How to Prepare for the NCMS Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Certification Exam
Recently, the organizers of the NCMS (Industrial Security Professionals Society) National Seminar announced the incredible news that a record number of security professionals have taken and passed the Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Certification Exam. Their diligence and planned study has successfully led them to the distinguished title of Industrial Safety Professional. Congratulations to all new ISPs; well deserved and we wish him continued success.
We would like to encourage those who have not taken the test to develop a plan and take the test. According to recent testimonials, ISP-certified individuals stated that they received promotions, raises, and respect almost immediately. You can view these comments on the NCMS website. Additionally, resumes posted on the site now require candidates to have the ISP designation.
According to the NCMS website, there are some minimum requirements that prospective candidates must meet before applying for the ISP certification exam. Those who meet these requirements have a better chance of passing the certification exam. Test candidates must have at least five years of industrial security experience, work in security at least part-time as part of their job description, and a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. If they do not have a supervisor, they can contact an NCMS chapter president for further guidance.
Five years of experience in Industrial Security; working at least part time in security
You wouldn’t want to attempt this test without this level of experience. The test is designed to verify the assessor’s knowledge of NISPOM and how to protect classified information at the contractor’s authorized facility. Those who have five years of experience have probably practiced the skills necessary to take the exam.
This requirement translates into the protection of classified information under NISPOM. This opens the door to engineers, program managers, security monitors, and others who have spent considerable time working on and protecting classified information. There are exceptions to the industrial safety part. For example, if you have protected classified information in any capacity, you may be eligible. Before taking my ISP Certification exam, I only had my experience in government security. Although it was not a NISPOM-based experience, I applied for and received NCMS approval.
Do not confuse experience with the need to study.
Fortunately, the ISP certification exam is an open book test of NISPOM. No one is expected to know every word of NISPOM, only how to find the right answers. The exam consists of 110 questions with 100 of the questions related to NISPOM and the rest in an elective area. Even with five years of experience, potential candidates must develop a curriculum. Some recommendations include: joining the NCMS study group, creating a local study group, and practicing quickly searching NISPOM. 110 questions in two hours goes by fast, so practice often.
Some practical ways to prepare
Schedule a Test Date – You have one year once you schedule to take the test online. Setting the date is the hardest part. But the ticking of the clock is sometimes a good motivator
Participate in security inspections; this helps you become familiar with possibly new areas of NISPOM.
Practice other industrial security disciplines – If you work in a large organization, get exposure to other NISPOM security disciplines. For example, if you work in personnel security, learn a few things about document control.
Familiarize yourself with the NISPOM structure: review the table of contents and familiarize yourself with the chapters. It’s easier to look up training requirements when you know the training is in Chapter 3. Looking up a few pages in Chapter 3 is easier than looking through the entire NISPOM.
In conclusion, register for the exam, set a date and start a study program.
You can find study tips, practice questions, and NISPOM links on our website.