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NCMS Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Program
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The NCMS is proud to have its own Professional Certification Program. The Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Program is the result of a three-year effort by the Education & Training Committee, chaired by James Hickok, PhD., and is providing a new professional certification to qualified candidates who work within the U.S. National Industrial Security Program (NISP). This program is open to both NCMS members and non- members.

Requirements for Certification:

  • Candidates must have at least five years experience in the security field;
  • Candidates must be working in security at least part-time as part of their job description (normally a minimum of 10% of total hours worked);
  • A written recommendation from candidate's supervisor. If candidate does not have a supervisor, a member of the NCMS Board of Directors may be contacted to provide a recommendation;
  • A score of at least 75% on the ISP written examination;
  • DOE Candidates also have the option to substitute for the written test the successful completion of the DOE Professional Enhancement Program in at least one security track from INFOSEC; PERSEC; PHYSEC; or Program, Planning, and Management;
  • A completed application, along with payment in full, must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the scheduled test date. There will be no exceptions.
  • ISPs will need to be re-certified every three years in order to maintain ISP status.


Testing

  • Proctored test sessions will be held each year in conjunction with NCMS' Annual Training Seminar. The next one is scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2006 in Atlanta, GA. Additional proctored test sessions can be set up at the chapter level upon request. If a chapter would like to schedule a test session, please contact Sharon Tannahill at 610-971-4856.
  • Candidates who would like to sit for a proctored test must send in a completed application, along with all collateral materials, no later than 30 days prior to the test date.
  • Candidates will be notified of their acceptance or on-acceptance via mail at least two weeks prior to the test date.

Cost

  • $200 for NCMS members.
  • $300 for non-members.
  • $75 (Member rate) for recertification (every three years)
  • $90 (Non-Member rate) for recertification (every three years)
NCMS Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION: How can I sell the importance and significance of the ISP program to upper management?

ANSWER: (1) The ISP program provides a high-level baseline for the knowledge required of an Industrial Security FSO with 5-years experience; (2) it certifies that the holder of the ISP has the requisite knowledge of the NISPOM and other related directives used by the average FSO on a daily basis; (3) it demonstrates on the part of the ISP a degree of professionalism and willingness to go the extra yard to develop professionally; (4) it demonstrates a certain degree of confidence and willingness to take a risk (of flunking the certification exam in this case); (5) it implies that the ISP has the academic and intellectual skills to not only perform as an FSO but also to develop further as a security professional; (6) it puts a company that has ISP's on their staff in a stronger position for contract bids and rebids in the area of security; and (7) it provides a FSO with an ISP added credibility when dealing with DSS representatives.

QUESTION: How many certified ISP's are there currently? What is overall pass/fail rate to date?

ANSWER: As of July 2005, we have 70 ISP's. The pass rate is approximately 78%. According to the experts, a 20% fail rate is normal for a certification examination, so our test is on the "hard" side.

QUESTION: If I pass the test and become an ISP, is there anything presented to us to reflect this? Are there any protcols on use of the ISP in title and/or on business cards?

ANSWER: Yes, upon becoming an ISP, you are presented with a certificate for framing and an ISP pin. As of July 2005, the certificates are being re-designed, so you will receive an initial certificate to begin with, and a new one when they are ready. Regarding use of the ISP, you can use the ISP at the end of your name, followed by a comma. If you have any other certifications or honors, you can put the ISP in the order you consider it to fall -- from first to last in order of importance.

QUESTION: For those of use who are relatively new to this role, is it possible to get a list of suggested courses or training to complete? For some of us "newbies", it would be nice if there was a list or some guidance on how to work towards taking the test.

ANSWER: If you are a DoD contractor, we have created a web page with a complete list of references to assist in your preparation. The web page includes information on DoD-sponsored courses as well as information about the ISP exam Preparation Program that will begin January 2006. That link is at www.classmgmt.com/ISP_Certification_Program/refernces.htm. If you are a DoD contractor, taking the NNSI/CTA courses should help. Above all, learning the NISPOM and gaining experience in the field are the best methods to achieve your ISP certification.

QUESTION: Will reference material be available at the test sites?

ANSWER: No, candidates are responsible for bringing their own references materials to the test. They can, however, bring their reference materials to the session via a laptop.

 

Updated October 10, 2006

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