The NASDD Certification

Rigorous Compliance and Sustainable Practices

NASDD Certification Levels

NASDD’s tiered certifications recognize providers’ longevity and client trust, alongside their commitment to compliance, and sustainability:

Platinum Certification

Requirements:

Minimum 20 years of business in good standing.
Minimum 150 5-star Google reviews.

Value to Clients: Platinum-certified providers represent the pinnacle of trust and expertise, offering unmatched reliability for clients requiring the highest level of service assurance.

Certification Requirements Certified organizations must meet the following standards:

Security Operations:
- Documented chain-of-custody with tamper-proof containers.
- Secure facilities with restricted entry, 24/7 CCTV, and alarms.
- Vehicles with locking cargo areas, GPS tracking, and regulatory compliance.
Personnel Standards:
- Background checks (7-year criminal history and references) for ALL employees
- Initial and annual training on destruction protocols, privacy laws, and emergency procedures.
- Substance abuse policy with testing, compliant with local laws.
- Signed confidentiality agreements, no personal devices in processing areas.
Destruction Protocols:
- Paper shredded to particles ≤ 0.5” x 2”.
- Electronic media destroyed or sanitized per NIST 800-88, with serial number verification.
- Non-paper media (e.g., CDs, tapes) rendered unreadable via crushing or shredding.
- Data Destruction Verification Document issued to client’s post-service.
Environmental Responsibility:
- 90% of destroyed materials recycled through licensed facilities.
- Records maintained for 3 years.
- Compliance with environmental regulations.
Liability Coverage:
- Minimum $2 million professional liability insurance.
Legal Compliance:
- Adherence to HIPAA, FACTA, GDPR, and state laws.
- Client access to compliance records and evaluation reports.

Gold Certification

Requirements:

Minimum 15 years of business in good standing.
Minimum 100 5-star Google reviews.

Value to Clients: Gold-certified providers are industry leaders with extensive experience and exceptional client feedback, ideal for high-stakes or large-scale data destruction projects.

Certification Requirements Certified organizations must meet the following standards:

Security Operations:
- Documented chain-of-custody with tamper-proof containers.
- Secure facilities with restricted entry, 24/7 CCTV, and alarms.
- Vehicles with locking cargo areas, GPS tracking, and regulatory compliance.
Personnel Standards:
- Background checks (7-year criminal history and references) for ALL employees
- Initial and annual training on destruction protocols, privacy laws, and emergency procedures.
- Substance abuse policy with testing, compliant with local laws.
- Signed confidentiality agreements, no personal devices in processing areas.
Destruction Protocols:
- Paper shredded to particles ≤ 0.5” x 2”.
- Electronic media destroyed or sanitized per NIST 800-88, with serial number verification.
- Non-paper media (e.g., CDs, tapes) rendered unreadable via crushing or shredding.
- Data Destruction Verification Document issued to client’s post-service.
Environmental Responsibility:
- 90% of destroyed materials recycled through licensed facilities.
- Records maintained for 3 years.
- Compliance with environmental regulations.
Liability Coverage:
- Minimum $2 million professional liability insurance.
Legal Compliance:
- Adherence to HIPAA, FACTA, GDPR, and state laws.
- Client access to compliance records and evaluation reports.

Silver Certification

Requirements:

Minimum 10 years of business in good standing.
Minimum 50 5-star Google reviews.

Value to Clients: Silver-certified providers bring a decade of experience and a strong reputation, ensuring consistent, high-quality service for organizations with complex data security needs.

Certification Requirements Certified organizations must meet the following standards:

Security Operations:
- Documented chain-of-custody with tamper-proof containers.
- Secure facilities with restricted entry, 24/7 CCTV, and alarms.
- Vehicles with locking cargo areas, GPS tracking, and regulatory compliance.
Personnel Standards:
- Background checks (7-year criminal history and references) for ALL employees
- Initial and annual training on destruction protocols, privacy laws, and emergency procedures.
- Substance abuse policy with testing, compliant with local laws.
- Signed confidentiality agreements, no personal devices in processing areas.
Destruction Protocols:
- Paper shredded to particles ≤ 0.5” x 2”.
- Electronic media destroyed or sanitized per NIST 800-88, with serial number verification.
- Non-paper media (e.g., CDs, tapes) rendered unreadable via crushing or shredding.
- Data Destruction Verification Document issued to client’s post-service.
Environmental Responsibility:
- 90% of destroyed materials recycled through licensed facilities.
- Records maintained for 3 years.
- Compliance with environmental regulations.
Liability Coverage:
- Minimum $2 million professional liability insurance.
Legal Compliance:
- Adherence to HIPAA, FACTA, GDPR, and state laws.
- Client access to compliance records and evaluation reports.

Copper Certification

Requirements:

Minimum 5 years of business in good standing (no major legal or regulatory violations).
Minimum 25 5-star Google reviews.

