What is the difference between ASIS CPP and PSP?

PSP (Physical Security Professional) is focused on physical-security assessment, application and design. CPP (Certified Protection Professional) is the senior, broader credential in security management. Many professionals earn PSP first and CPP later as they move into management.

Do security installers need a license?

In most states, yes. Installing alarm, access-control and CCTV systems generally requires a state alarm or low-voltage license, often with a company/qualifier license plus individual technician registration. Requirements vary by state.

ESS (Electronic Safety & Security designer) is BICSI’s credential for designing electronic security systems — access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and the supporting network infrastructure.

Why would a physical-security pro get CompTIA Security+?

Modern security systems are IP/network-based, so a baseline IT-security credential like Security+ is increasingly valuable for cybersecurity of cameras, access control and the networks they run on.

🛡️ Certifications & Licensing

Physical Security Certification & License Exam Prep

Physical security blends professional certifications (ASIS), electronic-security design (BICSI), and state low-voltage/alarm licensing. This overview maps the credentials for security professionals, designers and installers.

⚠️ Requirements, fees and exam details vary by state, jurisdiction and over time. Always confirm the current specifics with ASIS International, BICSI or the relevant board before you apply.

🧭

The credential landscape

Security management professionals pursue ASIS certifications (CPP, PSP, PCI). Designers of electronic security systems pursue BICSI ESS. Installers and integrators of alarm, access-control and CCTV systems generally need a state low-voltage/alarm license, and many add a baseline IT-security credential (CompTIA Security+).

Security professional path (ASIS)

1Gain security-industry experience
2Earn ASIS PSP (physical security) or PCI (investigations)
3Build management experience
4Earn the CPP (board certification in security management)
5Maintain via continuing professional education

Designer / installer path

1Learn low-voltage systems
2Earn a state alarm / low-voltage license
3Add BICSI ESS (electronic security design)
4Add CompTIA Security+ for IT/network security
5Specialize (access control, video, intrusion)

🏅

ASIS professional certifications

ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP)

PREP COMING SOON

Board certification in physical-security assessment and design.

Administered by

ASIS International (Pearson VUE)

Format

Computer-based · ~140 items · ~2.5 hours

References allowed

Closed-book proctored exam

How you qualify

Experience in physical security plus education; apply to ASIS to qualify.

Key topics

Threat/vulnerability assessmentSecurity measures & designImplementationAccess controlVideo & intrusionCrime prevention (CPTED)

ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

PREP COMING SOON

The senior board certification in security management.

Administered by

ASIS International (Pearson VUE)

Format

Computer-based · ~200 items · ~4 hours

References allowed

Closed-book proctored exam

How you qualify

Substantial security-management experience plus education; apply to ASIS to qualify.

Key topics

Security principles & managementBusiness operationsRisk managementInvestigationsPersonnel & physical securityCrisis management

ASIS Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)

PREP COMING SOON

Board certification in investigations and case management.

Administered by

ASIS International (Pearson VUE)

Format

Computer-based · ~140 items · ~2.5 hours

References allowed

Closed-book proctored exam

How you qualify

Investigations experience plus education; apply to ASIS to qualify.

Key topics

Case managementEvidence collectionInterviewingCase presentationLegal considerations

🎥

Design & installation credentials

BICSI ESS (Electronic Safety & Security Designer)

PREP COMING SOON

Credential for designing electronic safety and security systems.

Administered by

BICSI (Pearson VUE)

Format

Computer-based · proctored

References allowed

Closed-book; study BICSI ESS reference

How you qualify

Documented ESS design experience plus application approval by BICSI.

Key topics

Access controlVideo surveillanceIntrusion detectionNetwork infrastructureBonding & groundingStandards

State Alarm / Low-Voltage License

PREP COMING SOON

The legal credential to install alarm, access-control and CCTV systems.

Administered by

State licensing board (often via PSI/Prometric)

Format

Computer-based · scope and format vary by state

References allowed

Open-book — NEC (low-voltage articles) and state rules

How you qualify

Experience and exam vary by state; many require a company/qualifier license plus individual technician registration.

Key topics

Low-voltage wiringAlarm & access controlCCTVNEC Ch. 7–8PermittingSafety

CompTIA Security+

PREP COMING SOON

Baseline IT/network security certification (useful for networked security systems).

Administered by

CompTIA (Pearson VUE / online)

Format

Computer-based · up to 90 questions · 90 minutes

References allowed

Closed-book proctored exam

How you qualify

No hard prerequisite; ~2 years of IT security experience recommended.

Key topics

Threats & attacksNetwork securityIdentity & accessCryptographyRisk & governance

📋

Requirements at a glance

Credential	Prerequisite	Typical experience	Administered by
ASIS PSP	Physical-security experience	Per ASIS*	ASIS
ASIS CPP	Security-management experience	Substantial*	ASIS
ASIS PCI	Investigations experience	Per ASIS*	ASIS
BICSI ESS	ESS design experience	Application approval*	BICSI
State Alarm / Low-Voltage	Varies	Varies by state*	State board

* Experience hours and prerequisites vary significantly by state, jurisdiction and credential level. Figures shown are typical ranges, not legal requirements.

🧠

Exam strategies & study tips

Match the credential to your role

PSP suits designers and assessors, CPP suits security managers, PCI suits investigators, and BICSI ESS suits systems designers. Pick the one that fits your work rather than collecting all of them.

Confirm ASIS eligibility early

ASIS certifications require experience plus education and an approved application before you can sit. Verify you qualify before scheduling.

Know your state’s licensing model

Alarm/low-voltage licensing differs by state — some license the company (qualifier) and register individual technicians. Confirm the structure before you apply.

Simulate the computer-based test

Most of these are computer-based at proctored centers. Take full-length, timed practice exams on screen so pacing and exam-day logistics aren’t a surprise.

🛠️

Practice with the studio's free tools

Many exam questions are calculation problems you can rehearse right now with the free tools in the Physical Security Studio:

Camera Coverage Designer →Camera Lens / FOV →PoE Power Budget →UPS Battery Sizing →

← Back to Physical Security Studio