- DoD COOL
- Missouri DHE
- POST Approved for CLEE
- NICCS aligned
Certified Executive Leader (CEL) Exam
Prove you can lead enterprise security strategy, budgets, and teams at the executive level — and earn the credential boards, CEOs, and search firms look for in modern security leaders.
- 1 Year
- Exam License
- On-Demand
- Online Proctored
- 1
- Attempt
- FBI
- DHS
- FedEx
- Citi
- Mossberg
- DEA
- DoD
- 1 Year Exam License
- Online Proctored Exam
- 1 Exam Attempt
- 3 Hour Time Limit
- Board Certification (Digital Awarded)
Does Not Include
- Official Study Manual
- Official Prep Review Quizzes
- Official Online Training Program
or pay over time with Affirm · Sezzle
Military / Gov COOL and TA eligible
Choose your enrollment path
Self-pay, military/government funding, or employer sponsorship — we'll take you to the right option.
Eligible for military & government credentialing assistance
Select certification programs may be eligible for use with military and government credentialing or tuition assistance benefits, subject to agency and individual eligibility requirements. Participation does not imply endorsement by any agency.
State & Federal Regulatory Approvals
Missouri DHEWD
State-certified to operate under 6 CSR 10-5.010
Dept. of Higher Education and Workforce Development
NICCS Education & Training Catalog
Listed training provider, NICCS Education & Training Catalog
Mapped to NIST NICE framework · operated by CISA
A board-issued credential, recognized where it counts
- DoD COOL
- Missouri DHE
- POST Approved for CLEE
- NICCS aligned
Board certification programs: Students must submit all course quizzes, score 70% or better on all sections of the course and obtain a 70% or better on the final online examination, and submit proof eligibility up completion of your exam application. All fees must be paid in full. Upon successful completion of your program, the McAfee Institute will issue your board certification. Students who successfully complete the program before meeting the eligibility will be put into a holding pattern until the eligibility is met at which time the credentials will be issued.
Completion of training does not guarantee employment, promotion, security clearance eligibility, or acceptance by any agency or third party.
Built for professionals at the front line
The certification is designed for the working roles below. Eligibility is reviewed at enrollment.
This course is perfect for
Corporate Executives and Managers who want to enhance their strategic influence, emotional intelligence, and communication skills to lead teams effectively and inspire followership.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners seeking to build organizational culture, drive growth, and lead their teams through evolving business landscapes.
Non-Profit Leaders and Social Change Advocates aiming to develop leadership skills that support mission-driven work, foster community impact, and create sustainable change.
Military Officers and Government Leaders who need strategic leadership training to manage teams, lead change initiatives, and navigate organizational complexity in high-stakes environments.
Human Resources and Learning & Development Professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of leadership to mentor emerging leaders within their organizations.
This course may not be for you if
You don't meet the eligibility requirements listed
About this Examination
This board examination is the final assessment for the Certified Executive Leader (CEL). It evaluates your mastery of the competencies, standards, and applied knowledge covered throughout the program and is required to earn the credential.
Become the Executive Leader Your Organization Needs
The Certified Executive Leader (CEL) program by McAfee Institute is designed to develop dynamic and transformative leadership skills. This program blends the latest leadership research, practical strategies, and timeless principles to elevate your ability to drive results, inspire others, and lead with purpose. Led by Joshua McAfee, CEO of McAfee Institute, this program combines self-paced online modules with interactive workshops and guest speakers, providing a comprehensive experience tailored to executives and aspiring leaders.
Through this program, you’ll gain tools to enhance emotional intelligence, navigate organizational culture, and lead impactful change. Graduates of the CEL program emerge with the expertise needed to make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
Everything you need to sit for the exam
Your exam enrollment includes a 1-year exam license, the proctor license, and your board certification (digital + physical) on a passing score.
- Exam license (1 year)
- Proctor license
- Board certification (digital + physical)
Three ways to fund your certification.
