NCMS ISP Certification - Prep Program FAQ

This page is used to record frequently asked questions from the Candidates in the ISP Examination Preparation Program. This way candidates who signed up after an issue was handled can benefit and others can always double-check the information.

Information on Round #5 -- February - June 2008

QUESTION: What will be the schedule for the calls?
ANSWER: See the chart below.

*2008 Date*	*Call Nr.*	*Topic / Assignment*
February 26 - 28	#1	ISP Exam Prep Program Introduction & Administration ISP Certification Eligibility & Application Process *Test Tips* Article
March 4 - 6	#2	NISPOM General Requirements, Facility Security Clearances & Security Education – NISPOM Chapters 1 (all) & 2 (section 1 only)
March 11 - 13	#3	Personnel Security – NISPOM Chapter 2 (section 2 only) & JPAS/e-QIP
March 18 - 20	off	Time for make-ups, elective preparation, etc.
March 25 - 27	#4	Briefings & Classified Markings – NISPOM Chapters 3 (all) and 4 (all)
April 1 - 3	#5	Safeguarding I – NISPOM Chapter 5 (sections 1 - 4 only)
April 8 - 10	#6	Safeguarding II – NISPOM Chapter 5 (sections 5 - 9 only)
April 15 - 17	off	Time for make-ups, elective preparation, etc.
April 22 - 24	#7	Visits & Subcontracting – NISPOM Chapters 6 (all) & 7 (all)
April 29 - May 1	#8A optional	Introduction to Classified Information Systems – Briefing from Chapter 8 Subject Matter Expert
May 6	off	Time for make-ups, elective preparation, etc. Optional Call: OPSEC Elective
May 13 - 15	#8B	Classified Information Systems – NISPOM Chapter 8 (all)
May 20 - 22	#9	Special Requirements – NISPOM Chapters 9 (all) & 11 (section 3 only)
May 28	off	Week of Memorial Day -- Time for make-ups, elective preparation, etc. Optional Call: Counterintelligence Elective
June 3 - 5	#10	International Security Issues – NISPOM Chapters 2 (section 3 only) & 10 (all)
June 10 - 12	#11	Wrap-Up; *Test Tips* Article Paper vs. Computer Search Exercise (requires two computers)
June 16		Exam offered at NCMS National Training Seminar in Mashantucket, CT

QUESTION: What are the call-in numbers? What are the days of the week and times of the day for the calls?
ANSWER: See the chart below. Those of you who are returning from Round #3 will notice that the call-in number and the Pass Code are unchanged.

Call-In Schedule & Assigned Mentors

Dial In Nr: (308) 344-6400 Pass Code: 635242

Eastern
Time

Central
Time

Mountain
Time

Pacific
Time

Mentors
(all ISPs)

Session #1

Tuesday
10:00 a.m.

Tuesday
9:00 a.m.

Tuesday
8:00 a.m.

Tuesday
7:00 a.m.

Liz Fant &
Patrick Dale

Session #2

Wednesday
4:30 p.m.

Wednesday
3:30 p.m.

Wednesday
2:30 p.m.

Wednesday
1:30 p.m.

Cindy Moiani &
Hazel Martinez

Session #3

Thursday
2:00 p.m.

Thursday
1:00 p.m.

Thursday
12:00 noon

Thursday
11:00 a.m.

Elaine Jennings,
John Dean, &
Jeanne Young

QUESTION: How much does the ISP Exam Preparation Program cost?
ANSWER: There is no charge to sign up for the Prep Program; however, the workbook costs $15.00. To get one, use the Workbook Order Form available on our Downloads page.
QUESTION: How long will the calls last?
ANSWER: Usually the calls will last for one hour. We will reserve the bridge for additional time to allow for sessions that run longer.
QUESTION: What if I miss a call? Or telephoned in late? Or didn't understand the material?
ANSWER: We do not plan "repeat" or "make-up" sessions. However, as we did in Round #2 in late 2006, we will record at least one session of each call and post it on this site's Recordings page. You can then replay it at your convenience.

QUESTION: What do I need for course materials?
ANSWER: You will need either electronic or paper copies (or both) of the February 2006 edition of the NISPOM, all Industrial Security Letters issued through December 2006, other specified reference materials, and the ISP Exam Prep Program Workbook (2007 edition). All of these, with the exception of the Workbook, are available for download from this site. The Workbook Order Form is available there too. To see the list of downloadable documents, click here.
QUESTION: What if I want to test early?
ANSWER: Compared to folks who took the exam in 2003 - 2005, current Candidates have much better training aides. If you have read all chapters of the NISPOM, have completed the Workbook, and have carefully reviewed the Test Tips article, you can confidently take the exam.

QUESTION: What are the most frequent causes of Candidates failing the ISP Certification Test?
ANSWER: There are two: (1) inadequate preparation; and (2) failure to apply good test-taking skills, especially leaving questions unanswered and not keeping on an appropriate pace (one question per minute).

QUESTION: Will the ISP Exam Preparation Program help me avoid these pitfalls?
ANSWER: Yes. If Candidates prepare as we suggest, they should pass.
QUESTION: Who are the Mentors?
ANSWER: We have listed their names on the Mentors page of this site.
QUESTION: How big is the ISP exam test bank?
ANSWER: The original test bank was around 500 questions. A few that were obsolete have been removed and about 50 new ones (JPAS, e-QIP and ISLs) have been added. The size of the test bank guarantees that NCMS can produce non-identical versions of the test as needed. It also means that the chance any applicant will see any given question is about 1 in 5. That is why it is important to systematically study the material, not just try to learn the answers to a few questions someone saw when he or she took it.
QUESTION: I signed up for the Prep Program and started it during 2007 but I didn't finish. I still want to earn the ISP certification. What should I do?
ANSWER: Many of our Candidates started with good intentions but were unable to take the test at its completion. Although reasons vary from person to person, an underlying theme is lack of time -- usually due to increased workload on the job or personal/family issues. We encourage those professionals to either (1) study independently using the Prep Program's resources or (2) re-enroll in the Prep Program and start again.
QUESTION: What if I fail?
ANSWER: Some people do fail the test. If everyone passed, the program would have no credibility with DSS or employers. Applications are good for testing for 1 year from approval. Candidates can retake the test six months after failing. The Prep Program and its Mentors will help unsuccessful candidates analyze their weak areas and prepare to retest. In fact, we have a good record for folks who take it a second time.
QUESTION: I have a friend or colleague who would love to sign up for the ISP Exam Preparation Program. Is it too late?
ANSWER: No. Sign-ups are still open and will continue even after the program has begun. Just tell the person to send an e-mail request to the Lead Mentor Team.