NCMS ISP Certification

The NCMS is proud to have its own Professional Certification Program. The Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Program is the result of a three-year effort by the Education & Training Committee, chaired by James Hickok, PhD., and is providing a new professional certification to qualified candidates who work within the U.S. National Industrial Security Program (NISP). This program is open to both NCMS members and non- members.

Requirements for Certification

Candidates must have at least five years experience in the security field.
Candidates must be working in security at least part-time as part of their job description (normally a minimum of 10% of total hours worked).
A written recommendation from candidate's supervisor must be provided. If candidate does not have a supervisor, a member of the NCMS Board of Directors may be contacted to provide a recommendation.
A score of at least 75% on the ISP written examination must be attained
Department of Energy (DOE) Candidates also have the option to substitute for the written test the successful completion of the DOE Professional Enhancement Program in at least one security track from INFOSEC; PERSEC; PHYSEC; or Program, Planning, & Management.
A completed application, along with payment in full, must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the scheduled test date. There will be no exceptions.
ISPs will need to be re-certified every three years in order to maintain ISP status.
To review an extract about the ISP certification program from the NCMS Policies & Procedures Manual, click here.

Testing at the Annual NCMS National Training Seminar

Proctored test sessions will be held each year in conjunction with NCMS' Annual Training Seminar. The next one is scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
Candidates who would like to sit for a proctored test must send in a completed application, along with all collateral materials, no later than 30 days prior to the test date.
Candidates will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance via mail at least two weeks prior to the test date.

On-Line & Locally Proctored Testing

The ISP Exam is available on-line for qualified applicants. It is available 24/7 from any internet computer, provided an approved proctor is available.
Candidates whose local proctor is a currently certified ISP can request a paper copy of the exam if he or she prefers.
Candidates who would like to sit for these tests must submit the same application form. Once their request is approved, the log-in information or the paper test will be forwarded to the proctor. The log-in is good for one year (the period in which any applicant must take the test).
Applications for tests should be submitted four weeks prior to the desired test date; however, the log-in is valid as soon as it is received.
To see information for Proctors, click here.

Cost

$200 for NCMS members.
$300 for non-members.
$75 (Member rate) for recertification (every three years).
$90 (Non-Member rate) for recertification (every three years).