Certified Protection professional (CPP®) Requirements and Eligibility
For years the world has recognized a need for competent professionals who can effectively manage complex security issues that threaten people and the assets of corporations, governments, and public and private institutions. As the emphasis on protecting people, property, and information increases, it has strengthened the demand for professional managers. To meet these needs, the ASIS International administers the Certified Protection Professional program.
Throughout the world, the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation is acknowledged as the security profession's highest recognition of practitioners. It is evidence that an individual is "Board Certified in Security Management." The CPP is awarded based upon experience, education, and passage of an examination that provides an objective measure of an individual's broad-based knowledge and competency in security management. Ongoing professional development is required in order to maintain the credential.
Nearly 4,400 professionals have earned the designation of CPP, including a number of SFBA chapter members. This group of professionals has demonstrated its competency in the areas of security solutions and best-business practices through an intensive qualification and testing program. As a result, these men and women have been awarded the coveted designation of CPP, and are recognized as proven leaders in their profession.
Applicants who wish to take the CPP examination must satisfy certain security and/or educational requirements:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Without higher education degree:
Seven (7) years of security experience* (or six years if you already hold an APP), at least three (3) years of which shall have been in responsible charge** of a security function.
With a higher education degree:
Master’s Degree or international equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education and have five (5) years of security experience* (or four years if you already hold an APP), at least three (3) years of which shall have been in responsible charge** of a security function.
OR Bachelor’s Degree or international equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education and have six (6) years of security experience* (or five years if you already hold an APP), at least three (3) years of which shall have been in responsible charge** of a security function.
*Experience is defined as the individual having been personally engaged in security or loss prevention on a full-time basis or as a primary duty.
Included is:
a.) Experience as a security professional in the protection of assets, in the public or private sector, criminal justice system, government intelligence, or investigative agencies.
b.) Experience with companies, associations, government, or other organizations providing services or products, including consulting firms, provided the duties and responsibilities substantively relate to the design, evaluation, and application of systems, programs, or equipment, or development and operation of services, for protection of assets in the private or public sectors.
c.) Experience as a full-time educator on the faculty of an accredited educational institution, provided the responsibilities for courses and other duties relate primarily to knowledge areas pertinent to the management and operation of protection of assets programs in the public or private sectors.
** Responsible charge means that the applicant has the authority to make independent decisions and take independent actions to determine operational methodology and manage execution of a security related project or process. This definition does not require the individual to supervise others and generally excludes such positions as patrol officer or the equivalent.
More detailed information, including the definition of terms, eligibility and testing process is available on the ASIS International How to Become a CPP (http://www.asisonline.org/certification/cpp/cpphow.xml) page.
