Physical Security Professional (PSP)

Physical Security
Professional (PSP)

BECOMING A PHYSICAL SECURITY
PROFESSIONAL (PSP)

Why Apply for the PSP?

The Physical Security Professional (PSPⓇ) credential demonstrates your knowledge in physical security assessments, application, design, and integration of physical security systems, and implementation of security measures.

What's in the Exam?

The PSP exam consists of 125 scored multiple-choice questions and may also contain 15 randomly distributed pre-test (unscored) questions for a total of up to 140 questions. The 2.5 hours allowed takes into consideration review of pre-test items.

The exam covers tasks, knowledge, and skills in three broad domains that have been identified by PSPs as the major areas involved in physical security management.

Eligibility

Three (3) to five (5) years of physical security* experience depending on education level.

AND

Have been employed full-time in a security-related role
Not have been convicted of any criminal offense that would reflect negatively on the security profession, ASIS, or the certification program
Sign and agree to abide by the ASIS Certification Code of Conduct
Agree to abide by the policies of the ASIS Certification programs as outlined in the Certification Handbook.

*Definitions for these terms can be found in the Certification Handbook.

Getting Started

Certification Handbook

Review all the policies and procedures you’ll need to follow to apply, study, and sit for each exam, including familiarizing yourself with the exam contents for each program.

Self-Assessment Guide

Assess your readiness for each of the certification programs. Use this tool to help you decide which exam is right for you and to set your study plans.

PREPARING FOR THE CPP EXAM

Reference Material

We encourage candidates to refer to the below reference materials as you prepare for the PSP certification exam. Our item writers and reviewers use these same materials to reference the correct answers on our exams. Remember: the ASIS exams are experienced-based; therefore, you will need to apply your own experience to help you answer the questions correctly. Please don’t attempt to memorize these reference sets.

Protection of Assets: Physical Security

Physical Security Principles

Implementing Physical Protection Systems: A Practical Guide, 2nd Ed

PSP Reference Set (POA: Physical Security, Implementing Physical Protection Systems, Physical Asset Protection Standard, Business Continuity Management Guideline)

ASIS Business Continuity Guideline: A Practical Approach

ASIS Physical Asset Protection Standard

PSP Practice Exam

The PSP practice exam contains items that once appeared on the actual certification exams but are now retired. Use the practice exam to familiarize yourself with how exam items will appear on the current exam(s).

Study Resources

ASIS offers certification review courses to help you study for your exam:

The PSP Study Guide provides an overview of physical security, plus an outline of the recommended reference material.

Flash Cards are a simple, yet comprehensive tool to help you identify key terms, understand critical concepts, and recall facts. Available in print or digital.

Many ASIS Chapters also offer study groups. Contact the ASIS Chapter in your area for more information.

FREE WEBINAR

Reaching Your Career Potential: Why ASIS Certifications Are a Vital Professional Investment
Listen to this free, on-demand webinar to learn more about ASIS certifications. We’ll explain each of these programs—including which program is right for you—how to apply for the exams, study tips, and why employers hire those with these designations. Plus, we’ll give you the answers to our most frequently asked questions to set you up for success!

BECOMING A PHYSICAL SECURITY PROFESSIONAL (PSP)