Top 11 Security Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a security supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Security supervisors must be able to assess risks, understand best practices, and develop effective security protocols. By obtaining certifications from organizations such as ASIS International or ISC2, employers can be assured that potential candidates have the necessary qualifications to handle the responsibilities of a security supervisor position. Additionally, certifications can provide an advantage over other applicants who may not have the same credentials.

The article reviews the top certifications for Security Supervisors and explains how they can help further a security supervisor's career.

What are Security Supervisor Certifications?

Security supervisor certification is a professional credential that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of security supervision. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and other stakeholders that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices. The certification can be obtained through an accredited institution or program, such as the National Center for Security Supervision (NCSS).

The certification provides a number of benefits to those who hold it. First, it allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their qualifications for specific security positions. It also demonstrates expertise in areas such as risk assessment, emergency response planning, incident investigation, access control systems, surveillance systems, and physical security measures. Additionally, it can help individuals stand out from other job applicants by showing employers that they have taken steps to advance their career in the security industry. Finally, it can provide peace of mind for employers who are hiring supervisors with a comprehensive knowledge base in the field of security supervision.

Pro Tip: When considering a security supervisor certification, make sure to research the program and ensure that it is accredited by an approved organization. Additionally, look for certifications that are tailored to the specific industry or environment in which you plan to work. This will help you gain the most up-to-date knowledge and skills needed for successful security supervision.

Related: What does a Security Supervisor do?

Top 11 Security Supervisor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Security Supervisors today.

1. Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

Certified Protection Professional (CPP) is a professional certification from ASIS International, the world’s leading organization for security professionals. The CPP designation is the highest level of certification available for security practitioners and is internationally recognized as a mark of excellence. It demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in the principles and practices of security management.

The CPP certification program consists of an application process, a comprehensive exam, and a background check. To be eligible to apply for the CPP, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the security field or three years of experience in combination with an academic degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, business administration or related fields.

The CPP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam covers topics such as risk assessment and analysis, physical security measures, personnel security measures, information security measures, emergency preparedness and response planning.

To obtain the CPP designation, applicants must submit an application and pay a fee of $450 USD ($350 USD for ASIS members). Applicants must also pass the CPP examination with a score of 70% or higher. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing 45 continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee of $200 USD ($150 USD for ASIS members).

2. Certified Security Supervisor (CSS)

Certified Security Supervisor (CSS) is a professional certification offered by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO). It is designed to provide security professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage and supervise security operations. The CSS certification is recognized as a benchmark of excellence in the security industry.

The CSS certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course provides comprehensive training on topics such as risk assessment, emergency response planning, personnel management, and legal issues. It typically takes about 40 hours to complete the course. After completing the online course, applicants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CSS, applicants must first register for the IFPO’s online course. The cost of the course is $299 USD. Once registered, applicants have 12 months from registration date to complete the course and take the proctored exam. Upon successful completion of both components, applicants will receive their Certified Security Supervisor certification from IFPO.

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification that is administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is a globally recognized standard of achievement that indicates expertise in the field of information security.

The CISSP certification requires candidates to have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The CBK consists of topics such as access control, cryptography, and risk management. Candidates must also pass a rigorous 250-question exam to obtain their certification.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the exam, depending on the individual's background and experience level. To get started, individuals should review the official CISSP study guide and take practice tests to gauge their knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, there are many online courses and boot camps available to help candidates prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining a CISSP certification varies depending on which training materials you choose, but it can range from $500-$3,000 USD.

4. Certified Security Manager (CSM)

Certified Security Manager (CSM) is a professional certification offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in security management, policy development, and implementation. The CSM certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge of information security principles and practices, as well as their ability to effectively manage an organization’s security program.

To become certified, applicants must pass the CSM exam. This exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk management, incident response, and security policies. Candidates must also submit a work experience form that documents at least three years of relevant professional experience in security management or related fields.

The cost for the CSM exam varies depending on the country where it is taken; however, it typically costs between $500 and $600 USD. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. It usually takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

5. Physical Security Professional (PSP)

Physical Security Professional (PSP) is a certification offered by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in physical security principles and practices. The PSP certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the principles of physical security, including access control, surveillance systems, alarm systems, locksmithing, and other related topics.

It typically takes six months to one year to prepare for the exam. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in physical security or related fields. The applicant must also pass an examination that covers topics such as risk assessment, physical security design and implementation, and operational procedures.

To get certified as a Physical Security Professional (PSP), applicants should first review the exam content outline provided by ASIS. They should then study materials that cover each topic on the outline in depth. There are several books available which provide comprehensive coverage of all aspects of physical security. After studying these materials, applicants should take practice exams to assess their knowledge and skills.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an ASIS member or non-member. For members, it is $395 USD; for non-members it is $495 USD.

6. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CFE certification process. The process consists of completing an online application, passing a four-hour examination, and submitting proof of at least two years of relevant work experience. Additionally, applicants must agree to abide by the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics.

To get the CFE credential, you must first join the ACFE as a member. Membership fees vary depending on your location and type of membership you choose. After joining, you will need to pay an additional fee for taking the exam, which is currently $395 USD for members in North America or $495 USD for members outside North America.

