PDF test, the message "Page cannot be displayed" appears on my screen?

Try this work around: 1) Click the Start Menu 2) Choose Run down at the bottom 3) Type “cmd” and hit the OK button 4) in the black box that come up type ipconfig /flushdns (space between ipconfig and "/") and then hit enter. It is successful if it says "Successfully Flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

Prerequisites

How do I know if there are any prerequisites for my scheduled class?

Look under Prerequisites in the course description or class details.

What should I do if I completed the prerequisite(s) for a course but STEPP does not show my completion/certificate?

When completing online prerequisites, please allow 48-72 hours for our system to update its records. Should you require this information to be shown sooner, please fax your completion of training certificate to the Registrar's Office at (410) 865-2719 (Registrar's Office). Once we receive the certificate, we will override the system to accept the certificate.

Do I have to complete prerequisites before registering for an instructor-led class?

Yes. You must complete all required prerequisites prior to registering for that instructor-led class.

Reference Materials

I opened an online final exam and forgot to print reference material. What should I do?

If the online exam includes print capability, print the exam. When you have it in your hand, go back to the Course Web Page (where you first started the exam), and print off Step 2 (Exam Reference Materials). Open the exam area again and, using the printed exam, remark your answers, finish the test and submit. Once an exam is started, you cannot refresh the screen or bookmark it to finish later.

How do I find a point of contact for a specific area of security?

Send a message to CDSE at CDSE@dss.mil describing the specific information you are requesting. Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for response.

Registration

How do I register for a class from STEPP?

1. From the STEPP Homepage click a category, then subcategory of interest.
2. From the Category Listings, click the register button.
3. Select the appropriate activity (if not already selected), and click the Submit button.

Note: If a Warning Icon appears during the registration process, click on the icon to view the details. The learning activity may require approval or the completion of prerequisites.

How do I cancel a registration?

1. Select Learn/Training Schedule.
2. Select the check box next to the learning activity you wish to cancel.
3. Click Go next to Cancel registration in the Task box.
4. Select the Cancel Marked button from the Cancellation Confirmation screen.

Why am I not able to view or register any courses?

If you have just created a new STEPP account you will not be able to view the course listing until approximately one hour after the account has been created. Please log back into STEPP approximately one hour later.

What do I do if a "Registration blocked" message appears?

You may not have completed a particular prerequisite that is required to be completed prior to registration. Also, STEPP users are allowed (3) attempts for completing any online exam within STEPP. If you receive the message "Registration Blocked," when trying to re-register for any online exam, you must re-register for the course material and successfully complete. Once you have done this, you must contact the Registrar's Office at (410) 865-3495 or cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil and they will re-register you for the online exam.

When I register for a course, why does the button says "Purchase" instead of "Register"?

There are no fees associated with STEPP. Depending on what version of Internet Explorer you're using, the "Register" button may read "Purchase", but it does the same thing as the "Register" button.

Can I register others for class?

No.

What does it mean when the class is scheduled, but I get an email notification stating it is CLOSED?

The class is full and so many students are on the waiting list that the approver has decided to close it to prevent additional registration attempts.

My registration request has not been approved, or was disapproved, why?

Read the course/class description carefully. You may not represent the target audience for the course or the class may be full. If that is not the case, send a message requesting information about your registration to CDSE at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil. Include your full name, the course title and date of the class in your message.

I did not get notification of my upcoming training. Why?

Notifications are automatically sent to the email address recorded in your STEPP profile. Check that your address is correct and keep it updated.

I registered for a class and requested the CD, but never received the CD, what should I do?

Send a message to CDSE at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil. State that you did not receive your CD, identify the course you registered for, include the date you registered for this course, and provide your mailing address.

How do I view the class offerings (dates) for the instructor-led courses I am interested in?

Click the Register button located next to the Course name, this will display the class offerings; you are not committed to the registration until you select the offering and then hit the Submit button.

Security Certificates

What do I do if I receive a warning about this website's security certificate?

Click the link to "Continue to this website..."

If you are receiving a warning that this site is untrusted/insecure, you will need to install the "DoD Certificate." STEPP uses a certificate to identify itself to its users and to enable secure connections. To download the DoD Certificate, please go to https://www.dodpke.com/installroot/ or http://dodpki.c3pki.chamb.disa.mil/rootca.html. Then follow the steps below for installing it to your computer. For questions or problems with this, please contact the DISA OKC OST at 1-800-490-1643 or by email at disa-esmost@csd.disa.mil.

