conducting successful certification review programs

ASIS InternationalASIS International

Developing and Conducting a Developing and Conducting a Successful CPP, PSP or PCI Successful CPP, PSP or PCI

Review ProgramReview Program

by Philip Farina, CPP, CLSD

Subject Matter Expert – Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism Security Council

ARVP of Palm Beaches, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and SW Florida Chapters

IT’S EASYIT’S EASY

TThis presentation will give YOU, the Chapters his presentation will give YOU, the Chapters and Regions, the tools and information and Regions, the tools and information necessary for developing and conducting a necessary for developing and conducting a successful Certified Protection Professional successful Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP) or (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP) or Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)

Review or Study Program in your areaReview or Study Program in your area..

Why Certification? Pt. 1Why Certification? Pt. 1

The simple answer is that to remain as competitive as possible today, you must be certified. The bar has been raised in the security profession and employers, contractors, governments, and even clients are now taking additional steps to ensure that they are hiring or working with the most skilled and knowledgeable individuals in the business.

Have you conducted any job searches, lately? It’s easy to see how many professional and management-level positions with security/loss prevention and risk responsibilities are now requiring Potential employees to either already maintain or be eligible for CPP, PSP or PCI certification within 6 months of being hired.

Why Certification? Pt. 2Why Certification? Pt. 2If the career plans of your chapter members include future securitymanagement positions, the only way to stay on top of the game will beto acquire a credible certification. Training within areas specific to yourcareer is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you are planning to remain in that field for the rest of your life.

Continuing education and certification can not only give your chaptermembers a stronger competitive edge in the workplace but it alsoenables them to retain a more secure position realizing a better salaryand benefits. Of course, the more training and education that they canobtain within their field, the more likely they are to becoming recognized as an authority. This fact can be very attractive to those who look for notoriety from their employers or those who wish to work for themselves in the future.

There is no better time than the present to assist your chapter membersin obtaining their first professional security certification or obtain asecond one.

WHERE TO BEGIN? WHERE TO BEGIN? 10 Simple Steps10 Simple Steps

1.1. Selection of Certification ProgramSelection of Certification Program2.2. LogisticsLogistics3.3. Costs and SponsorshipCosts and Sponsorship4.4. Review and Study MaterialsReview and Study Materials5.5. Set the DateSet the Date6.6. MarketingMarketing7.7. Obtaining StudentsObtaining Students8.8. InstructorsInstructors9.9. The PresentationThe Presentation10.10. FeedbackFeedback

Step 1Step 1Selection of a Certification ProgramSelection of a Certification Program

FFirst, you will need to think about what type irst, you will need to think about what type

of certification program to conduct. Many of certification program to conduct. Many

chapters elect to hold one review or study chapters elect to hold one review or study

program per year. Yet some chapters hold program per year. Yet some chapters hold

multiple events annually. So what will it be? multiple events annually. So what will it be?

CPP, PSP or PCI?CPP, PSP or PCI?

Certified Protection ProfessionalCertified Protection Professional

FFor years the world has recognized a need for competent professionalsor years the world has recognized a need for competent professionalswho can effectively manage complex security issues that threatenwho can effectively manage complex security issues that threatenpeople and the assets of corporations, governments, and public andpeople and the assets of corporations, governments, and public andprivate institutions. As the emphasis on protecting people, property,private institutions. As the emphasis on protecting people, property,And information increases, it has strengthened the demand for And information increases, it has strengthened the demand for professional managers. To meet these needs, the ASIS Internationalprofessional managers. To meet these needs, the ASIS Internationaladministers the Certified Protection Professional program.administers the Certified Protection Professional program.

NNearly 10,000 professionals have earned the designation of CPP®. Thisearly 10,000 professionals have earned the designation of CPP®. Thisgroup of professionals has demonstrated its competency in the areas ofgroup of professionals has demonstrated its competency in the areas ofsecurity solutions and best-business practices through an intensive security solutions and best-business practices through an intensive qualification and testing program. As a result, these men and womenqualification and testing program. As a result, these men and womenhave been awarded the coveted designation of CPP®, and arehave been awarded the coveted designation of CPP®, and arerecognized as proven leaders in their profession.recognized as proven leaders in their profession.

