Center for Development

of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) NEXT

Preparing for a Security Professional Education Development (SPēD) Certification Assessment

The Physical Security Certification (PSC) assessment is training agnostic, meaning you do not have to complete any prescribed training or courses
before taking the certification assessment. However, preparing for the assessment by gaining additional training, education, or experience in the topic
areas may prove beneficial.
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) help you prepare for your SPēD certification assessment. The PSC CPTs consists of a series of open-ended
questions in each of the four security areas to assist you in increasing your proficiency.
Note: Specific CPT questions are not found on the assessment.
To view available CPTs for each SPēD certification assessment, please visit https://www.cdse.edu/certification/prepare.html.

CDSE-offered Training
You are invited to familiarize yourself with courses addressing the topics noted in the PSC Areas of Expertise. The Center for Development of Security
Excellence (CDSE) provides diverse security courses and products to Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, DoD contractors, employees of
other federal agencies, and selected foreign governments. Training is presented through a variety of learning platforms and is streamlined to meet
performance requirements.
To view available CDSE-offered training, please visit https://www.cdse.edu/catalog/index.html.

CDSE-offered Education
CDSE has established a program of advanced and graduate-level courses designed specifically to broaden DoD security specialists’ knowledge and
understanding of the security profession and prepare them for leadership positions and responsibilities. All of the courses are tuition free and are
offered in a virtual instructor-led environment.
To view available CDSE-offered training, please visit https://www.cdse.edu/education/index.html.

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 1
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

PSC Area of Expertise

The PSC assessment is a measurement of your understanding of physical security competencies. Although your current work may primarily be in
one of the core security disciplines (i.e., information, personnel, industrial, or general security), the results of the practice analysis performed by DoD
demonstrate the importance of having awareness and a fundamental knowledge across the core disciplines and the ability to perform physical security
functions. The PSC is not only valuable to you as your career advances; it also strengthens the confidence the DoD has in your specialized knowledge in
physical security principles.

The Areas of Expertise specified in the following charts were identified during the practice analysis as critical domains that should be addressed by
the PSC assessment. The weights indicated were derived from importance ratings provided by subject matter experts (SMEs) during the assessment
development process.

Area of Expertise
Physical Security Concepts Exam Weight: 22%
Physical Security Concepts Facility Access Control
Physical Security Standards Exam Weight: 24%
Physical Security Standards for Storage of Classified Physical Security Standards for Sensitive Conventional Arms,
Information Ammunition, and Explosives
Physical Security Standards for Special Assets/Resources
Standards, Countermeasures, and Planning Exam Weight: 41%
Protective Barriers Site Lighting
Key, Combination, and Lock Control Site Design Strategies
Security Systems Devices
Physical Security Planning and Implementation Exam Weight: 13%
Physical Security Planning and Plan Implementation Emergency Management/Emergency Response

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 2
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Policy/Reference Finder
The resources below can be used to assist you in locating current versions of policies used within the CPTs.
Note: Unclassified publications that contain tactics, techniques, procedures, etc., may require a Common Access Card (CAC) to access.

• Security Executive Agent Directives are available via the National Counterintelligence and Security Center: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/ncsc-how-
we-work/ncsc-security-executive-agent/ncsc-policy
• DoD Issuances are listed on the Washington Headquarters Services Executive Services Directorate website:
-- DoD directives: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodd/
-- DoD instructions: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/
-- DoD manuals/publications: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodm/
-- Directive-type memorandums: https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/DTM/
• All Joint Publications (JPs): https://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine/Joint-Doctine-Pubs/
-- JPs that require CAC access are available via the Joint Electronic Library Plus (JEL+): https://jdeis.js.mil/my.policy

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 3
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Concepts

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Physical Security What are the foundational What are the concepts of threat, DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts physical security concepts and vulnerability, and criticality in the Incorporating Change 1, May
principles? context of physical security? 27, 2009

Physical Security What are the concepts of prevention DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts and protection related to people, Incorporating Change 1, May
information, equipment, facilities, 27, 2009
activities, and/or operations?

Physical Security What are the physical security DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts performance goals, including Incorporating Change 1, May
deterrence, detection, assessing, 27, 2009
delaying, responding, and denying?