Once you have completed all requirements and passed the exam, you will receive your CFE certificate from the ACFE. You will then be able to use the CFE designation after your name when referring to yourself professionally.

7. Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program developed by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of competency in emergency management. The CEM credential signifies that an individual has achieved a standard of excellence in emergency management, and has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage emergency operations.

The CEM program consists of three components: education, experience, and examination. To be eligible for the CEM credential, applicants must have at least four years of full-time paid experience in emergency management or related fields, as well as completion of specific educational requirements. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by IAEM.

The CEM program typically takes one to two years to complete, depending on the applicant's prior experience and educational background. The cost for the CEM program varies depending on the applicant's membership status with IAEM; non-members pay $495 while members pay $395.

8. Certified Homeland Security Level III Professional (CHS-III)

Certified Homeland Security Level III Professional (CHS-III) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in homeland security operations. The certification is offered by the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security (ABCHS).

The CHS-III certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as emergency management, terrorism prevention and response, critical infrastructure protection, border security, and cyber security. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and must be taken at an ABCHS-approved testing center. It typically takes 3-4 hours to complete the exam.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least 5 years of experience in homeland security or related fields, and must also have completed a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education courses related to homeland security within the past 5 years.

The cost for the CHS-III certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level and other factors. Generally, it costs between $400-$600 USD for the application fee, exam fee, and any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

9. International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety Certification Program

The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to certify healthcare security and safety professionals. The program provides a standardized level of knowledge, proficiency and professionalism for those working in the healthcare security field.

The certification process typically takes six to eight weeks to complete. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form and fee. Once accepted, they must complete a series of online courses that cover topics such as healthcare security management, legal issues, risk assessment, emergency preparedness and response, access control systems, physical security systems and more. After completing the courses, applicants must then take an online exam to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

The cost of the IAHSS Certification Program varies depending on the level of certification sought; however, it generally costs between $400-$600 USD. In addition to the cost of the program itself, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or other related services.

10. ASIS International Organizational Resilience Professional Certification

ASIS International Organizational Resilience Professional (ORP) Certification is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage organizational resilience. The certification is designed to recognize those who have achieved an advanced level of competency in the field of organizational resilience.

The ORP certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a written exam. The online course covers topics such as risk management, crisis management, business continuity planning, and incident response. After completing the online course, candidates must pass a written exam to receive their ORP certification.

In order to get the ORP certification, you must first complete the online course and then take and pass the written exam. The entire process typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete.

The cost for the ORP certification varies depending on your membership status with ASIS International. For non-members, the cost is $1,495 USD; for members, it is $1,295 USD; and for student members it is $995 USD.

11. National Fire Protection Association Certification Program

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certification Program is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and ability in the field of fire protection. The program is designed to promote excellence in the fire protection industry by recognizing those who have achieved a high level of proficiency through education, experience, and performance.

To get NFPA Certification, applicants must meet certain criteria. Generally speaking, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the fire protection industry and must have completed an approved educational program. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by the NFPA.

The exam itself consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as fire safety principles, codes and standards compliance, system design and installation, maintenance and testing procedures, inspection techniques, emergency response planning and operations management. The practical portion tests an applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The entire process typically takes about six months from start to finish but can take longer depending on the individual’s experience level and availability for testing dates.

In terms of cost, the application fee is $125 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with the exam itself (which vary by location). There may also be additional costs associated with taking approved courses or obtaining other necessary documents required for certification.

Do You Really Need a Security Supervisor Certificate?

Security supervisors are responsible for the safety and security of the people, property, and assets in their care. In many jurisdictions, a security supervisor must have a Security Supervisor Certificate in order to be legally qualified for the job.

The answer to whether or not you need a Security Supervisor Certificate depends on your specific situation. If you are working as a security supervisor in an area where such certification is required by law, then it is essential that you obtain one. Otherwise, you may face legal consequences for not having the proper credentials.

On the other hand, if the position does not require a Security Supervisor Certificate by law but you feel that it would be beneficial to your career advancement or to increase your marketability as a security supervisor, then obtaining such certification could be worthwhile. This type of certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time and effort to become educated in security supervision practices and procedures and shows potential employers that you are serious about your profession. It also provides peace of mind knowing that you are up-to-date on industry standards and best practices.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Security Supervisor Certificate depends on your specific circumstances and goals. If it is required by law or if it will help advance your career objectives, then obtaining one could be worth investing the time and money into getting certified.

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FAQs About Security Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Security Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Security Supervisor Certification is a certification program designed to prepare individuals for careers in security supervision and management. The program covers topics such as physical security, access control, emergency response, investigation techniques, and risk management.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an approved training program that covers the topics outlined in the certification exam. Once you have completed the required coursework, you can sit for the exam to earn your certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can provide many benefits including increased job opportunities, recognition from employers and peers, higher salary potential, and more confidence in your skillset.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified varies depending on the type of program you choose and how quickly you complete the necessary coursework and exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete a certification program.

5. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Security Supervisor Certification?

Answer: There is no specific age requirement for obtaining a Security Supervisor Certification; however, most certifying bodies require applicants to be at least 18 years old or older in order to apply for the certification exam.