Friday, November 25, 2011

Do You Have Everything You Need to Earn Your PSP Certification from ASIS?



If you're a seasoned security professional, you're probably aware that the Physical Security Professional certification awarded by the American Society of Industrial Security, Inc. is one of the most sought after security certifications.  It takes a lot of work and experience to earn this certification.  It should.  It is the only certification of its kind that affords SAFETY Act liability protection.  What does this mean?  Loosely translated, according to ASIS, it "gives ASIS board-certified professionals, their employers, and their customers immediate protection from lawsuits involving ASIS certification and the ASIS certification process that arise out of an act of terrorism.  Not only does it limit the types of liability claims that can be brought against a certificant, but it also entitles the certificant to immediate dismissal of those specific types of claims."  As I embark on the journey to attain mine, I have decided to include a list of items all of those interested in learning more.

ELIGIBILITY:

Education:
An earned Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education Work
Experience:
Four (4) years of progressive physical-security experience. OR Education:
An earned High School Diploma, GED equivalent or Associate's degree Work Experience:
Six (6) years of progressive physical security experience The applicant must not have been convicted of any criminal offense that would reflect negatively on the security profession, ASIS, or the certification program. All ASIS programs comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All ASIS programs are non-discriminatory. Eligibility for PSP® certification and recertification is denied only when an applicant does not meet relevant security-related criteria, when an applicant has violated the PSP® Code of Professional Responsibility, or when an applicant has committed an act that would reflect negatively on ASIS and the PSP® program.
Definition of Terms


  • "Physical Security" means the various physical measures designed to safeguard personnel, property, and information.
  • "Experience" means that the individual has been personally engaged in the physical security field on a full-time basis, or as his or her primary duty. Included is:
    1. Experience as a security practitioner in the protection of assets in the public or private sector
    2. Experience with companies, associations, government, or other organizations furnishing services or equipment, including consulting firms, provided the duties and responsibilities substantively relate to physical security.
    3. Experience as a full-time educator on the faculty of an accredited educational institution provided the responsibilities for courses and other duties relate primarily to knowledge areas pertinent to the operation of physical security program in the public or private sectors.
  • Successful Completion of Exam An examination is required for all applicants who meet the experience and education criteria. Candidates must pass the examination to achieve the PSP® designation.
    MATERIALS:

    You'll need the following books and guides.  I've read the risk and analysis text and was pleased with its readability.  The topic wasn't as "sexy" as the physical security texts but it was still easy to comprehend.  I've scanned over some of the other books and the appear to be easy to read as well.  When I was in the military, these were excellent references for me.

    1. Design and Evaluation of Physical Protection Systems, Second Edition
    2. Effective Physical Security, Third Edition
    3. Introduction to Security, Eighth Edition
    4. Risk Analysis and the Security Survey, Fourth Edition
    5. ASIS Facilities Physical Security Measures Guideline (2009 edition)
    6.  Implementing Physical Protection Systems: A Practical Guide
    7.  ASIS Business Continuity Guideline: A Practial Approach
    You'll need to fill out the application and set a date for when you're ready to test.  There a few reasons I like the certification process.

    1. You're vetted based on your experience and not just knowledge.
    2. You get multiple chances to retest.
    3. It's a computer-based test.

    All in all, this means you can't simply "buy your way in".  Most of the people I've met with the certification were very knowledgeable and experienced.  Here's a link to the application and its handbook.




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