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I'm preparing to take the SPeD exam for another of their certifications. I'm reminded that good study habits and practice tests HELP, prepare for the exam. Study builds confidence and practice questions build endurance. Whether protecting classified information at a cleared defense contractor facility or federal agency, Red Bike Publishing’s Guide to ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional is for you. If you are serious about advancing in your field, get ISP certified. Some are reluctant to take the test, but they just need the confidence earned through practice.

First, to meet minimum test requirements an applicant should have five years experience working in the NISPOM environment. If that’s you, then you are a technical expert and know the business of protecting classified information.

Second, study this book to practice, practice, and practice. It can help you prepare for the test.

Using practice tests to augment your ISP exam preparation will help. This book is the only one featuring four complete test length practice exams available for the ISP Certification. 

It teaches insightful study tips designed to show you how to: form study groups, network, seek out opportunities, learn your way around the NISPOM and includes four exam length practice tests. According to reader comments and emails to the author, many who have bought this book, the ISP Test Tips, and used our techniques to augment their preparation have performed very well on the exam.

Again, this is the most important resource offering the largest volume and most comprehensive study questions available.
Try these questions to see how you do:

1.    All of the following should be documented on the SF86 EXCEPT:
a.            Deceased parents
b.            Deceased father in law
c.             Deceased mother in law
d.            Deceased cousins
e.            All should be reported
2.    How long will the FSO maintain a copy of an employee’s SF 86?
a.            Five years
b.            Ten years
c.             Until clearance is granted or denied 
d.            Until employee terminates employment
e.            180 days
3.    Refresher security training for cleared employees must be completed at least:
a.            Every six months
b.            Annually 
c.             Quarterly
d.            Every three months
e.            Upon discretion of FSO
4.    Central monitoring stations shall be required to:
a.            Indicate whether or not system is working
b.            Have video surveillance
c.             Have remote access to doors
d.            Report hourly to guards
e.            Call periodically during storms

Scroll down for answers




1.    All of the following should be documented on the SF86 EXCEPT:
d.            Deceased cousins

2.    How long will the FSO maintain a copy of an employee’s SF 86?
c.             Until clearance is granted or denied (NISPOM 2-202b)

3.    Refresher security training for cleared employees must be completed at least:
b.            Annually (NISPOM 3-107)

4.    Central monitoring stations shall be required to:
a.            Indicate whether or not system is working(NISPOM 5-902c)




Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing Red Bike Publishing . He regularly consults, presents security training, and recommends export compliance and intellectual property protection countermeasures. He is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. 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".

Initiating the Personnel Security Clearance Investigation

Prior to granting a security clearance, Defense Security Service (DSS) will ensure the proper security clearance background investigation is conducted. Two primary types of investigation included the Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and the National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC).

The SSBI is the most detailed investigation and is used to process TOP SECRET (TS), and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearances. The FSO initiates the security clearance request with DSS through JPAS. The FSO notifies the employee to begin the application by completing the Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) or otherwise known as Standard Form 86 (SF 86) to verify employment. The federal investigator verifies the information by interviewing references, employers or others who have known the subject socially or professionally. The investigator may use names identified on the SF 86 and as discovered during the course of the investigation. To facilitate an efficient investigation, applicants should complete the SF 86 accurately and completely.

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

How Personnel Security Clearances are Granted

The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) processes security clearances for organizations falling under the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). According to Executive Order 12968—Access to Classified Information, employees should not be granted access to classified information unless they possess a security clearance, have a need to know the classified information involved, received an initial security briefing and have signed a nondisclosure agreement.

The Facility SecurityOfficer (FSO) is a position that the defense contractor must appoint during the Facility Clearance (FCL) approval process. The FSO implements a security program to protect classified in information. They also request investigations for employees who require a security clearance. What this means is, all cleared contractors must appoint an FSO. It could be the business owner in a small organization or an employee with an additional duty. The primary qualifications of an FSO are to be a US Citizen and have a PCL at the same level as the FCL. It is possible for an FSO to be the sole employee in the company.

The contractor and Defense Security Services (DSS) have joint responsibilities with the Personnel Clearance (PCL) process as they do with the FCL process. When the FCL is being granted, key employees should complete a Questionnaire for National Security Positions, also known as Standard Form (SF 86). Part of the process includes ensuring that the applicants are US Citizens. They should submit the application to the FSO who then submits applications to DISCO. An investigation is conducted and the central adjudication facility (CAF) makes a security clearance determination. The determination is then entered into the Joint Personnel Adjudication (JPAS), the Department of Defense provided system where security clearance information is stored. Other government organizations may have different systems. Once entered into JPAS, the FSO can grant access based on need to know and the clearance level.

The SF 86 is where the applicant can affect the speed of the security clearance process. A properly filled out application form is the key. Incomplete or inaccurate information is the number one cause of clearance delays. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth for relatives should be gathered as background research. Fortunately the SF 86 form is online and requires only filling out once. When a clearance is up for renewal, the applicant can log in their SF 86 and make updates.

DSS and FSOs use JPAS to update personnel information. This system allows instantaneous updates of records as well as notification of access, denial or revocation of clearances. At the time of this writing, there are more than 89,000 users of JPAS and 23,000 are from defense contractors.

Not everyone investigated is guaranteed a security clearance. In some instances a clearance can be denied, revoked or suspended. The employee’s background is investigated thoroughly for the initial clearance and again every five to fifteen years while maintaining a clearance and depending on the required security clearance level. In the event that a security clearance is denied, suspended or revoked, DSS will also notify the FSO. The FSO will then deny access to classified material to that employee and update JPAS.

See more in our books "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook"

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