1. Download and save the root certificate to your computer at a place where you will easily find it.
2. Open Internet Explorer.
3. Open Tools.
4. Open Internet Options.
5. Open Content.
6. Open Certificates.
7. Click on the "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" tab and search for DoD Root CA 2 certificate.
8. If it is not found, click Import.
9. Click Next.
10. Browse to find the certificate you downloaded. To find it, you will need to change the "file type" to PLCS #7 certificates or All Files.
11. Click Open and Next.
12. Choose the default "Place all certificates in the following store" and click Next.
13. Click Finish.
14. Click "YES" several times before it displays that the import is successful.
15. Click Close and OK.
16. Close the browser. Then return to STEPP.

You may also put STEPP into your Trusted Sites by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab. Select "Trusted sites" and click the Sites button. Add the website to the zone and uncheck the box "Require Server Verification..." Press the Close button and then the OK button.

Seeing Code

What should I do if I see code within an online course, instead of the course?

From the Tools Menu in Internet Explorer, select Internet Options > Security Tab > Select "Internet" security zone and then the Custom level button. Scroll down the list of settings until you see "Open files based on content, not file extension." Click the Enable radio button. Click OK to close the settings window. Click OK to apply the security settings. This will close the Internet Options window and save the security settings.

Close all Internet Explorer windows and access STEPP again.

If you still have difficulties, add https://stepp.dss.mil to your Trusted Sites by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab. Select "Trusted sites" and click the Sites button. Add the website to the zone and uncheck the box "Require Server Verification..." Also, allow for files to "open based on file content, not extension."

Test Scores

What do I do if I took an exam and passed but the system does not show that I passed?

Contact the Registrar at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil for assistance.

Why doesn't my % score(s) appear on my transcript?

At the end of the test you should have seen your % score. Your transcript for any course taken will only show a pass or fail grade. The % figures are maintained on another system in case we have to investigate a student's record. We are not able to post % scores onto your records. The same is true for the study hours taken to complete the course. We are only given the date and time you completed the course. Not total time from start to finish.

Transcripts

How do I get a copy of my transcript?

To view your training transcript:

1. From the Learn menu, select Learning Activity Reports and click Training Transcript.
2. [Optional] Select a Date range.
3. [Optional] Click the Export to PDF button on the right side of the page.

I have completed a course that has American Council on Education (ACE) CREDIT recommendations. How do I obtain a transcript that reflects the CREDIT recommendations?

For the benefit of our students, CDSE participates in the American Council on Education's (ACE) Transcript Service. The ACE Transcript Service offers a lifelong record for students who have successfully completed our courses that have been reviewed by ACE CREDIT. This service enables adult learners to present a nationally recognized transcript to the college or university of their choice for the potential award of academic credit. For more information, visit the ACE CREDIT Transcript Service website at http://www.acenet.edu/credit/transcripts.

Why doesn't my % score(s) appear on my transcript?

At the end of the test you should have seen your % score. Your transcript for any course taken will only show a pass or fail grade. The % figures are maintained on another system in case we have to investigate a student's record. We are not able to post % scores onto your records. The same is true for the study hours taken to complete the course. We are only given the date and time you completed the course. Not total time from start to finish.

What do I do if I took an exam and passed but the system does not show that I passed?

Contact the Registrar at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil.

I have completed all of the courses for a curriculum, but it is still showing a status of "in progress." What should I do?

Please contact the Registrar at cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil.

Virtual Training

How do I use the virtual environment?

Click here to find out how.

Why doesn't STEPP recognize the course I took as complete?

If you have completed a virtual course and the STEPP system is not recognizing the completion on your transcript, launch the course again, verify the lessons have been marked complete and close the course appropriately.

What do I do if I get "kicked" out of Internet Explorer or if I get a popup window with a little red x in it?

Make sure you have Sun's Java Virtual Machine installed on your local machine and that it is the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) and not the J2SE Development Kit (JDK). You can check this by opening a command prompt (go to your Start menu, select Run, type cmd into the input box and click OK) and enter the following command into the interface:

java -version

Press Enter. The output should look like:

java version "1.5.0_03"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_02-b09)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_02-b09, mixed mode)

You may then close the command prompt. The JVM version necessary to view virtual machines must be 1.5.0 or higher. If you receive an error, or if it is a different "environment," then you may need to install or reinstall Sun's Java: http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.

What do I do if I get a "Rebooting virtual. Please wait" screen that never goes any further?

