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Go Ahead, Take the ISP Certification Exam

Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Certification is growing in popularity. According to the Society of Industrial Security Professionals (NCMS), the number of ISP Certified members is increasing rapidly. That's great news for those in industrial security as we are now moving toward more credibility. This growth may be due to the recent ramping up of the program and emphasis placed by local level NCMS chapters. Also, as more people become certified, others maybe viewing their success as motivation and increasing their own confidence levels.

Seeing more and more peers meeting the qualifications and passing the exam may make it more of an attainable goal.

The test is not easy and neither are the qualifications to take the exam. Those with over five years of experience protecting classified information are eligible to take the exam. There are other qualifications and a visit to NCMS's ISP Certification website will provide all the information one needs about the program. NCMS also hosts a study course to help prepare candidates for the exam.

Why certify? Professionalism, respect of peers and a sense of pride for the individual and the company they represent. Certification demonstrates a willingness to grow and commit to the career. Studying for the ISP Certification exam is not to be taken lightly. Those who protect classified information are probably doing a great job protecting sensitive information in their cleared contractor facilities. However, passing the certification requires broader learning and experience.

Where a defense contractor may only maintain personnel clearances (PCL) and have approval for a non-possessing facility clearance (FCL), the test encompasses the entire National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and related forms and regulations.

For example, XYZ Contracting is a non-possessing facility and all classified work is performed at a Government location. The FSO's day to day operations focuses on ensuring employees' PCLs are up to date. In this situation they do not have experience with receiving and storing classified information, dissemination, classified processing on information systems, foreign ownership, control and Influence (FOCI), International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and many other areas addressed in the NISPOM. They may be lacking the skills and know how to perform these functions.

However, there is hope. A good understanding of NISPOM can help. The good news is that the test does not require an acute knowledge of regulations, just the ability to find the answers to questions. A person well versed in how to find answers to security scenarios in the NISPOM can pass the test. Study groups and opportunities are available from NCMS, vendors and contractors. NCMS has a mentorship program offering a study group with a proven track record. There are also several companies offering training that can help students pass the exam. Additionally, the ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual; Or How to Study for and Pass the ISP Certification Exam is available at Redbikepublishing.com or Amazon.com as a terrific supplement to any study program. NCMS has recently announce a plan to increased its study group fee to $50.00 for members and $100.00 for non members. Other programs range from a few hundred to several hundred dollars. So far, Red Bike Publishing's book is the best priced and already has a proven track record.

Whatever study method or combination of study methods you use, make a plan to take the certification. Your career and professional growth may depend on it.



Those Security Reminders



Magnets are available
at Red Bike Publishing



Sometimes no matter how careful we are, we forget. It's not in our nature to multitask so much that we aren't aware of our surroundings, but we've been conditioned to do more with less. Work is frequently interrupted by phone calls, impromptu meetings, or overcome by events as coworkers and email compete for our time. We are doing more busy work, but may not be learning skills necessary to keep our focus.

Security specialists, compliance officers, FSOs and others in positions of responsibility are depended upon to keep situational awareness. Items and information of national security importance must be safeguarded to the standards of the National Industrial Security Program. This includes proper markings, storage, and protection when hand carrying, mailing or otherwise transmitting from one cleared facility to another.

Some FSOs can attest to keeping guardian intense focus on classified information. However cleared employees who perform the actual contract work may not always maintain the laser focus. The interruptions mentioned earlier can compete for their attention and possibly cause them to temporarily forget they are in possession of sensitive information or to spin the combination or shut the GSA approved security container.

When such incidents occur, investigations, security awareness training and after action reports can help to change behavior and improve the security environment. Also helpful are reminders that classified information is unsecure. These can be door hangers, desk tents, combination reminders and OPEN/CLOSED security container or safe magnets.

Door hangers can be put on inside of doors to remind room occupants that they are in possession of classified information. If an interruption occurs, the cleared employees are reminded before they leave the area that classified is out. Desk tents work the same way. Additionally, door hangers can be placed outside of a door to notify other employees not to enter a room where sensitive work is being conducted.

Combination reminder magnets help prevent violations by helping authorized users remember words that relate to a combination. Additionally, OPEN/CLOSED safe or security container magnets remind employees that the safe may be unsecured. A blazing red 2 x 6 inch magnet will do the job.

While the FSO is focused on developing programs to protect classified items, cleared employees may need reminders. Simple things can help maintain the right amount of awareness and prevent security violations.

Red Bike Publishing

We now have OPEN/CLOSED and Combination Reminder safe magnets exclusively @
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Books — Red Bike Publishing

If you are studying for ISP Certification or are just interested in becoming a more informed FSO or security specialist, check out our books.
Books — Red Bike Publishing