Download the APP Action Guide
As you work toward your APP certification, ASIS resources can help guide you through each step of the process and set you up for success before, during, and after your exam. Use this quick-reference guide to review the steps you’ll need to take to earn your APP certification.
Take the next step and apply for your APP Certification.
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. *Note: Does not currently include APP certification.
Becoming an Associate Protection Professional (APP)
Why Apply for the APP?
ASIS developed this certification program to provide the first “rung” on the security manager’s career ladder. It is intended for those with one to four years of security management experience. Earning the APP will show your colleagues and supervisor that you have mastered the four domains of this APP:
- Security Fundamentals
- Business Operations
- Risk Management
- Response Management
What's on the Exam?
The APP examination consists of 100 scored multiple-choice questions and may also contain 25 randomly distributed pre-test (unscored) questions for a total of up to 125 questions. The exam is 2 hours long and takes into consideration the review of pre-test items.
The exam covers tasks, knowledge, and skills in four primary domains that have been identified by experienced security professionals as required areas of competency in this field.
Fees
ASIS members: $280
- Emerging Market 1: $250
- Emerging Market 2: $240
Nonmembers: $585
- Emerging Market 1: $475
- Emerging Market 2: $455
Retake Fees
CPP, PCI, PSP
ASIS Members and Nonmembers: $455
- Emerging Market 1: $340
- Emerging Market 2: $315
APP
ASIS Members and Nonmembers: $300
- Emerging Market 1: $225
- Emerging Market 2: $210
Eligibility
| Security Management Experience* | Education |
|---|---|
| One year | Master’s degree (or international equivalent) |
| Two years | Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) |
| Three years | No higher education degree |
*Security Management experience is defined as the individual having been personally engaged in security or loss prevention on a full-time basis, or as a primary duty. Included is:
-
Experience as a security professional in the protection of assets, in the public or private sector, criminal justice system, government intelligence, or investigative agencies.
-
Experience with companies, associations, government, or other organizations providing services or products, including consulting firms, provided the duties and responsibilities substantively relate to the design, evaluation, and application of systems, programs, or equipment, or development and operation of services, for protection of assets in the private or public sectors.
-
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 management and operation of protection of assets programs in the public or private sectors.
The chart below shows how the eligibility requirements would be altered for those holding the new APP designation.
| CPP | With Masters | With Bachelors | No Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Experience Requirements | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years |
| With an APP | 4 years | 5 years | 6 years |
| PCI | With Masters | With Bachelors | No Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Experience Requirements | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years |
| With an APP | 3 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| PSP | With Masters | With Bachelors | No Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Experience Requirements | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years |
| With an APP | 3 years | 3 years | 4 years |
- Other eligibility requirements for the CPP, PCI or PSP still need to be met (e.g., responsible charge or case management)
- The APP designation would be expired if candidate obtains the CPP (you cannot hold both designations at the same time)
- Those who are already PCI- and/or PSP-certified will be eligible to take the APP exam (provided they meet the requirements of the individual program)
- CPPs will not be permitted to take the APP exam
Preparing for the APP Exam
Reference Materials
The publications listed below comprise the recommended APP reference materials, which include five Standards and three volumes from the ASIS Protection of Assets. 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.
ASIS offers the following individually or in bundles.
Five Standards
- Physical Asset Protection Standard Softcover | eBook
- Security and Resilience in Organizations and their Supply Chains - Requirements with Guidance Softcover | eBook
- Investigations Softcover | eBook
- Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention Standard Softcover | eBook
- Risk Assessment Softcover | eBook
Protection of Assets Volumes
- Protection of Assets: Security Management Softcover | eBook
- Protection of Assets: Crisis Management Softcover | eBook
- Protection of Assets: Business Principles Softcover | eBook
ASIS offers three pricing bundles for the APP:
- Protection of Assets Bundle for the APP Certification Softcover | eBook
- APP Complete Reference Set Softcover | eBook
Study Resources
ASIS offers certification review courses to help you study for your exam:
The APP Study Manual explores the four domains of the APP and their associated tasks, explains key concepts and terms, and presents information about studying for the exam.
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!
Manage My Certification
The online ASIS certification portal provides a user-friendly experience for both exam applicants and those recertifying.
ASIS members and those who have applied for or taken an ASIS certification exam, already have a login to the portal. Those new to ASIS should follow the prompts to set up your account.
IMPORTANT: Please click the Calculate Hours button before adding new CPE credits in order to ensure your CPE total hours are correct.