This is generally a sign that port 8080 is being blocked at some point in your network. Check with your firewall or system administrator to verify that port 8080 is open (for both incoming and outgoing traffic) and that it is not being forwarded to another computer.  Some anti-virus and anti-spyware software are bundled with firewalls, the software may be blocking port 8080 on your computer.

You might want to try accessing the site from another computer on the same network to see if it is limited to your computer or is a problem with your local network. If you have confirmed that port 8080 is open and the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on your machine and you are still having problems, running a traceroute is the next best thing. If the route stops before 207.132.242.20, then the issue still resides on your network.

Why does the Virtual Machine need access on port 8080?

Our system utilizes a VNC client variation that allows a user to connect to their virtual hosts during training. Typically, VNC runs on port 5900, which is blocked by most DoD firewalls. Instead, we use port 8080, which allows most DoD users to connect to our system.

If a firewall is configured to block outbound port 8080 traffic, users will not be able to connect to their virtual machines. However, this port 8080 traffic only goes to our training servers though our firewall located at 207.132.242.20. To test if you can access the virtual server, go to https://207.132.242.20.

If system administrators choose to limit the port 8080 traffic, we suggest they isolate port 8080 traffic to that IP to ensure that their users can still use our system.

To test your system for port 8080 access, please perform the following steps:

• Click on Start.
• Choose Run.
• Type cmd in the space provided and click the "OK" button.
• At the command prompt type the following command: telnet 207.132.242.20 8080
• Hit enter.
• If this results in a refused connection or can't establish connection then port 8080 is not allowing traffic.
• If the screen goes blank, this means that a connection has been established.
• To exit the blank screen, type ctrl+] then type "quit" at the command line and hit enter. Then type "exit" at the command line and hit enter.

Per the Category Assurance List (CAL) from DISA, port 8080 is an acceptable port.

What do I do if the virtual machines for the practical exercises are not loading?

Please make sure you have Java Virtual Machine installed on your local machine and that port 8080 is open; you may need to check with your firewall administrator to verify that the port is open. If you have confirmed that port 8080 is open and the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on your machine and you are still having problems, running a traceroute is the next best thing. If the route stops before 207.132.242.20, then the issue still resides on your network.

What should I do if I can't access the virtual part of the training?

Virtualization errors are 8080 port issues which basically means access to the course is being blocked by the user's firewall. We recommend contacting your IT group to gain access thru the wall to access the virtualized courses or attempting the course from your home computer where such restrictions have not been imposed. To test if you can access the virtual server, go to https://207.132.242.20.

If you have confirmed that port 8080 is open and the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on your machine and you are still having problems, running a traceroute is the next best thing. If the route stops before 207.132.242.20, then the issue still resides on your network.

What do I do if I receive a prompt asking me to click to run an ActiveX control on this webpage?

STEPP requires ActiveX to be able to see content. Select the option to run ActiveX.

What do I do if I receive a warning about this website's security certificate?

Click the link to "Continue to this website..." You may also try the following:

• Install a DoD Root Certificate, which is a digital document providing the identity of a website or individuals. STEPP uses a certificate to identify itself to its users and to enable secure connections. If you are receiving a warning that this site is untrusted/insecure, you will need to install the "DoD Certificate." To download the DoD Certificates, please go to http://dodpki.c3pki.chamb.disa.mil/rootca.html. Follow the directions for downloading and installing the certificate for Root Certificate Authority (CA) posted on the site. For questions or problems installing the certificate, please contact the DISA OKC OST at 1-800-490-1643 or by email at disa-esmost@csd.disa.mil.
• Put STEPP into your Trusted Sites by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab. Select "Trusted sites" and click the Sites button. Add the website to the zone and uncheck the box "Require Server Verification..."

What do I do if, when navigating through a lesson, the classroom becomes unresponsive?

• SOLUTION #1 – Refresh your page by hitting F5 or by clicking the Refresh button on your browser.
  Older browsers may return the user to the homepage, so you may need to navigate back to your content by clicking Course List under Lesson Options in the left navigation area. You can also try clicking Bookmark under Classroom Tools.
• SOLUTION #2 – Logout and log back in because the classroom will timeout after 120 minutes if the user is idle.
  If you are approaching the timeout, you will receive an alert within the content area of the classroom. Clicking OK and navigating to a different page will reset the timer.

Waiting Lists

I registered for a class and received notification that I am on a waiting list pending approval. What does that mean?

This means your registration cannot be finalized until a CDSE or an organizational official approves your attendance in the class.

