Editing Open-source intelligence (section)

==Professional associations and certifications==
As open-source intelligence (OSINT) has grown in prominence across government, military, corporate, and journalistic sectors, a number of professional associations and certification programs have emerged to support practitioners, standardize methodologies, and promote ethical conduct.

=== 1. The OSINT Foundation ===
The OSINT Foundation is a U.S.-based professional association dedicated to advancing the practice of open-source intelligence within the U.S. Intelligence Community and beyond. Open exclusively to U.S. citizens, the organization aims to elevate the visibility and professionalism of OSINT as a formal intelligence discipline. It serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and advocacy among current and aspiring OSINT practitioners.

=== 2. OSMOSIS and the Open-Source Certified (OSC) Designation ===
OSMOSIS , an offshoot of the Hetherington Group—a private investigation and corporate intelligence firm—offers training programs and conferences that lead to the Open-Source Certified (OSC) designation. The OSC program was developed to help formalize and standardize professional OSINT practices.

According to the program’s guidelines, candidates must fulfill specific prerequisites and pass a 100-question examination to demonstrate proficiency in open-source research and analysis. The certification emphasizes legal compliance, ethical behavior, and technical competence in gathering and interpreting publicly available information.

=== 3. IntelTechniques and the OSIP Certification ===
IntelTechniques , a provider of investigative and OSINT training, offers the Open Source Intelligence Professional (OSIP) certification. The program is designed to test participants' ability to produce actionable intelligence using real-world scenarios and standardized evaluation criteria.

In addition to structured courses, IntelTechniques fosters a moderated online community where professionals can exchange insights on best practices, tools, and methodologies. While the OSIP certification is optional, participation in the training itself helps individuals develop and refine their OSINT skills for use in law enforcement, journalism, cybersecurity, and corporate investigations.

=== 4. Other Training Providers and Communities ===
Beyond formal certifications, several organizations offer specialized OSINT training and platforms for professional development:

* Bellingcat, an independent collective known for its open-source investigative journalism, provides public training sessions and resources for journalists, researchers, and activists.
* Independent educators and trainers also contribute to the field through blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media communities focused on OSINT tradecraft.

These informal and semi-formal learning environments play a vital role in expanding access to OSINT education and fostering global collaboration among practitioners.