So, you’re thinking about getting the CPP certification from ASIS International. You’ve probably heard it’s the top choice for security experts, or maybe you’re looking to level up your career. Whatever the case, it’s a significant choice, and I’m here to simplify it for you without any nonsense.
What Exactly Is the CPP Certification, and Why Should You Care?
The CPP certification is basically a badge of honor for folks in security management. It’s provided by ASIS International, which has more than 34,000 security pros worldwide. This certification shows you really know your stuff in eight important areas, including physical security, investigations, and risk management.
Why should you care then? To begin, it’s known all over the world. The CPP Certification is something that many companies say you “must have” or “preferred” in their job postings. It can help you get better jobs, make more money, or even find new chances at the company you already work for. Plus, there are only about 5,500 CPPs, so you’re one of a very small group.
Are You Eligible to Even Apply for the CPP?
But before you get too excited, make sure you can do it. ASIS is serious about their rules and doesn’t mess around. You must have at least seven years of experience in security, with at least three of those years spent as a boss. You can cut the time needed by a couple of years if you have a degree, but you still need to have a lot of experience. If you have military or police training, it might help, but you’ll have to show how it applies.
ASIS looks over your application very carefully. They will look at the information you give them about your job duties to see if you meet the requirements. Some people get caught up because they don’t have enough “security management” knowledge. What do I suggest? The exact requirements can be found on the ASIS website. You could also contact your local ASIS group to get more information before you pay the $300 application fee.
How Much Time and Money Are We Talking About?
Getting the CPP Certification isn’t a budget-friendly or speedy process. You’ll start with an application fee of about $300 if you’re an ASIS member, and even more if you’re not. Then, there’s the cost of study materials. The POA books are essential and will cost you around $450 including shipping. You might also consider the ASIS Standards and Guidelines, which are free for members, or a study manual that ranges from $100 to $150.
Typically, folks take about 3 to 6 months to prepare. The exam includes eight areas, and the POA section is almost 2,000 pages long. I came across a pro who aced it in just six weeks, but they had a solid security background and read 100 pages daily. If you’re not as strong in topics like investigations or info security, make sure to allocate more time for those.
Oh, and the exam? It’s a long 4-hour challenge with 225 questions. Only 200 are actually scored, but you won’t have a clue which ones they are. The pass rate is roughly 45-50%, so make sure you study hard. The silver lining is that you can take it from home now, but don’t think it’ll be a breeze.
What’s the Best Way to Prep for the CPP Exam?
The POA books are like your go-to guide, but don’t get caught up in memorizing everything—it’s a pitfall. Instead, aim to grasp the concepts, especially in topics you’re not as confident in. One security expert revealed that they nailed the exam by honing in on their weak area (investigations) and hardly touching on physical security, where they already excelled.
ASIS has around 900 free CPP Certification flashcards available, and you can also check out more on Amazon or Udemy. Make sure to go over them a couple of times and mark important ideas in your textbooks. Joining a study group via your local ASIS chapter or LinkedIn can really help keep your spirits up. If you can afford it, a 2-day ASIS review course ($325-$550) or a boot camp could be beneficial, but they’re not essential.
Schedule your exam date ahead of time. Setting a deadline keeps you focused. I heard about this guy who booked his test right after getting the green light, studied for four months, and scored 729 out of 800.
Will the CPP Certification Really Pay Off?
So, is it really worth it? Yes, It is. The CPP Certification can really boost your resume, especially if you’re aiming for management positions. Some companies even throw in pay raises or bonuses for certified workers, like one Reddit user who got a 20% raise and a $500 bonus. Plus, it shows you’re committed to your career, which can really wow your bosses and clients.
If your job doesn’t care about certifications and your clients aren’t into fresh ideas, getting the CPP Certification might not make a big difference. It’s not super helpful if you’re in a specialized role, like contract security, where following orders is key. Think about it: does my career benefit from having advanced credentials? If you’re shooting for a top leadership role or a corporate security position, the answer is typically yes.