Certification Programs
Currently, most States require a license to work as a security officer and conversely, many States have no requirements. Occupational (licenses, permits and or commissions) may include a criminal background check and mandated training however, a National Standard ceases to exist.
With this said, PSPA has implemented the PSPA Certification Program as a Minimum Proficiency Standard for all U.S. employed Private Security (Officers, Supervisors and Managers). This standard is intended to set-the-bar with a consistent and minimum level of training & education regardless of and supplemental to any such standard(s) or lack thereof, which may be required or endorsed by state mandate or company protocol.
PSPA Certification Exams are available to all PSPA "Registered" Members who hold a current Individual Membership. Certification Exams are accessed through the Individual Members, "Virtual Office." All exams are conducted on-line and take approximately two hours each to complete (on average) and are graded on a Pass/Fail basis with a minimum passing score of 80%. Certificates of completion and pocket cards can be downloaded within 24 hours after successful completion. Results (passing results) will be posted into the Member Biography within 24 hours and will be available for view by all PSPA Individual and Business Members. Re-certification is required annually.
The PSPA Certification Program is intended to further qualify a candidate's knowledge and base skills germane to the private security industry, which can and should be confirmed and or developed, by employer at time of hire and manifested further through new-hire orientation and on-going training & development.
In no way is the PSPA Certification program intended to take the place of or supersede any: city, state or federal mandates, employment law, union law, employer protocol or contractor agreement(s).
Certified Security Officer
The PSPA Certified Security Officer (CSO) designation is intended for all entry level, mid-level and senior level personnel (Security Officers) who are not charged with the supervision or oversight of others.
Certified Security Supervisor
The PSPA Certified Security Supervisor (CSS) designation is intended for all entry level, mid-level and senior level personnel (Security Supervisors) who are charged with the supervision and or oversight of others.
Certified Security Manager
The PSPA Certified Security Manager (CSM) designation is intended for all entry level, mid-level and senior level personnel (Security Managers) who are charged with the supervision and or oversight of others in addition to the development, strategic outlook and management of the company's and or organizations business.
If you have comments or concerns regarding the certifications, please contact us at:
