New ASIS PSP Cert Rates Physical Security Expertise

Physical security professional (PSP) certification rates knowledge of physical security assessment, integrated physical security measures and implementation of physical security measures.

By Kathleen Carr

May 01, 2003 — CSO — When it comes to physical security, ASIS is flexing its muscle. Shortly after 9/11, ASIS International witnessed a deluge of organizations offering certifications or training for various levels of security expertise. ASIS couldn't attest to the validity of those certifications, so it decided to devise its own.

The ASIS Professional Certification Board constructed a test, called the physical security professional, or PSP, certification. Comprising 15 security professionals with expertise in all aspects of security, the ASIS board worked with the Professional Examination Service, a testing company. The exam took two years to write and test, and the organization will add new questions every year to keep the exam current. The multiple-choice test questions are 41 percent physical security assessment (asset valuation, threat assessment and risk analysis), 24 percent integrated physical security measures (identifying and applying security measures, cost analysis, and documenting recommendations for facility planning), and 35 percent implementation of physical security measures (procuring and implementing solutions, and monitoring and evaluation procedures).

The PSP certification exam will be offered for the first time on July 19 in Anaheim, Calif., and Washington, D.C. The exam is intended to measure a security practitioner's experience in physical security. Umbrella certifications such as the CPP also include physical security components, but only as one of many subtopics. Dan Kropp, the 2003 president of ASIS, does not suggest that all security professionals get the PSP certification, but he does recommend it for those who design and install security systems. The test plumbs an individual's knowledge of what it takes to secure a facility. Eligibility requirements include five years of physical security experience, a high school diploma and a clean criminal record.

CSOs should consider their security responsibilities and the needs of their organizations when deciding whether the PSP is right for them.

Read more about security career/staffing in CSOonline's Security Career/Staffing section.

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