Industrial Security Professionals spend a lot of time on security education.
Nothing can be more important than protecting our nation’s secrets. Some of the
best education and certification available is with the Industrial Security
Professional (ISP)Certification process. If you are working toward that goal
would like to learn more about the Industrial Security Professional
Certification see our new study guide. This book will help the student
understand the NISPOM and offers scenarios and questions that industrial
security professionals of the NISP world face daily. You can find it at
amazon.com or at the website www.ispcert.com.
The National Industrial Security Program
On Friday January 8, 1993, the President of the United States signed
Executive Order (EO) 12829, establishing the National Industrial Security
Program. The program is commonly referred to as the NISP and is an acronym with
which those working with classified contracts should become familiar. The NISP
gives excellent guidance, training and directions with which industrial security
professionals can better protect classified information. It also creates
agencies that have oversight of contractors performing on classified contracts.
According to the EO, the program’s purpose is to safeguard classified
information that has been or may be released to…“current, prospective, or
former contractors, licensees, or grantees of United States agencies”. It is
also designed to provide for the protection of classified material as outlined
in EO 12356 and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
The President also requires that the Secretary of Defense consult with
agencies and work with the Secretary of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission and the Director of Central Intelligence to issue and maintain the
National Industrial Security Program Manual (NISPOM).
The ISP
The Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Certification is sponsored by
NCMS (Society of Industrial Security Professionals), a professional organization
of industrial security members specializing in protecting classified
information. This group of professionals works in an industry operating under
the NISP. To achieve the goal of providing education and professionalism, NCMS
has developed the ISP Certification. The ISP bearer demonstrates a high level
of knowledge in topics involving safeguarding classified information. The
certification is based on the NISPOM but also covers the following electives:
communications security (COMSEC), operations security (OPSEC), Intellectual
Property and Counter-Intelligence.
Currently, only approximately 6% of NCMS members hold the ISP
certification. In July 2005 there were only 75 ISPs and as of this publication
the number has increased to over 150. The test is challenging and the pass rate
is approximately 80% . However, this pass rate is expected to improve as a
result of the mentor programs developing within the organization and with time
saving techniques offered with the on-line testing.
As with most professional certifications, earning the ISP certification is
recognized as a major accomplishment. Again, there are only a few people
world-wide who have earned the certification. The ISP does indeed distinguish
the bearer from those not certified and there is emphasis within NCMS to elect
ISP Certified national and local chapter leaders.
Because of the intense study involved, the certification demonstrates
willingness for self-improvement and dedication to the profession. The ISP also
communicates to management that the professional is committed to the business,
the industry and the furtherance of national security. Employees with
certifications help put their companies in a stronger negotiation position while
bidding on contracts and lend credibility to relationships with the oversight
agency, Defense Security Services (DSS). Most of all, it gives the recipient
confidence in the knowledge base and the ability to apply the knowledge to make
vital decisions.
As this certification program evolves, more and more employers will
recognize the certified industrial security professional during job interviews.
In addition, the ISP certification could make the difference between which
applicant gets the Facility Security Officer job offer and which security
administrator gets the promotion.
A Note to Military and Government Employee Security Specialists
There are several reasons for those working in government and the military
to achieve certification. One of which allows security managers to take
advantage of opportunities offered in the recent Presidential Executive Order:
National Security Professional Development. The Executive order states: “In
order to enhance the national security of the United States…it is the policy
of the United States to promote the education, training, and experience of
current and future professionals in national security positions (security
professionals)…”
The national strategy identified in the Executive Order provides a plan to
give security professionals access to education and training designed to
increase their professional experience. This creates a more effective body of
professionals dedicated to protecting our nation’s secrets.
The NISPOM may not be familiar to you, but the security functions
identified within should be. The NISPOM is the government contractor’s
guidance from DoD on how to receive, process and distribute classified
information. It demonstrates how to mark, document, store, disseminate and
destroy classified information as well as how to set up classified computing.
If in the course of your duties you have or expect to have a contractual
classified agreement with a member of U.S. industry, you should be familiar with
their requirements as identified in the NISPOM.
This certified Industrial Security Professional (ISP) communicates the
same message to government supervisors, the promotion board, and others that the
certification holder is committed to the protection of national secrets. It
equips the security manager with the knowledge and skills to perform critical
tasks as well as relate well with civilian counterpart requirements. Most of
all, it gives the bearer confidence in their ability to apply their knowledge.
As this certification program evolves, it is expected that more and more
employers will require the certification.
Commit
There are many reasons to step out and take the test. From career
development to the satisfaction of accomplishment and prestige, the ISP
certification fulfills many desires and goals. However there may be many more
excuses not to take it. Some excuses include the expense, time involved,
embarrassment of failure and just plain fear.
If you follow the principles set forth in this book you will improve your
chances of passing, creating your professional legacy, improving your standing,
increasing your salary and rising to the top in your chosen field To find out
more about this article and the book ISP Certification-The Industrial Security
Professional Exam Manual, visit www.ispcert.com
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