Recently, the organizers of the NCMS (Industrial Security Professionals Society) National Seminar announced the incredible news that a record number of security professionals have taken and passed the Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Certification Exam. Their diligence and planned study has successfully led them to the distinguished title of Industrial Safety Professional. Congratulations to all the new ISPs; well deserved and we wish him continued success.
We would like to encourage those who have not taken the test to develop a plan and take the test. According to recent testimonials, ISP-certified individuals reported receiving promotions, raises, and respect almost immediately. You can view these comments on the NCMS website. Additionally, resumes posted on the site now require candidates to have the ISP designation.
According to the NCMS website, there are some minimum requirements that prospective candidates must meet before applying for the ISP certification exam. Those who meet these requirements have a better chance of passing the certification exam. Test candidates must have at least five years of experience in industrial security, work in security at least part-time as part of their job description, and a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. If they do not have a supervisor, they can contact an NCMS chapter president for further guidance.
Five years of experience in Industrial Security; working at least part time in security
You wouldn’t want to attempt this test without this level of experience. The test is designed to verify the assessor’s knowledge of NISPOM and how to protect classified information at the contractor’s licensed facilities. Those who have five years of experience have likely practiced the skills necessary to take the test.
This requirement translates into the protection of classified information according to NISPOM. This opens the door for engineers, program administrators, security monitors, and others who have spent considerable time working with and protecting classified information. There are exceptions to the part of industrial security. For example, if you have protected classified information in any capacity, you may be eligible. Before I took my ISP Certification exam, I only had my background in government security. Although it was not a NISPOM-based experience, I applied for and received approval from NCMS.
Do not confuse experience with the need to study.
Fortunately, the ISP certification exam is an open book test from NISPOM. No one is expected to know every word of NISPOM, just how to find the right answers. The exam consists of 110 questions with 100 of the questions related to NISPOM and the rest in an elective area. Even with five years of experience, potential candidates must develop a curriculum. Some recommendations include: joining the NCMS study group, creating a local study group, and practicing how to quickly search for NISPOM. 110 questions in two hours goes fast, so practice often.
Some practical ways to prepare
Schedule a test date: You have one year once you schedule to take the exam online. Setting the date is the hardest part. But the ticking of the clock is sometimes a good motivator
Participate in safety inspections; this helps you become familiar with possibly new areas of NISPOM.
Practice other industry security disciplines: If you work in a large organization, expose yourself to other NISPOM security disciplines. For example, if you work in personnel security, learn a few things about document control.
Familiarize yourself with the NISPOM structure: review the table of contents and familiarize yourself with the chapters. It is easier to search for training requirements when you know that training is in Chapter 3. Searching a few pages in Chapter 3 is easier than searching the entire NISPOM.
In conclusion, register for the exam, set a date and start a study program.
You can find study recommendations, practice questions, and NISPOM links on our website.