TThat being said, the CPP Certification may be the easiest choice for hat being said, the CPP Certification may be the easiest choice for your chapter review/study program.your chapter review/study program.

Physical Security ProfessionalPhysical Security Professional

TToday's employers want highly-trained professionals who have solid,oday's employers want highly-trained professionals who have solid,hands-on experience with both current and emerging securityhands-on experience with both current and emerging securitytechnologies and solutions. This means that there are multiple areas intechnologies and solutions. This means that there are multiple areas inwhich physical security specialists must be knowledgeable.which physical security specialists must be knowledgeable.

TThe physical security certification will separate those who have thishe physical security certification will separate those who have thistechnical background from those who do not, giving them that technical background from those who do not, giving them that professional edge. The physical security examination is targeted toprofessional edge. The physical security examination is targeted tosecurity professionals whose primary responsibility is to conduct threatsecurity professionals whose primary responsibility is to conduct threatsurveys; design integrated security systems that include equipment,surveys; design integrated security systems that include equipment,procedures, and people; or install, operate, and maintain thoseprocedures, and people; or install, operate, and maintain thosesystems. systems.

TThe PSP certification is quickly coming up the ranks and the number ofhe PSP certification is quickly coming up the ranks and the number ofchapter members wishing to gain this valuable designation is steadilychapter members wishing to gain this valuable designation is steadilyincreasing.increasing.

Professional Certified InvestigatorProfessional Certified Investigator

EEmployers, whether in private business or in public law enforcement,mployers, whether in private business or in public law enforcement,

demand finely-honed investigative skills and more thorough casedemand finely-honed investigative skills and more thorough case

management. management.

TThe new investigations certification will help employers identify thosehe new investigations certification will help employers identify those

professionals who have the specific, in-depth competency andprofessionals who have the specific, in-depth competency and

knowledge required not only to get the job done - but to get it doneknowledge required not only to get the job done - but to get it done

right.right.

MMany corporate, government and law enforcement investigators are any corporate, government and law enforcement investigators are

now being required to obtain this certification.now being required to obtain this certification.

What type of review or study What type of review or study program will be most beneficial to program will be most beneficial to

your chapter?your chapter?

Discuss the various options with chapter Discuss the various options with chapter leadershipleadership

Poll the chapter members through email, Poll the chapter members through email, survey tools, such as surveymonkey.com or survey tools, such as surveymonkey.com or at monthly meetingsat monthly meetings

Speak to other chapters who have had Speak to other chapters who have had success with their programs or may be success with their programs or may be interested in participating with yours interested in participating with yours

Step 2Step 2Logistics Pt. 1Logistics Pt. 1

NNow that you have selected a certification review or study ow that you have selected a certification review or study program to conduct, it’s time to start thinking about the logistics program to conduct, it’s time to start thinking about the logistics side. side.

WWhat should the duration of the program be? How will it behat should the duration of the program be? How will it bestructured? Programs can be set over a full weekend, every structured? Programs can be set over a full weekend, every Saturday or evening hours during the work week. You can get Saturday or evening hours during the work week. You can get creative here. The latter, evening hours during the work week, creative here. The latter, evening hours during the work week, has shown the most promise. has shown the most promise.

MMany chapters elect to conduct their programs prior to the any chapters elect to conduct their programs prior to the Annual ASIS International Convention. This enables candidates Annual ASIS International Convention. This enables candidates the opportunity to take the examination at the event while the the opportunity to take the examination at the event while the study information is still fresh.study information is still fresh.


