Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Membership

What does PSPA® stand for?

Founded in 2010, PSPA® stands for Private Security Professionals of America®. For additional information, please visit our About Us and/or Getting Started page.
 
How can I join PSPA?

Membership Registration is conducted on-line. From our home page, go to the Applicant Area (look for the red in color Join Now arrow) and select Individual Membership or Business Membership. 
 
Does PSPA offer Corporate Discounts (volume discount packages)?

Yes. A number of Corporate Discount programs are available and are based on volume of use (number of employed users or annualized users) and type of application. We also offer a complementary test drive of our Business Membership so business administrators can see first-hand our vast benefits of membership. Please feel free to contact us at Corporate@MyPSPA.org for more information.

How can I update my Member Information, if I change jobs or move?

Members can update their contact information, biography, resume and account data on-line from their Virtual Office. For assistance, contact us at MemberServices@MyPSPA.org.

How can I change my Username and/or Password?

  • Login to PSPA.
  • Once you Login, your "Virtual Office" appears.
  • From your Virtual Office, left-click the "Manage Your Account" (file folder).
  • Scroll down to the "Manage Username and Password" area.
  • Follow the detailed instructions.
  • Be sure to write down and securely archive your updated Username and/or Password.
  • Left-click the "SUBMIT" button.
  • Log out and Login to fully activate your change(s). 

What is a Corporate Identification Number (CIN) Code and how is it used?

CIN Codes are used in lieu of payment by Credit Card during: New Member Registration, Renewal Member Registration, and after successful completion of any (fee-based) Training, Certification, or Continuing Education program.

If you have been provided a CIN Code from a PSPA Business Member (i.e., your employer or a sub-contractor) all fees, for the above listed services, have been pre-paid for you resulting in no out-of-pocket expense to you.

If you have been provided a CIN Code from PSPA (directly or indirectly) the fees for, the above services, are either: (1.) pre-paid-in-full or (2.) discounted; based upon the promotional offer at the time of issue.

Note: CIN Codes issued by PSPA and PSPA Business Members are tracked and monitored by PSPA and PSPA Business Members upon activation and/or use.

Are PSPA membership dues tax-deductible as a business expense?

Individual membership dues are generally not tax deductible while Business membership dues (aka, monthly subscription fees) may be deductible. Due to the complexity of tax laws coupled with our members residing both nationally and internationally, we recommend consulting with a tax advisor for case-by-case specifics.

What is the best way to contact PSPA?

Please contact us through email. Please provide your Name and Email Address (your PSPA Username) with all correspondence.

Corporate Corporate@MyPSPA.org
Marketing Marketing@MyPSPA.org
Member Services                               MemberServices@MyPSPA.org
Tech Support TechSupport@MyPSPA.org


General Information

Is PSPA a nonprofit?

No. PSPA is a for-profit organization. Payments for dues and other purchases of goods and/or services may be deductible as ordinary business expenses however we recommend consulting with a tax advisor for specifics.  

Is PSPA willing to sell member addresses/mailing lists?

No. The PSPA membership directory (list) is not available for purchase. For other questions or concerns, please contact our Marketing Department at Marketing@MyPSPA.org.

Logo, Certificate and Certification Usage

Can PSPA Members use the PSPA Logo and/or Certification Designations on business cards, company letterheads, company brochures, and/or company websites?

Yes, depending upon the type of membership.

As a "Registered-Individual Member", you are eligible to download, print and utilize your Certificate of Membership, Certificate of Completion(s) and Certificate of Certification(s) as you deem appropriate. Additionally you are encouraged to use the CSO, CSS, and CSM designation(s) after your name on business correspondence. We encourage members to display their credentials and submit copies of all PSPA Certificates to current employers as well as future employers as a supplement to their career credentials. Additionally, certificates of completion can be reproduced and presented for Continuing Education Units (CEU's) as deemed appropriate. The PSPA logo is not authorized for any public or private use or reproduction.

As a "Registered-Business Member" you are eligible to download and use the PSPA Certificate of Membership and Gold Company Logo for use in your firm's marketing material, proposal literature and website. The PSPA logo is not authorized for use on business cards. For additional information regarding Logo Usage, please feel free to contact us directly.

Certificates, Certifications, and Licenses

Are Certificates, Certifications, and Licenses the same thing?

Certificates, Certifications, and Licenses are NOT the same. A certificate is a document attesting to the successful completion of a program. A certification is a document or acknowledgement that a practitioner has been professionally recognized by a credentialing agency. A license is issued by a government and allows one to practice a profession.

How do I determine which Training and/or Certification Program is best for me?

Each program is designed to cover a specific volume of information. It is recommended that participants read the introductory descriptions of each program to further ensure the course content corresponds to participant needs. Please Note: Payment is only due after successful completion of a program. In the event a participant feels the program fails to meet their expectations, simply do not pay for the program. 

I have already successfully obtained one PSPA Certification. Is it necessary to apply for one or both of the other designations as well?

Each of the three certifications are designed for security professionals (officers, supervisors and managers) in addition to Employers and Clients who: own, manage, oversee, and/or engage security programs, security personnel, or life safety services. With this said (one, both or all three) may be of benefit to you based upon your current position and future aspirations.  It should be noted, the CSO is a prerequisite for the CSS and both the CSO and CSS are prerequisites for the CSM. 

I have a great deal of experience in the Security Industry. Why do I need to take an examination to prove my competence?

The PSPA Certifications are designed by security professionals to determine and reflect the knowledge and skills of the individual that are valued in the security industry. Every individual's experience is different and there is no way of quantifying it except through examination. Furthermore, the practice of awarding certifications through experience alone is not accepted by accrediting organizations in the certification field, and PSPA wishes to maintain the highest possible credibility for its certification programs.

Training and Certification Programs

PSPA offers a wide variety of Training and Certification Programs. Each program is designed for use by all security personnel, which includes: entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level security (officers, supervisors and managers) in addition to Employers and Clients who: own, manage, oversee, and/or engage security programs, security personnel, or life safety services.

Most of our educational programs are accepted by agencies, institutions, and organizations as continuing education units (CEU's). The cost of each program varies between Fifty Five Dollars ($55.00) and Two Hundred and Seventy Five Dollars ($275.00). Payment is due only after successful completion of a program. For expanded information regarding specific costs or credit hours, visit our Training and Certification area or click here: Security Training Programs or Security Certification Programs.