Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Credential: Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Credentialing Agency: Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE)
Renewal Period: 2 years
The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE), Physical Security Certification (PSC) is a part of Department of Defense's (DoD) Security Professional Education Development (SPeD) Certification Program. PSC is ideal for DoD, Industry, and federal members performing physical security functions. PSC assesses foundational knowledge in the following areas of expertise: physical security concepts; physical security standards; standards, countermeasures, and planning; and physical security planning and implementation. Candidates must be a DoD personnel or a federal employee or contractor assigned to a security position to be eligible for the exam. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 2 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE)
938 Elkridge Landing Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Phone: (410) 865-3232
Contact Page
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Physical Security Certification (PSC) credential has the following other requirements:
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Candidate must be a DoD personnel or a federal employee or contractor assigned to a security position.
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Candidate must obtain authorization from his/her employing Component or agency to participate in the SPeD Certifcation Program.
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Candidate must be an employee in “good standing” by having his/her DoD employment status or affiliation confirmed by Component’s SPeD Certification Program Management Office (PMO) Point of Contact (POC).
Written Exam
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Physical Security Concepts (22%)
- Physical Security Concepts
- Facility Access Control
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Physical Security Standards (24%)
- Physical Security Standards for Storage of Classified Information
- Physical Security Standards for Special Assets/Resources
- Physical Security Standards for Sensitive Conventional Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives
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Standards, Countermeasures, and Planning (41%)
- Protective Barriers
- Key, Combination, and Lock Control
- Security Systems Devices
- Site Lighting
- Site Design Strategies
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Physical Security Planning and Implementation (13%)
- Physical Security Planning and Plan Implementation
- Emergency Management/Emergency Response
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Physical Security Certification (PSC) examination:
- Best Sources
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Physical Security Certification (PSC) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) testing process, visit the agency website.
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Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
Pearson VUE
The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
RECERTIFICATION
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Renewal Period: 2 years