How do I check my approval status for an upcoming class?

In STEPP, select Learn/Training Schedule. From the View drop-down menu, select Waiting list or pending approval. The status of the approval will be displayed. Also, you can change your preferences to show both active and wait listed classes on your homepage by clicking "Change my preferences", checking any of the display options, then clicking OK. Click on the little house at the top of the page. Your homepage should reflect the changes.

Where am I on the class waiting list and when will I know if I am enrolled in the class?

Your status on the waiting list is determined by when you signed up to register for the class, the maximum number of students who can attend the class and whether your attendance in the class must be approved. You will be sent an email confirmation of registration when moved from the waiting list to the class roster and the class will appear in your STEPP account under In Progress Training.

Can I add my name to multiple waiting lists for the same class?

No.

How do I cancel myself from a waiting list so that I can register for another class?

• Select Learn/Training Schedule.
• Select from the View drop-down menu (upper right), - Waiting list or pending approval.
• Select the check box next to the learning activity you wish to cancel.
• Click Go next to Cancel registration in the Task box.
• Select the Cancel Marked button from the Cancellation Confirmation screen.

Username

What if I forget my username?

If you cannot remember the username or your email of record is incorrect, please contact the Call Center at 888-282-7682 or email call.center@dsshelp.org. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm EST and is closed on weekends and all federal holidays.

Password

What if I forget my password?

1. From the STEPP Log On screen click the Forgot password? link.
2. Type your STEPP username and email address on the Forgotten Password Assistance Screen, then click Submit.
3. A new password will be sent to your email account of record.
4. From the STEPP Log On screen type your username and the password provided in the email. (We recommend copying and pasting the new password from your email.) You will have three attempts to type the password correctly. To avoid mistyping the password consider "copying and pasting" the password from the email to the password field. If you lock yourself out (disable your account), please call the Call Center at 888-282-7682 to have your account enabled. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm EST and is closed on weekends and all federal holidays.
5. Once logged in, the system will force you to change your password; use the password sent in the email as the "old" password, then provide a new password of your choice and re-type it to confirm. Then click OK.
6. When the password has been changed, the Change Password screen displays. To access STEPP click "You have successfully changed your password. Click here to continue."

Student Guides

Looking for a student guide?

There is a course reference in STEPP that allows users to access all existing CDSE Course Student Guides. It falls under Course References section of the catalog and is call Student Guides CDSE100.REF. Guides are only available for courses listed within this resource.

Antiterrorism Awareness

I want to take the Antiterrorism Awareness Training Level 1 course but can't find it.

As of 1 May 2005, the Antiterrorism Awareness Training Level I course was discontinued here at CDSE. You may obtain this training through JS, J3, DDAT/HD at https://atep.dtic.mil.

How do I get approval for the Antiterrorism Awareness Training (ATO) Level II?

Approval for this course requires you to possess an authentic .gov and/or .mil email account. If you have either of these, please contact CDSE@dss.mil for approval. To confirm and complete the enrollment process, please respond upon receipt of the approval email from your .mil or .gov account. Once email confirmation is received you will be approved to launch the course. If no receipt is received within five (5) working days, registration will be cancelled.

Arms, Ammunition & Explosives

I want to take the Arms, Ammunition & Explosives course but can't find it.

The Arms, Ammunition & Explosive course is no longer offered by the Center for Development of Security Excellence. The course material is out of date and we do not have an active effort to update it at this time.

Basic Information Security Independent Study

I'm trying to find the "Basic Information Independent Study" course (IF001.18) but all I find is the exam for it (IF001.08).

The Basic Information Security Independent Course, IF001.18 is no longer offered by the Center for Development of Security Excellence. The content offered in this course is now available through several online courses. Students now have the opportunity to build their knowledge of information security by selecting courses across the information security curriculum specific to their path of study. This course was previously a prerequisite for the Information Security Management Course, DoD Security Specialist Course, and SAP Orientation. Students registering for these courses should refer to the Center for Development of Security Excellence course catalog for course prerequisites.

Essentials of Industrial Security Management

I want to take the Essentials of Industrial Security Management course but can't find it.

We removed the Essentials of Industrial Security Management (EISM) from our course catalog and replaced it with the following suite of courses:

• Introduction to Information Security
• Integrating CI and Threat Awareness into your Security Program
• ISFD for External Users
• JPAS/JCAVS Training for Security Professionals
• Developing a Security Education Program
• Visits/Meetings in the NISP
• NISP Self Inspection
• NISP Reporting Requirements
• Facility Clearances in the NISP
• Personnel Security in the NISP
• Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control and Influence

Foreign Ownership, Control & Influence (FOCI)

How do I sign up for FOCI training?

