The ACA certification program is designed to advance the overall knowledge of practitioners in the corrections field, promote the capabilities of corrections to the public, and enhance society's image of corrections personnel. In addition, ACA hopes the certification program will help in recruiting new, talented correctional staff. Certification is offered in the following four corrections job categories: corrections executive, corrections manager, corrections supervisor, and corrections officer. Randall Watson passed the certification exams for two of these job categories: corrections manager and corrections executive. In a summary of his background, Watson describes beginning as a correctional officer I in 1990 and moving up the ranks to major and designated acting security chief. In 2000 he was appointed director of security operations for the Maryland Department of Correction, and since February 2003 he has been serving as acting assistant commissioner for security. When questioned about his reasons for pursuing certification, he notes the importance of being current in the latest research and best practices in the field and being able to display tangible evidence (certification) that one has such knowledge and experience. Regarding the benefits of his certification, he indicates that the certification process exposed him to alternative methods and best practices he might not have otherwise encountered. It also validated many of the policies and practices that he and his agency were already implementing. Other topics discussed in the interview with Watson are Maryland's efforts to promote corrections certification; how his mentors have influenced him; the most difficult aspects of corrections; his future professional, personal, and educational goals; and how corrections personnel can help improve the public image of the profession. Information is also provided on the date and location of the next certification examinations, as well as a contact for information on certification.