Physical Security Professional - Bok
Physical Security Professional - Bok
Physical Security Professional - Bok
To be awarded the PSP designation, a candidate must pass a comprehensive examination consisting of approximately 140 multiple-
choice questions. The candidate will select one answer from the four choices offered. In total, there are 125 “live,” scoreable
questions and up to 15 pre-test questions. Knowledge in three major areas (domains) is tested.
The importance of each domain, and the tasks, knowledge, and skills within it, determine the specifications of the PSP examination.
The relative order of importance of the domains determines the percentage of total exam questions.
In 2022, ASIS conducted a job analysis study to ensure the PSP Body of Knowledge still represents the knowledge and skills needed
to be a successful physical security manager. Only minor changes were made and noted below in green (these minor changes were
made by the subject matter experts for better clarity). Exam questions regarding these updates will start to appear on the exam in
late 2023.
DOMAIN ONE
Physical Security Assessment (34%)
Task 2: Identify assets to determine their value, critically, and loss impact.
Knowledge of:
1. Definitions and terminology related to assets, value, loss impact, and criticality
2. The nature and types of assets (tangible and intangible)
3. How to determine value for various types of assets and business operations
Task 3: Assess the nature of the threats and hazards so that the risk can be determined.
Knowledge of:
1. The nature, types, severity, and likelihood of threats and hazards (e.g., natural disasters, cyber, criminal events, terrorism,
socio-political, cultural)
2. Operating environment (e.g., geography, socioeconomic environment, criminal activity, existing security countermeasures,
security risk level)
3. Potential impact of external organizations (e.g., competitors, organizations in immediate proximity) on facility's security
program
4. Other internal and external factors (e.g., legal, loss of reputation, economic, supply chain) and their impact on the facility's
security program
DOMAIN TWO
Application, Design, and Integration of Physical Security Systems [35%]
DOMAIN THREE
Implementation of Physical Security Measures [31%]
Task 4: Develop requirements for personnel involved in support of the security program.
Knowledge of:
1. Roles, responsibilities, and limitations of security personnel (including proprietary [in-house] and contract security staff)
2. Human resource management (e.g., establishing KPIs, performance review, improvement processes, recruiting, onboarding,
progressive discipline)
1. Security personnel professional development (e.g., training, certification)
2. General, post, and special orders
3. Security personnel uniforms and equipment
4. Security awareness training and education for non-security personnel
Task 5: Monitor and evaluate program throughout the system life cycle.
Knowledge of:
1. Maintenance of systems and hardware (e.g., preventative, corrective, upgrades, calibration, service agreements)
2. Warranty types (e.g., manufacturer, installation, replacement parts, extended)
3. Ongoing system training (e.g., system upgrades, manufacturer’s certification)
4. System evaluation and replacement process