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    • DoD COOL
    • Missouri DHE
    • POST Approved for CLEE
    • NICCS aligned

    Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI)

    Unveil Your Expertise and Emerge as a Master in Human Trafficking Investigations.

    31+
    Hours
    31
    CPE Credits
    92+
    Lessons
    Lifetime
    Access
    5.0
    17 reviews
    Tuition
    $1,497
    • 3-Day Money-Back Guarantee
    • Full Lifetime Access
    • 1 Year Exam License
    • Official Study Manual
    • Official Online Training
    • Official Prep Review Quizzes
    View enrollment options

    or pay over time with Affirm · Sezzle

    Graduates work at
    • FBI
    • DHS
    • FedEx
    • Citi
    • Mossberg
    • DEA
    • DoD

    Eligible for military & government credentialing assistance

    DoD COOLNavy COOLCoast Guard COOLU.S. Army Credentialing Assistance ProgramMarine Corps COOL

    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

    State Regulatory Certification

    Certified by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

    Missouri DHEWD

    Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. McAfee Institute is certified to operate by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development under 6 CSR 10-5.010.

    Federal Framework Alignment

    Listed Training Provider — NICCS Education & Training Catalog.

    NICCS Education & Training Catalog

    McAfee Institute is a listed training provider in the NICCS Education & Training Catalog, operated by CISA. Select courses are mapped to the NIST NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity.

    Law Enforcement Continuing Education

    Approved for Missouri POST CLEE credit.

    Missouri POST

    31CLEE HoursControl #14972
    Legal Studies
    13
    Interpersonal Perspectives
    2
    Technical Studies
    16

    This program is approved by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program for Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) credit. Officers should confirm acceptance with their licensing agency.

    What you earn

    A board-issued credential, recognized where it counts

    Certificate
    Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI) certificate sample
    Digital badge
    Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI) digital badge
    Recognition
    • 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.

    Outcomes

    What You'll Learn

    • Foundations of Human Trafficking Investigations

      Gain comprehensive knowledge on human trafficking, including dynamics, patterns, and key indicators to support investigations.

    • Advanced Cyber Investigations

      Learn advanced cyber investigative techniques, including intelligence gathering from online sources and navigating the deep web, to uncover critical information in trafficking cases.

    • Victim Support and Legal Assistance

      Understand the legal provisions, visa options, and resources available for trafficking victims, enabling you to provide effective support and advocacy.

    • Interagency Collaboration and Coordination

      Develop skills for enhancing collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, fostering more efficient and effective investigations.

    • Evidence Collection and Report Writing

      Master techniques for digital evidence collection, compelling report creation, and testimony delivery to build a strong, credible case. Legal Framework for Human Trafficking Investigations: Explore the federal laws related to human trafficking, focusing on the legal landscape and procedures to ensure compliance and accuracy in your investigations.

    Academic Standards

    Educational Performance Objectives

    This program is mapped to measurable performance objectives used for academic review, assessment alignment, and continuous improvement.

    • Foundational Performance Objective

      Identify trafficking indicators, victim dynamics, and applicable legal frameworks.

    • Applied Performance Objective

      Conduct intelligence-driven investigations and evidence documentation related to trafficking cases.

    • Exit Performance Objective

      Prepare comprehensive investigative documentation supporting human trafficking enforcement or prevention efforts.

    Student Reviews

    What Our Students Say

    Real feedback from professionals who've completed this program

    “This course was excellent and I recommend anyone in this particular field to take the course. It allows everyone to be on the same page about Human Trafficking while making sure you clearly understand Human Trafficking, investigations, law, and information relevant to it.”

    TB

    Timothy Brown

    Verified Graduate

    “The course has so much valuable information to provide so definitely take notes. It's a great stepping stone into investigating human trafficking.”

    RF

    Raymond Fisher

    Verified Graduate

    “Excellent course and well structured material”

    EH

    Eric H.

    Verified Graduate

    “There is a deluge of resourceful information when you enroll in the CHTI Certification program. Additionally, McAfee Institute's support and staff were truly supportive as they consistently maintained open lines of communication. The staff sincerely supported me when I had any questions. They really want you to succeed in not only the CHTI Certification program but all programs and studies from the McAfee Institute and in your career endeavors and personal growth. I would highly recommend the CHTI certification program if anybody is truly interested in the fight against human trafficking and the associated illicit activities attached to human trafficking. Invaluable course and certification program! Thank you, McAfee Institute!”

    ML

    Michael Lee

    Verified Graduate

    “CHTI training was easy to navigate; it enhanced my learning and I gained some new knowledge. Lastly, the content and end of lesson quizzes helped me prepare for the certification exam.”

    AG

    Angie G.

    Verified Graduate

    “It was a well structured course, and the instructors seemed well experienced in the field.”