At this time we do not provide FOCI training other than a very limited overview that is provided to DSS Industrial Security Specialists and other US government employees who have duties related to FOCI issues. It was deemed to be outdated several years ago so was taken out of our offerings. There is no effort at this time to develop a product to replace it. Information about FOCI may be found on the DSS website at http://www.dss.gov.

FSO Role in the NISP

When trying to access the course, I get a blank browser window with the message "Please make a selection from the Table of Contents or the SumTotal Player toolbar" displayed in yellow, preventing me from entering the study section of the course. Please advise me on how to correct this error.

Press your F5 key while you are clicked on the screen. The course will display.

I'm trying to access the Resource Tools for Security Professionals but when I click the link, I'm taken to a page that says, "Select a link to the left to view a wide range of resources, available by either function or type, relating to security education and training." This is not what the course is showing. What should I do?

The FSO Role in the NISP course is currently going through a redesign as a result of the updated form and function of the new Resource Tool that exists today. Current references within the course were intended to provide a level of familiarity with the Resource Tool as it existed in its previous form. Since the contents of the former Resource Tool have been integrated into the DSS website and the tool no longer exists in the form that appears within this course, we are asking students to ignore any references to the Resource Tool within this course for the time being. To reiterate, students are not required to do any exercises or questions within this course related to the Resource Tool for Security Professionals.

I want to take the FSO Program Management Course but can't find it.

The instructor-led FSO Program Management Course is no longer offered by the Center for Development of Security Excellence. The Center for Development of Security Excellence offers a one-day "Getting Started Seminar for New FSOs" which you may register for after you have completed the online "FSO Role in the NISP" course. Details are available in the Course Catalog.

Information Assurance Awareness

What do I do if I completed and passed the DoD Information Assurance Awareness course but my pass status isn't reflected in STEPP?

If you have a completion of training certificate, please fax it to the Registrar's Office at 410-865-2719. Once we receive the certificate, we will override the system to accept the certificate.

You must print the certificate for the DoD Information Assurance Awareness course after you take it. We have no way of going back and printing the certificate or getting a copy of it. If you do not have a copy of your certificate, you will have to use a copy of your transcript as proof of completion.

Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS)

I am having problems locating my STEPP account in JPAS.

The problem is most likely that your JPAS account or STEPP account information is not up-to-date. We are unable to tell who you work for from the different account entries unless the information contained in both are the same. You may choose to have JPAS or STEPP updated depending on the situation. You may also fax us a Visit Request on the appropriate form signed by your FSO to 410-865-2719/Attn: CDSE Registrar's Office.

How do I launch this course?

Detailed instructions for launching the course are available in PDF format.

I cannot access the Virtual JPAS.

Virtualization errors are 8080 port issues which basically means access to the course is being blocked by the user's firewall. We recommend contacting your IT group to gain access thru the wall to access the virtualized courses or attempting the course from your home computer where such restrictions have not been imposed.

Marking Classified Information

I have exceeded the number of times allowed to take the test for Marking Classified Information. I retook the course again but the system will not allow me to reregister for the test.

Exams are setup to allow a maximum of 3 attempts. You will need to retake the course material and contact the Registrar's office (cdse.registrar.support@dss.mil) to be manually registered to take the exam again.

Transmission and Transportation for Industry

I launched the course but did not finish it in one sitting. When I went back into to resume taking the course, it won't load.

The system marks this course complete as soon as you launch it. You will need to re-register for the course to access it again.

OPSEC Fundamentals

I have comments about this course. Who should I contact?

The OPSEC Fundamentals course is a product of the Interagency OPSEC Support Staff (IOSS). Please contact Mr. Steve Roy from IOSS at s.roy@radium.ncsc.mil regarding your comments on the content information of the course.

Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence

I have attempted to complete the course but the system won't let me. It keeps returning me to the same slide and won't let me advance, even after I have clicked through all the screens in the course.

The issue you are describing is due to an abnormality with particular versions of the Adobe Flash player. The Flash player causes seemingly random pages of our courseware to stop working. Most have found upgrading to the latest version fixed these display issues completely.

You can test for the exact version of Flash installed on your system at http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/ which contains links to download the latest version for most computer platforms.

After downloading the latest version of Flash, please try the course again using Internet Explorer 8 or above.