Physical Security Professional (PSP) Practice Exam
Physical Security Professional (PSP) Practice Exam
About Physical Security Professional (PSP) Exam
The Physical Security Professional (PSP®) certification is a prestigious credential that validates your mastery of physical security assessments, designs, applications, implementations, and integrations. By earning the PSP, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to stay ahead of emerging physical security threats, ensuring the safety and security of your organization.
What you will Learn?
The PSP® certification demonstrates your proficiency in all aspects of physical security. You’ll gain expertise in areas like:
- Conducting thorough physical security assessments
- Designing and implementing effective security systems
- Integrating various security technologies and solutions
- Applying best practices to protect facilities, people, and assets
Eligibility Requirements
The PSP® certification is tailored for individuals with practical experience in physical security. To qualify, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: Three to five years of relevant experience in the physical security field.
- Full-time Security Employment: You must be employed in a full-time security-related role.
- Criminal Record: Applicants must not have been convicted of any criminal offense that could negatively affect the security profession or the reputation of ASIS and its certification program.
- Code of Conduct: A commitment to sign and adhere to the ASIS Certification Code of Conduct.
- Certification Policies: Agreement to abide by the policies outlined in the ASIS Certification Handbook.
Why Choose the PSP® Designation?
The PSP® certification isn’t just a credential – it’s a powerful asset for your career. Here’s why you should consider earning this prestigious designation:
- Validate Your Expertise: Showcase your specialized knowledge in physical security to employers and industry peers.
- Global Recognition: The PSP® is respected worldwide, providing industry recognition that sets you apart in a global market.
- Competitive Advantage: Stand out in a competitive job market with a certification that demonstrates your expertise in physical security.
- Career Advancement: Boost your career prospects, enhance your earning potential, and unlock new opportunities.
- Personal Satisfaction: Achieve a sense of professional accomplishment and satisfaction by earning a credential that reflects your commitment to excellence in security.
PSP Certification Exam Details
Total Number of Questions: The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Exam Duration: You will have 3 hours to complete the exam.
- Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions with a single correct answer from the provided options.
- Questions are based on four key domains of physical security: Physical Security Assessment, Security System Design, Implementation of Security Systems
- Integration and Application of Physical Security Systems
- Passing Score: To pass the PSP® exam, you need to achieve a minimum score of 700 out of 1,000.
- Exam Delivery: The exam is administered through Pearson VUE and can be taken at Pearson VUE test centers or remotely via online proctoring.
- Languages Available: The PSP® exam is available in English.
Course Outline
The Physical Security Professional (PSP) Exam covers the following topics -
Domain I - Physical Security Assessment (34%)
1.1: Develop a Plan for Physical Security Assessment
- Identifying critical assets or key areas.
- Understanding various risk assessment models (e.g., inside-outward, outside-inward, site-specific risk analysis, functional approach).
- Applying qualitative and quantitative assessment methods.
- Identifying resources and guidelines necessary for assessments, including stakeholders, budgets, equipment, policies, and standards.
1.2: Evaluate and Determine Asset Value, Criticality, and Loss Impact
- Definitions and terminology related to assets, their value, loss impacts, and criticality.
- Understanding the types of assets (tangible and intangible).
- Methods for determining asset value across various operations.
1.3: Analyze Threats and Hazards to Determine Risk
- Types, severity, and likelihood of potential threats (e.g., natural disasters, cyber threats, criminal activities).
- The influence of the operating environment (e.g., geography, socioeconomics, crime levels, security countermeasures).
- The impact of external entities like competitors or neighboring organizations.
- Internal and external factors, such as legal concerns, reputational risks, economic impacts, and supply chain issues.
1.4: Conduct Vulnerability Assessments
- Data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, interviews, incident reports, benchmarking).
- Evaluating current security systems, personnel, and procedures.
- Reviewing building plans, drawings, and schematics.
- Understanding applicable standards, codes, and environmental factors affecting security.
1.5: Perform Risk Analysis to Identify Countermeasures
- Strategies and principles for risk analysis and management.
- Data analysis to interpret threats, vulnerabilities, and losses.
- Developing and evaluating countermeasures.
- Conducting cost-benefit analyses and addressing legal/regulatory considerations.
Domain II - Application, Design, and Integration of Physical Security Systems (35%)
2.1: Define Security Program Performance Requirements
- Design constraints like budget, regulations, and compatibility.
- Incorporating risk analysis results into system design.
- Understanding security concepts (e.g., CPTED, defense-in-depth, 4 Ds).
- Defining operational and functional requirements, performance metrics, and success indicators.
2.2: Select Appropriate Physical Security Countermeasures
- Structural measures (e.g., barriers, lighting, locks).
- Application of CPTED principles.
- Using electronic systems like access control and video surveillance.
- Personnel screening, emergency notifications, and network infrastructure security.
- Monitoring systems and power source considerations.
2.3: Design Physical Security Systems and Document Projects
- Phases of design (e.g., pre-design, schematic, construction).
- Project management, cost estimation, and integration of systems.
- Developing project documentation, including specifications and standards.
Domain III - Implementation of Physical Security Measures (31%)
3.1: Develop Pre-Bid Meeting Criteria
- Bid processes and types (e.g., RFP, RFQ, IFB).
- Evaluating bids based on costs, scheduling, and technical compliance.
- Ethical considerations in contracting.
3.2: Create a Procurement Plan for Goods and Services
- Evaluating vendors through due diligence and references.
- Managing procurement processes and aligning them with project management principles.
3.3: Oversee Implementation of Goods and Services
- Installation techniques, system integration, and commissioning.
- Managing configurations and conducting acceptance testing.
- Training end-users on new systems.
3.4: Define Requirements for Security Personnel
- Roles and responsibilities of security staff (proprietary and contracted).
- Human resource management, performance evaluations, and training.
- Policies for uniforms, equipment, and awareness training.
3.5: Monitor and Evaluate the Program Throughout its Lifecycle
- System maintenance, upgrades, and calibration.
- Warranty and service agreements.
- Evaluating systems for replacement and ongoing training for system updates.