WWhere should the program be held? First, look within your here should the program be held? First, look within your

own chapter. Your leadership team and the chapter members own chapter. Your leadership team and the chapter members

may already have a suitable space available within their may already have a suitable space available within their

organizations. Take into consideration the maximum number organizations. Take into consideration the maximum number

of students that you expect to attend in order to plan the best of students that you expect to attend in order to plan the best

training space. training space.

YYou can also look to universities, community centers, ou can also look to universities, community centers,

chambers of commerce and corporate facilities who may chambers of commerce and corporate facilities who may

provide the space for little or no-cost. Also consider the provide the space for little or no-cost. Also consider the

matter of convenience. A site that is convenient to the matter of convenience. A site that is convenient to the

students will prove to have a larger turn out.students will prove to have a larger turn out.


WWho, what type and how many instructors will you require? ho, what type and how many instructors will you require?

This will depend upon the structure of your program. For small This will depend upon the structure of your program. For small

classes (2-3 students), you can be efficient with just one to classes (2-3 students), you can be efficient with just one to

two instructors. Additional instructors can prove to be of more two instructors. Additional instructors can prove to be of more

value and diversity, both for small and large groups.value and diversity, both for small and large groups.

WWhat type of presentation and review materials will you use? hat type of presentation and review materials will you use?

Again, consider the maximum number of students that you Again, consider the maximum number of students that you

expect to attend. Powerpoint presentations coupled with video expect to attend. Powerpoint presentations coupled with video

can get the learning points across in a much better fashion can get the learning points across in a much better fashion

than simply just a lecture format.than simply just a lecture format.


WWhat will be the costs to conduct your review or study hat will be the costs to conduct your review or study

program? These can range from the very small scale to over program? These can range from the very small scale to over

$1,000.00 depending upon your program. $1,000.00 depending upon your program.

CCan you charge a tuition fee to offset your expenses? Yes.an you charge a tuition fee to offset your expenses? Yes.

Step 3Step 3Costs and Sponsorship Pt. 1Costs and Sponsorship Pt. 1

WWhen thinking about your costs in developing and conducting ahen thinking about your costs in developing and conducting a

successful certification review/study program, consider not onlysuccessful certification review/study program, consider not only

The actual expenses but also the time element.The actual expenses but also the time element.

FFactor in the costs for the training space, if any, student actor in the costs for the training space, if any, student

materials, pens, notepads, A/V equipment, etc. What about materials, pens, notepads, A/V equipment, etc. What about

refreshments, coffee, water, soda, snacks? These items can help refreshments, coffee, water, soda, snacks? These items can help

to make your program that much more successful. A small to make your program that much more successful. A small

amount of research can go a long way to keeping your overall amount of research can go a long way to keeping your overall

expenses, very low. expenses, very low.


CConsidering that tuition at an ASIS International review or prep onsidering that tuition at an ASIS International review or prep program can be cost-prohibitive to some chapter members plus program can be cost-prohibitive to some chapter members plus the added expenses associated with traveling to those events;the added expenses associated with traveling to those events;it’s not unreasonable to charge a tuition fee. These fees can it’s not unreasonable to charge a tuition fee. These fees can also be another source of revenue for the chapter.also be another source of revenue for the chapter.

WWhat can you charge? It’s important to provide value to the hat can you charge? It’s important to provide value to the students. How you package your program can go a long way students. How you package your program can go a long way towards it’s success. For example, charging a tuition fee of towards it’s success. For example, charging a tuition fee of $100.00 per student for a program that is one evening per $100.00 per student for a program that is one evening per week, five weeks in duration, includes student manuals/learning week, five weeks in duration, includes student manuals/learning materials and refreshments is not over the top. You may wishmaterials and refreshments is not over the top. You may wishto charge more or less.to charge more or less.


SSponsorship can be an added benefit to your program. ponsorship can be an added benefit to your program. Individuals and organizations both within and outside your Individuals and organizations both within and outside your chapter membership can donate the training space, A/V chapter membership can donate the training space, A/V equipment, food and refreshments or funds toward your equipment, food and refreshments or funds toward your expenses. expenses.

