World class security programs under the National Industrial
Security Program (NISP) are run by world class Facility Security Officers (FSO)
who continually demonstrate their qualifications. It’s one thing to be good at
your job, know the NISPOM well, be technically efficient and capable of
personally validating security plans. An FSO should be capable of more than just a security clearance pipeline. It’s quite another to become recognized
as a leader, recruit assistance company wide and become recognized for the good
work.
In the second example, your efforts perpetuate themselves as others become
force multipliers and quickly engage and support your mission. One way to
ensure such success is to document your qualifications through professional certification. Of
itself certification is not the answer, but does complete the picture. For
example, there are many leaders in the industrial security community who are
very influential and well respected; their work stands alone. A certification
for them would continue to demonstrate their dedication to the profession,
technical competence and leadership.
When you achieve a professional certification, such as the
Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification, the next step is to
validate both the accomplishment and the certification. In other words, the
stellar FSO can take the opportunity to demonstrate the importance of the
certification and why they chose to pursue the challenge of becoming certified.
Some certifications are required by contract or government regulation such as
the CISSP, while many others like the ISP are added endorsements that help the
recipient stand out. Whether or not the certification is a requirement bearer
can capitalize on many opportunities to elevate their own status as well as that
of the organization they work for.
If you have earned a certification or plan to earn a
professional certification, here are four ways you and your organization can capitalize
on the accomplishment:
1. Send out a press release-News organizations are always
looking for great articles. Newspapers have a mini-section where local industry
can announce accomplishments. Write-ups should include your name, the
organization you work for and the importance of the certification you just
earned. This gives credibility to your hard work and demonstrates your
organization supports the certification.
2. Put the accomplishment under the “News” section of the
corporate website. This lends credibility to the certification, and
demonstrates that your organization values the certification. Be sure to talk
up the certification purpose and how accomplishing the certification is
important to the organization. When you succeed the entire organization wins.
3. Create a plaque or certificate announcing your
accomplishment. “_____ employs Board Certified Industrial Security
Professionals”. Visitors will take away the value of the certification and may
recommend it to their employees. It also may help sway a potential business
partner or customer decision and shows another level of FSO training.
4. Insert language into every proposal that demonstrates the
value of your certification. For example, I always ensured our proposals
include “The FSO is board certified to protect classified information”, or
similar wording. This adds to the appeal, qualification and professionalism of
your organization and its ability to perform on classified contracts. Winning
contracts depends on a defense contractor being capable of protecting
classified information according to the Contract Security Classification
Specification (DD Form 254). The cleared contractor benefits from that when
their security personnel earn the certification. Again, be sure to explain the
certification and why it would enhance a decision to award the contract.
A certification is just another feather in the cap of the
recipient. But without the demonstrated work ethic, capability or effectiveness
it is just a piece of paper. However a certification paired with a capable FSO
is a winning combination. The bearer and the organization can equally benefit
from the achievement. Think of some ways you can demonstrate your competency
and bone fides.
Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing Red Bike Publishing . Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook", "ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual", and NISPOM/FSO Training" See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership, The Ranger Handbook, The Army Physical Readiness Manual, Drill and Ceremonies, The ITAR, and The NISPOM
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