Self-pay · Military / Gov COOL · Employer-funded
Pay once. Lifetime access included.
3-day money-back guarantee
Interest-free via Affirm or Sezzle. 6–12 month plans available.
Military / Gov COOL eligible? Use DoD/Navy/Army/Coast Guard/Air Force COOL or TA funding — switch to the tab for the invoice request flow.
Need financial help? — available for self-paying students demonstrating financial need.
Eligibility & requirements
McAfee Institute trains military, law enforcement, and investigative professionals. Eligibility reflects that. Verification is the reason the credential carries weight in the field.
Education & experience
Any one of the qualifying paths below. Experience must be in investigations, law enforcement, criminal justice, military, or similar fields with direct criminal investigation or intelligence responsibilities.
Path A Bachelor's or higher + 2 years experience
Path B Associate's degree + 3 years experience
Path C HS diploma or equivalent + 4 years experience
Relevant fields include investigations, law enforcement, criminal justice, military, and/or another similar field with direct criminal investigation and/or intelligence responsibilities.
Criminal background & professional suitability
Because McAfee Institute trains military, law enforcement, and investigative professionals, eligibility requires conduct consistent with positions of public trust. You are not eligible to enroll or earn certification if you:
- 01
Any felony
Have been convicted of any felony, or are currently charged with (pending) any felony.
- 02
Have been convicted of, pled guilty/no contest to, or are currently charged with any offense involving
- · Child exploitation or crimes against children (including child sexual abuse, child pornography-related offenses, child endangerment)
- · Sex offenses (including rape/sexual assault and related offenses)
- · Human trafficking
- · Homicide / attempted homicide
- · Kidnapping/abduction
- · Terrorism-related offenses
- 03
Have a misdemeanor conviction (or pending charge) involving
- Violence or threats of violence — including domestic violence, assault, stalking
- Dishonesty or breach of trust — including fraud, theft, embezzlement, identity theft, impersonation, falsifying reports/statements
International enrollment
McAfee Institute is a U.S.-based institution serving a primarily U.S. professional audience. International enrollments may be subject to additional review, identity verification, professional affiliation verification, and compliance screening. Applicants located in certain countries or regions, or associated with restricted persons or entities under U.S. law, may be ineligible for enrollment.
- 3-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Full Lifetime Access
- 1 Year Exam License
- Official Study Manual
- Official Online Training
- Official Prep Review Quizzes
or pay over time with Affirm · Sezzle
Military / Gov COOL and TA eligible
Read the full eligibility and conduct policyDisclosure & verification
Applicants must disclose criminal history as requested during enrollment. McAfee Institute may verify eligibility through documentation and/or a background check when required by a program component, partner environment, exam vendor, or when reasonably necessary to protect program integrity. Disclosures are required to the extent permitted by applicable law.
False information
Any material falsification or omission is grounds for denial of admission, removal from the program, and/or denial of certification.
No guarantee of outcome
Completion of training does not guarantee employment, promotion, security clearance eligibility, or acceptance by any agency or third party.
More Than Just Certifications
Join a comprehensive professional development platform designed exclusively for law enforcement, intelligence, and investigation professionals.
Active Community
Engage with verified professionals in law enforcement and intelligence
Exclusive Jobs
Access career opportunities not listed elsewhere
CPE Tracking
Automatic continuing professional education credit management
Expert Network
Connect with federal agents and industry leaders
Communities
Join private discussion groups with peers
Resources
Articles, whitepapers, tools and more
Joshua A. McAfee · Founder & CEO, McAfee Institute
15 years building credentials for the professionals who actually do the work. CAIIE was developed alongside practitioners from federal, state, and corporate investigation teams.
Enrollment, examination, and policy FAQs
- A mix of multiple choice and true/false questions delivered in one timed sitting. The number of questions, time limit, and passing score for this exam are shown in the stats bar above.
Not sure if this is the right credential?
Talk to an advisor about eligibility, fit, and funding paths.