JJust make sure to give these entities the proper recognition ust make sure to give these entities the proper recognition during the program, in your chapter newsletters, press during the program, in your chapter newsletters, press releases and other mediums. A formal “Certificate ofreleases and other mediums. A formal “Certificate ofAppreciation” is also a nice touch.Appreciation” is also a nice touch.

TThere are some chapters who absorb the costs into their here are some chapters who absorb the costs into their

accounts and therefore offer the programs free-of-charge. accounts and therefore offer the programs free-of-charge.

Step 4Step 4Review and Study Materials Pt. 1Review and Study Materials Pt. 1

TThe materials that are covered in the presentation as well as the he materials that are covered in the presentation as well as the study guides are crucial to the learning process for the students. study guides are crucial to the learning process for the students. Powerpoint Presentations and materials for Review programs are Powerpoint Presentations and materials for Review programs are available for download on some chapter websites. available for download on some chapter websites.

OOf course, you may ask other chapters who are conducting the f course, you may ask other chapters who are conducting the same program, if you can use their materials. Your Region same program, if you can use their materials. Your Region Leadership Team will also be able to point you to sources for this Leadership Team will also be able to point you to sources for this information. Lastly, you might need to create the presentation information. Lastly, you might need to create the presentation yourself.yourself.


SStudent materials can be copies of the actual Powerpoint tudent materials can be copies of the actual Powerpoint presentation. Consider purchasing flash drives for each presentation. Consider purchasing flash drives for each student and providing a tablet for note taking. student and providing a tablet for note taking.

UUtilizing flash drives can keep your costs lower. Build this into tilizing flash drives can keep your costs lower. Build this into your overall expenses. This allows you to have the your overall expenses. This allows you to have the presentation, videos, practice tests and supporting documents presentation, videos, practice tests and supporting documents all in one convenient place for the students and it provides all in one convenient place for the students and it provides additional “VALUE” to your program.additional “VALUE” to your program.


TThe CPP, PSP and PCI Study Guides offered by ASIS International he CPP, PSP and PCI Study Guides offered by ASIS International can range in price from $104.00 for members and $204.00 for can range in price from $104.00 for members and $204.00 for non-members. However, your chapter can purchase these guides non-members. However, your chapter can purchase these guides for your program at a cost of only $30.00 each. For Details, for your program at a cost of only $30.00 each. For Details, Contact:Contact:

Matthew W. MantioneMatthew W. MantioneManager, Region & Chapter RelationsManager, Region & Chapter RelationsASIS InternationalASIS International1625 Prince Street1625 Prince StreetAlexandria, VA 22314-2818 USAAlexandria, VA 22314-2818 USA+1.703.518.1443 | +1.703.519.6298 (f)+1.703.518.1443 | +1.703.519.6298 (f)+1.703.519.6200 main+1.703.519.6200 mainwww.asisonline.orgwww.asisonline.orgEmail: Email: [email protected]

Step 5Step 5Set the DateSet the Date

WWhen considering a date and schedule in which to conduct hen considering a date and schedule in which to conduct

your review/study program, if possible, avoid any major your review/study program, if possible, avoid any major

holidays. Many families take vacation in June when their holidays. Many families take vacation in June when their

children are off for the summer so keep this in mind. Likewise, children are off for the summer so keep this in mind. Likewise,

try to avoid the ASIS International Annual Seminar & Exhibits try to avoid the ASIS International Annual Seminar & Exhibits

and other large events that your chapter may be involved in.and other large events that your chapter may be involved in.

WWhile there are many dates throughout the year that your hile there are many dates throughout the year that your

program may be scheduled, July and August work well as program may be scheduled, July and August work well as

they are close enough to the ASIS International Annual they are close enough to the ASIS International Annual

Seminar that graduates from your program can take their Seminar that graduates from your program can take their

examination at the event while the information is still fresh.examination at the event while the information is still fresh.