    RT

    Robert Teal

    Verified Graduate

    Who this is for

    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

    • Police Officers, Detectives, and Federal Agents seeking advanced training in identifying, investigating, and disrupting human trafficking operations.

    • Special Victims Unit (SVU) personnel, task force members, and criminal investigators responsible for handling trafficking, exploitation, and victim-based crimes.

    • Intelligence and cybercrime analysts focused on uncovering trafficking networks across digital platforms and illicit marketplaces with the U.S. Military.

    • Command staff and agency leaders aiming to standardize investigative practices and enhance organizational response to trafficking cases.

    This course may not be for you if

    • You work in a private investigation role

      Private investigators typically operate independently or within private-sector firms, not in official law enforcement or government investigative capacities. This certification is reserved for those serving in official investigative or intelligence positions within law enforcement, military, or government agencies.

    • You’re employed by a non-profit organization

      While many non-profits perform valuable community or advocacy work, they usually do not conduct criminal investigations or intelligence operations under governmental authority — which is the intended audience for this program.

    • You are a civilian without official law enforcement or military credentials

      Civilians not affiliated with law enforcement, military, or intelligence agencies may not meet the operational or clearance requirements tied to this certification’s investigative focus.

    • You serve in an unpaid or volunteer capacity

      Unpaid or volunteer roles (such as reserve, auxiliary, or community support positions) typically do not perform investigative duties at the professional or classified level required for this certification.

    • You work part-time in a support or limited-duty role

      Part-time employees often serve in administrative or non-operational positions that may not meet the full-time investigative experience standard this certification expects.

    • You hold an administrative or clerical position

      Administrative, HR, or support staff roles are essential but do not engage directly in investigative, intelligence, or enforcement operations — which are the focus of this certification’s training outcomes.

    • You serve as a Human Trafficking Advocate

      Advocates play a critical role in victim support and resource coordination; however, these positions are advocacy-focused rather than investigative or intelligence-based. This certification is specifically designed for professionals conducting criminal investigations or intelligence operations within law enforcement or government agencies.

    Curriculum

    What you will study

    13 modules · 90 lessons of structured coursework, board-aligned and tested in the final exam.

    Overview

    About this Course

    Specialized training in human trafficking investigations, victim identification, and trafficking network analysis. Learn investigative techniques, victim-centered approaches, and how to build effective cases against trafficking organizations.

    The Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI®) program by McAfee Institute provides specialized training in human trafficking investigations…

    What's included

    Everything you need to certify

    One enrollment includes the full course library, the official manual, the proctored exam license, and your board credential on completion.

    • Official study manual
    • Prep review quizzes
    • Online training program
    • Exam license (1 year)
    • 31+ hours of instruction
    • Mobile & desktop access
    • Board certification (digital + physical)
    • 31 CPE / CEU credits
    • Closed captions
    Choose your enrollment path

    Three ways to fund your certification.

    Self-pay · Military / Gov COOL · Employer-funded

    One-time payment
    $1,497

    Pay once. Lifetime access included.

    3-day money-back guarantee

    Payment plans
    $374/mo × 4

    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

    Standards consistent with positions of public trust.

    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

    + 1 year experience

    Path B

    Associate's degree

    + 2 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.

    • Disclosure & 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.

    One credential. Three eligibility paths. Pick yours.

    CertificationYou're here

    Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI)

    The full credential for working professionals.

    Complete curriculum, mentorship, and proctored exam included.

    Eligibility
    Bachelor's degree + 1 yr experience or Associate's degree + 2 yrs experience or HS diploma + 4 yrs experience
    $1,497USD
    Associate

    Associate Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (A|CHTI)

    Same program, same exam, same credential. Open to anyone with a Bachelor's degree, no work experience required.

    Designed for those entering the field who don't yet meet the Certification's experience requirements.

    Eligibility
    Bachelor's degree
    $1,497USD
    Exam Only

    Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI) Exam

    For experienced practitioners ready to validate without taking the training.

    Standalone exam — does not include curriculum, study materials, or mentorship.

    Eligibility
    Bachelor's degree + 1 yr experience or Associate's degree + 2 yrs experience or HS diploma + 4 yrs experience
    $450USD
    The platform

    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
    Built & Led by the Founder

    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.

    Meet Josh
    FAQ

    Common questions, answered

    • Our programs are designed for working professionals with busy lives. You will receive step-by-step guidance, instructor support, study materials, and prep quizzes to ensure you are prepared for the board exam. And remember — you have lifetime access to the program, so you can revisit the material anytime. If you fail the exam, you can retake it by purchasing a new exam license. Many students pass on their second attempt and go on to successful careers.

    Not sure if this is the right credential?

    Talk to an advisor about eligibility, fit, and funding paths.

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