Value to Clients: Copper-certified providers are established businesses with a proven track record of client satisfaction, offering reliable data destruction services with NASDD’s stringent standards.

Certification Requirements Certified organizations must meet the following standards:

Security Operations:
- Documented chain-of-custody with tamper-proof containers.
- Secure facilities with restricted entry, 24/7 CCTV, and alarms.
- Vehicles with locking cargo areas, GPS tracking, and regulatory compliance.
Personnel Standards:
- Background checks (7-year criminal history and references) for ALL employees
- Initial and annual training on destruction protocols, privacy laws, and emergency procedures.
- Substance abuse policy with testing, compliant with local laws.
- Signed confidentiality agreements, no personal devices in processing areas.
Destruction Protocols:
- Paper shredded to particles ≤ 0.5” x 2”.
- Electronic media destroyed or sanitized per NIST 800-88, with serial number verification.
- Non-paper media (e.g., CDs, tapes) rendered unreadable via crushing or shredding.
- Data Destruction Verification Document issued to client’s post-service.
Environmental Responsibility:
- 90% of destroyed materials recycled through licensed facilities.
- Records maintained for 3 years.
- Compliance with environmental regulations.
Liability Coverage:
- Minimum $2 million professional liability insurance.
Legal Compliance:
- Adherence to HIPAA, FACTA, GDPR, and state laws.
- Client access to compliance records and evaluation reports.

Our Approach

National Association for Secure Data Destruction (NASDD) remains at the forefront by driving industry transformation with continual innovation and strategic partnerships.

Delivering industry-leading assurance every time

Supporting your ongoing protection efforts.

Integrating eco-friendly, responsible solutions.

The Gold Standard in Secure Data Destruction

Welcome to NASDD Certification at the National Association for Secure Data Destruction (NASDD), we prioritize the protection of your sensitive information. The NASDD Certification Program sets the industry benchmark for secure, complaint, and sustainable data destruction. Choosing an NASDD-certified provider ensures your data—whether on paper, electronic media, or other formats—is destroyed, giving you confidence and safeguarding your organization’s reputation. This guide explains the NASDD Certification, its tiered levels (Copper, Silver, Gold, Platinum), and why it’s the right choice for businesses, healthcare providers, government agencies, and individuals seeking trusted data destruction services.

What is NASDD Certification?

NASDD Certification is a rigorous, independent verification process that ensures data destruction providers meet strict standards for:

Compliance: Adhering to data protection regulations, including HIPAA, FACTA, GDPR, and state-specific laws.
Sustainability: Committing to eco-friendly disposal with a 90% recycling target.
Trust: Providing transparent, reliable services backed by thorough evaluations.

NASDD offers four certification levels—Copper, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—based on a provider’s years of operation in good standing and client satisfaction, as measured by 5-star Google reviews. Each level reflects a provider’s experience and reputation, ensuring you can choose a partner that matches your needs.

Why Choose an NASDD-Certified Provider?

Partnering with an NASDD-certified provider delivers unparalleled benefits:

Regulatory Assurance

Providers comply with HIPAA, FACTA, GDPR, and state regulations.
You receive a Data Destruction Verification Document after each service, detailing the date, method, and materials destroyed, ensuring audit-ready compliance.

Environmental Commitment

Client Trust

Versatile Services

How NASDD Certification Works

The NASDD Certification Program ensures accountability and transparency:

Application: Providers submit documentation of operations, personnel, compliance, years in business, and Google reviews.
Evaluation: Independent evaluators conduct initial assessments, annual reviews, and surprise inspections to verify adherence to NASDD standards and certification level criteria.
Certification: The NASDD Oversight Board reviews results and awards Copper, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification.
Ongoing Oversight: Annual renewals and random checks maintain excellence.
Client Access: Request compliance records or verify certification status online.

The NASDD Differences

Certification stands out due to:

Tiered Levels: Copper, Silver, Gold, and Platinum certifications reflect provider experience and client trust, letting you choose the right partner.
Client-Centric Transparency: Access evaluation reports and a public directory.
Eco-Friendly Focus: A 90% recycling target leads the industry.
Independent Governance: A board of experts ensures impartial standards.

How to Verify NASDD Certification

Check the Directory

Visit www.nasddcert.org to confirm a provider’s certification level and service endorsements.

Request Documentation

Ask for the Data Destruction Verification Document and compliance records.

Contact NASDD Contact

www.nasdd.com | info@nasdd.com.

Get Started with an NASDD-Certified Provider

Protect your data with confidence. Contact an NASDD-certified provider to:

Schedule secure data destruction services.
Request a consultation to customize solutions.
Obtain compliance documentation for audits.

Visit www.nasdd.com to find a Copper, Silver, Gold, or Platinum-certified provider near you.

Commitment to Innovation

Our mission centers on advancing destruction practices that ensure compliance and foster smarter, safer, and more responsible information management. We collaborate with stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and technology developers to establish new benchmarks, ensuring our clients always remain ahead.