Step 6Step 6MarketingMarketing

MMarketing your review or study program can be accomplished arketing your review or study program can be accomplished in a number of ways. The better job you do in marketing and in a number of ways. The better job you do in marketing and showing value in the program, the greater your turnout.showing value in the program, the greater your turnout.

At monthly chapter meetingsAt monthly chapter meetings Through your chapter email rosterThrough your chapter email roster Contained within your monthly newsletterContained within your monthly newsletter On your chapter website and region websiteOn your chapter website and region website At conferences and training eventsAt conferences and training events Press Releases, local newspapers and social mediaPress Releases, local newspapers and social media

Step 6Step 6MarketingMarketing

DDon’t forget to open your doors to other chapters and their on’t forget to open your doors to other chapters and their members for participation. Some students may be willing to members for participation. Some students may be willing to travel great distances for the opportunity to attend. Lastly, travel great distances for the opportunity to attend. Lastly, don’t forget to invite other security professionals who are not don’t forget to invite other security professionals who are not in the chapter. You can charge a higher tuition fee for these in the chapter. You can charge a higher tuition fee for these students. It is beneficial to show these individuals the students. It is beneficial to show these individuals the benefits of membership in ASIS International.benefits of membership in ASIS International.

Step 7Step 7Obtaining StudentsObtaining Students

EEnsure that you have a strong enrollment process, ready to nsure that you have a strong enrollment process, ready to go. Start marketing your review or study program as early as go. Start marketing your review or study program as early as possible and set a cut-off date for registration. If you plan to possible and set a cut-off date for registration. If you plan to charge a tuition fee for participation in the program, you may charge a tuition fee for participation in the program, you may want to set two separate prices. One for chapter members in want to set two separate prices. One for chapter members in good standing and one price for non-ASIS International good standing and one price for non-ASIS International members. members.

SSome chapters require that other fees be paid up-to-date such ome chapters require that other fees be paid up-to-date such as chapter membership fees, missed luncheons, etc. Use your as chapter membership fees, missed luncheons, etc. Use your best judgment with what works for your chapter. best judgment with what works for your chapter.

Step 7Step 7Obtaining StudentsObtaining Students

OOnce someone expresses interest or enrolls in the program, nce someone expresses interest or enrolls in the program, COMMUNICATION IS KEYCOMMUNICATION IS KEY. Frequently keep in touch and . Frequently keep in touch and follow-up with these individuals to ensure that they have the follow-up with these individuals to ensure that they have the best information available. Don’t be surprised if students best information available. Don’t be surprised if students enroll that are already CPP, PSP or PCI certified. They may enroll that are already CPP, PSP or PCI certified. They may want to brush up on their skills or need the credits for re-want to brush up on their skills or need the credits for re-certification.certification.

EEnrollment or registration forms are easy to create and should nrollment or registration forms are easy to create and should be required for ALL attendees. Start collecting tuitions as soon be required for ALL attendees. Start collecting tuitions as soon as a student enrolls. This will aid in the student’s commitment as a student enrolls. This will aid in the student’s commitment to attending and completing the program.to attending and completing the program.

Step 8Step 8InstructorsInstructors

YYour selection of instructors is a critical piece in the success of our selection of instructors is a critical piece in the success of the review or study program. Ask for volunteers from your the review or study program. Ask for volunteers from your chapter membership to act as instructors for your program. A chapter membership to act as instructors for your program. A few tips on how to choose the right instructors for your venue:few tips on how to choose the right instructors for your venue:

Instructors should already be CPP, PSP, or PCI certified. You Instructors should already be CPP, PSP, or PCI certified. You can use a CPP instructor in a PSP program and vice versa.can use a CPP instructor in a PSP program and vice versa.

Instructors should be enthusiastic about adult education.Instructors should be enthusiastic about adult education. Previous teaching or training experience is helpful however Previous teaching or training experience is helpful however

don’t negate those potential instructors that have little don’t negate those potential instructors that have little experience in this area. They may surprise you.experience in this area. They may surprise you.

