ASIS Exams

ASIS International and Security Management

ASIS International was founded in 1955 and has grown into the world's largest membership organization for security management professionals, with over 34,000 members across more than 168 countries. Originally named the American Society for Industrial Security, the organization dropped its full name in 2002 to reflect its global scope. ASIS develops standards, guidelines, and educational resources that define professional practice across the security management discipline. Its board certifications have become the primary benchmark for demonstrating competency in security management roles worldwide.

Security management as a discipline spans physical security, personnel protection, crisis and emergency response, investigations, information security governance, and enterprise-wide risk management. ASIS certifications are recognized by employers in corporate security, government contracting, law enforcement, healthcare, financial services, and critical infrastructure protection, and appear frequently as preferred or required qualifications in senior security management job postings.

Certification Structure

ASIS offers three board certifications, each targeting a different level of experience and area of professional practice. All certifications require verified work experience, a proctored multiple-choice examination, and ongoing continuing professional education to maintain active status.

Associate Protection Professional (APP)

The Associate Protection Professional (APP) is designed as the entry point for individuals starting or transitioning into a security management career. Only one year of qualifying experience is required, making the APP accessible to recent graduates and career changers. The exam covers four domains: security fundamentals, risk management, business operations, and response management. The APP signals to hiring managers that a candidate has foundational security knowledge and is committed to professional development in the field.

Physical Security Professional (PSP)

The Physical Security Professional (PSP) validates specialized expertise in physical security systems and countermeasures. The exam covers physical security assessments, the design and integration of systems including access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection, and the implementation of physical security measures. Candidates must have between three and five years of experience in the physical security field. The PSP is widely sought in facilities management, security system integration, government facility protection, and critical infrastructure roles.

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) is widely considered the gold standard credential in security management. Earning the CPP requires a minimum of five years of security management experience, including three years in a role with direct responsibility for security operations. The exam consists of 200 scored questions across seven broad domains covering security operations, investigations, personnel security, physical security, information security, crisis management, and legal and regulatory considerations. For directors of corporate security and senior security executives, the CPP is the most widely recognized indicator of comprehensive professional mastery.

Career Value

ASIS survey data consistently shows that certified security professionals earn significantly higher salaries than non-certified peers in comparable roles. ASIS credentials also carry weight with procurement teams who evaluate security vendors and contractors, making them valuable for both employed professionals and independent consultants. The CPP in particular is frequently referenced in government contract requirements and regulated industry procurement specifications.