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Physical Security Professional (PSP)

Take the next step and apply for your PSP Certification.

Apply for PSP

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.

Download the Handbook

Manual de Certificacion

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 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 on 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.

Fees

ASIS members: $550
  • Emerging Market 1: $450
  • Emerging Market 2: $430
Nonmembers: $855
  • Emerging Market 1: $680
  • Emerging Market 2: $645

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

Preparing for the PSP 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
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)
Business Continuity Guideline: A Practical Approach
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).​​

 

TAKING THE EXAM

Study Resources

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

Find a review course

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

Softcover | eBook

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.

Print | 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.

Meet a PSP

"That certification turned my career around. I have the credibility and skills that go beyond 'that security guy.' I am able to speak with clients, present at conferences, and perform my functions with a high level of confidence." – Jay (Chuck) McCormick, PSP

Jay (Chuck) McCormick, PSP, has pursued many facets of security integration and assumed many roles in security management. He says continuous learning, certification, and a great mentor were important factors in his upward career trajectory.

Taking the exam

Ready for exam day?

Get details on taking the exam, including check-in procedures, weather emergencies, and getting your results.

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