Step 8Step 8InstructorsInstructors

It’s always a good idea that the instructor be qualified in It’s always a good idea that the instructor be qualified in the areas they are covering. It allows their professional the areas they are covering. It allows their professional experience to be brought into the class which adds to the experience to be brought into the class which adds to the quality.quality.

Ensure that all instructors are agreeable to the schedule Ensure that all instructors are agreeable to the schedule and materials.and materials.

Step 9Step 9The Presentation The Presentation

TThe presentation, itself, can be the easiest part of this process. A he presentation, itself, can be the easiest part of this process. A

successful review or study program can be modeled and utilized successful review or study program can be modeled and utilized

year after year. Create a checklist to assist you.year after year. Create a checklist to assist you.

• Ensure that all instructors are on time.Ensure that all instructors are on time.• All student materials are ready and available.All student materials are ready and available.• The training space is clean and organized.The training space is clean and organized.• All A/V equipment is working properly.All A/V equipment is working properly.• Sign-in sheets are provided at the beginning of each class.Sign-in sheets are provided at the beginning of each class.• Give time for breaks as appropriate and needed.Give time for breaks as appropriate and needed.• Create an atmosphere of open dialogue and communication.Create an atmosphere of open dialogue and communication.

Step 9Step 9The Presentation The Presentation

• Allow for networking and problem-solving scenarios.Allow for networking and problem-solving scenarios.• Graduates should all be provided with a Graduates should all be provided with a “Certificate of “Certificate of

Completion”.Completion”.• Instructors should be provided with a Instructors should be provided with a “Certificate of “Certificate of

Appreciation”.Appreciation”.• Instructors should also be provided a formal letter from the Instructors should also be provided a formal letter from the

Chapter Chairman annotating the instructor’s participation Chapter Chairman annotating the instructor’s participation and time spent on this program, for re-certification and time spent on this program, for re-certification purposes. purposes.

• Take a photo of the class and insert it into the chapter Take a photo of the class and insert it into the chapter website, newsletter and other promotional mediums. website, newsletter and other promotional mediums.

Step 10Step 10FeedbackFeedback

OObtaining proper feedback is very important in the training btaining proper feedback is very important in the training

process. It allows us, as administrators, the opportunity to process. It allows us, as administrators, the opportunity to

learn a great deal. This can be very beneficial for the success learn a great deal. This can be very beneficial for the success

of future review or study programs within the chapter. It also of future review or study programs within the chapter. It also

empowers the students to share their opinion and takeempowers the students to share their opinion and take

ownership in the process. Prepare a feedback or evaluation ownership in the process. Prepare a feedback or evaluation

form and provide it to the students at the completion of the form and provide it to the students at the completion of the

program. Here are some tips:program. Here are some tips:

What did you like best/least about this program?What did you like best/least about this program? What was the most/least important learning area?What was the most/least important learning area? Like/Dislike materials, training space, refreshments?Like/Dislike materials, training space, refreshments? Comments about instructorsComments about instructors How can we improve this program?How can we improve this program?

ConclusionConclusion

TThat’s ten easy steps you can take to develop and conduct a hat’s ten easy steps you can take to develop and conduct a

successful CPP, PSP or PCI review or study program. Remember successful CPP, PSP or PCI review or study program. Remember

that it’s always a good idea to follow-up with your graduates to that it’s always a good idea to follow-up with your graduates to

see how they did on their examination. This information can then see how they did on their examination. This information can then

be shared and celebrated with the chapter and region.be shared and celebrated with the chapter and region.

IIf they have not taken the examination, how you can assist them f they have not taken the examination, how you can assist them

in reaching their certification goals. in reaching their certification goals.

SStill need assistance? Reach Out to your Region or Corporate till need assistance? Reach Out to your Region or Corporate

leadership or other chapters for answers.leadership or other chapters for answers.

conducting successful certification review programs

Documents

cpp certification

security professionals

psp certification

pci certification

certification program

type of certification

credible certification

physical security specialists