Physical security helps organizations prevent unauthorized access to their resources and facilities. Those working in this type of field may want to consider earning a certification to demonstrate their expertise and skills in providing security measures. Understanding the different types of physical security certifications available can help you determine which one is the best choice for you based on your career goals. In this article, we provide a physical security certifications list with qualifying requirements, discuss the job outlook for those working in this field and share some common career options to consider.
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Physical security certifications list
Here’s a list of eight physical security certifications to consider pursuing and the requirements to obtain them:
1. Physical Security Professional
The Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification highlights an individual’s knowledge in physical security applications, assessments design and integration of physical security systems and measures. Offered by ASIS International, this certification tests a professional’s knowledge, skills and tasks in a 140 multiple-choice question exam. Throughout the exam, participants complete assignments, such as conducting a risk analysis. Requirements to earn the PSP certification include:
Gain at least three to five years of physical security experience, depending on your level of education
Be free of criminal offenses
Sign and agree to abide by the ASIS code of conduct and policies
Pay the $485 nonmember fee or $335 ASIS member fee for the exam
2. Physical Security Certification
The Center for Development of Security Excellence offers the Physical Security Certification (PSC) to those who demonstrate foundational knowledge in physical security standards, physical security concepts, physical security planning and countermeasures. This certification is a prerequisite for the Security Professional Education Development certification and has no qualifying requirements listed.
3. Certified Protection Professional
The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) title shows employers that someone knows and comprehends the seven key domains of security. Offered by ASIS International, this certification represents the global standard of excellence for security management professionals. The exam covers security principles and practices, business principles and practices, investigations, personnel security, physical security, information security and crisis management. Requirements to earn the CPP certification include:
Gain at least five years of security experience, with at least three years spent in responsible charge of a security function, depending on your education level
Be free of criminal offenses
Sign and agree to abide by the ASIS code of conduct and policies
Pay the $485 nonmember fee or $335 ASIS member fee for the exam
4. Certified Homeland Protection Professional
The Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) title verifies that a security professional has demonstrated skills, knowledge and competency in disciplines of homeland protection. Offered through the Global Society of Homeland Security Professionals, this program prepares individuals to help their organizations prevent, protect, prepare and respond to hazards. Requirements to earn this certification include:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be at least 21 years old
Possess a clean criminal record with no felony convictions
Work or volunteer in public safety or a security area
Gain at least four years of professional or volunteer experience in a supervisory position
Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Pay a $595 nonmember application fee or $495 Global Society member application fee
5. Industrial Security Professional
The Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification demonstrates a person’s advanced knowledge related to industrial security. Presented by the National Classification Management Society (NCMS), this certification tests individuals on security administration, document security, physical security, international security, information systems security, security education, security systems and self-assessments. Those who complete the ISP program receive a certificate and ISP pin and can use the ISP title after their name. Requirements to earn the ISP certification include:
Score at least 75% on the ISP certification exam
Gain at least five years of professional experience in industrial security
Submit a resume and written recommendation from a supervisor
Pay a $400 nonmember test fee or a $275 NCMS member fee
6. Security Professional Education Development
The Security Professional Education Development (SPēD) certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills for distinct security responsibilities and disciplines. This lets employers know that someone is an expert in concepts, facts and principles that the Department of Defense (DOD) recognizes as critical for performing key functions in security. After passing the SPēD certification exam, individuals receive a digital badge, which they can share on social media. Requirements to earn the SPēD certification include:
Be a DOD professional or a federal employee or contractor
Work for an agency that is part of the DOD component participating in the SPēD certification program
7. Professional Certified Investigator
The Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) title, offered through ASIS International, showcases a participant’s specialized skills in security investigations. Using a 125 multiple-choice exam, it reviews someone’s ability to evaluate cases, choose case management strategies and collect information through surveillance and interrogations. Requirements to earn the PCI certification include:
Gain at least three to five years of investigation experience, depending on your level of education
Gain at least two years of case management experience
Be free of criminal offenses
Sign and agree to abide by the ASIS code of conduct and policies
Pay the $485 nonmember fee or $335 ASIS member fee for the exam
8. Associate Protection Professional
Designed by ASIS International, the Associate Protection Professional (APP) certification helps prepare physical security professionals for management roles. Upon completion of this certification, individuals can showcase their expertise in security fundamentals, risk management, business operations and response management. Requirements to earn the APP certification include:
Gain at least one year of professional experience in security management for those with a master’s degree, two years for those with a bachelor’s degree or three years for those with no higher education
Pay a $350 nonmember exam fee or a $200 ASIS member exam fee
Job outlook for physical security professionals
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the job outlook for security guards, a common position in physical security, may increase by 15% between 2020 and 2030. This is almost double the average growth rate for all other occupations. The BLS credits this job growth to the continual need to protect properties and people from crime and vandalism.
Career options in physical security
The following are some career options in the physical security field:
Security Officer
Loss prevention officer
Security supervisor
Public safety officer
Security specialist
Head of Physical Security
I hope you find this article helpful.
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