Physical Security What are the features of an Integrated DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts Protection System, including defense-in- Incorporating Change 1, May
depth, integration of physical protective 27, 2009
measure with security procedural
measures, system characteristics, and
point vs. area security?
Physical Security What are the content, principles, and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts features of a Physical Security Threat Incorporating Change 1, May
Matrix? 27, 2009

Physical Security What are the concepts and principles DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts related to resource and asset priorities, Incorporating Change 1,
to include security system level(s) and May 27, 2009; UFC 4-010-01,
resource asset type(s)? February 9, 2012, Incorporating
Change 1, October 1, 2013

Physical Security What are the concepts, principles, and UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Concepts purposes of physical security surveys 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
and assessments, to include frequency October 1, 2013
standards and Unified Facilities Criteria
(e.g., protective design planning,
construction, sustainment, restoration,
and modernization)?
Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 4
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Concepts

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Physical Security What are the foundational What are the concepts, principles, and UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Concepts physical security concepts and purposes of physical security surveys 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
principles? and assessments, to include frequency October 1, 2013
standards and Unified Facilities Criteria
(e.g., protective design planning,
construction, sustainment, restoration,
and modernization)?

Physical Security What are the categories of active and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts passive security measures? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Physical Security What are the purpose and function of DoDI O-2000.16, November 17,
Concepts waivers and exceptions related to physi- 2016, Incorporating Change
cal security policies? 1, May 5, 2017; DoDI 2000.12,
March 1, 2012, Incorporating
Change 3, November 15, 2016

Physical Security What are the role(s) and purpose for DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Concepts coordination with other security forces? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Physical Security What are the concepts and principles DoDD 3020.40, November 29,
Concepts related to defense critical infrastructure? 2016, Incorporating Change
1, November 11, 2018; DoDM
3020.45, Volume 2, June 6,
2017; DoDI 3020.45, August 14,
2018

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 5
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Concepts

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Facility Access How would you explain the What are the HSPD-12 requirements for DoD 5200.08-R, April 9,
Control purpose and function of facility access control? 2007, Incorporating Change
facility access control? 1, May 27, 2009; DTM 09-
012, December 8, 2009,
Incorporating Change 1, August
23, 2018
Facility Access What are the security requirements, DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control authorities, and criteria for various types Incorporating Change 1, August
of restricted areas? 23, 2018

Facility Access What are the various types and methods DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control of identification systems? Incorporating Change 1, August
23, 2018

Facility Access What are the specifications for cards and DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control badges? Incorporating Change 1, August
23, 2018

Facility Access What are the approaches for access DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control control methods, including escorts, two- Incorporating Change 1, August
person rule, and rosters? 23, 2018

Facility Access What are the proper procedures for DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control the inspection and search of packages, Incorporating Change 1, August
vehicles, and personal property? 23, 2018; DoD 5200.08-R, April
9, 2007, Incorporating Change
1, May 27, 2009; UFC 4-010-01,
February 9, 2012, Incorporating
Change 1, October 1, 2013
Facility Access What are the purpose and procedures DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control for turnstile operations? Incorporating Change 1, August
23, 2018

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 6
Facility Access What are the considerations for access DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Concepts

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Facility Access How would you explain the What are the purpose and procedures DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control purpose and function of for turnstile operations? Incorporating Change 1, August
facility access control? 23, 2018

Facility Access What are the considerations for access DTM 09-012, December 8, 2009,
Control control in the context of emergency Incorporating Change 1, August
planning? 23, 2018

Facility Access What is the relationship between access UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Control control and Force Protection Condition 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
(FPCON) categories? October 1, 2013; DoD 5200.08-
R, April 9, 2007, Incorporating
Change 1, May 27, 2009

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 7
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Standards, Countermeasures, and Planning

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Protective Barriers What are the purpose, What are the requirements for various DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
function, concepts, and types of fences? Incorporating Change 1, May
principles for protective 27, 2009
barriers?

Protective Barriers What are the purpose and function of DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
utility opening requirements? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Protective Barriers What are the requirements for security DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
towers? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Protective Barriers What are the requirements for DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
installation entrances, including Incorporating Change 1, May
perimeter entrances, entry-control 27, 2009
stations, gates, and vehicle inspection
areas?

Protective Barriers What are the posting requirements for DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
various types of warning signs? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Protective Barriers What are the maintenance and criteria DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
for clear zones? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 8
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Standards, Countermeasures, and Planning

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Site Lighting What are the principles and What are the principles and types of DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
requirements for site lighting? lighting? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Site Lighting What are the uses and methods of DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
control of lights? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Site Lighting What are the requirements and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
considerations for lighting design and Incorporating Change 1, May
wiring? 27, 2009

Site Lighting What are the procedures for inspection DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
and maintenance of lighting? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Key, Combination, What are the requirements What are the types of locking devices? DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
and Lock Control for key, combination, and lock Incorporating Change 1, May
control? 27, 2009

Key, Combination, How are lock and key installation and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
and Lock Control maintenance procedures alike? How are Incorporating Change 1, May
they different? 27, 2009

Key, Combination, What are the approaches and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
and Lock Control requirements for controlling locks and Incorporating Change 1, May
keys? 27, 2009

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 9
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Standards, Countermeasures, and Planning

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Site Design How are site design strategies What are the applicability and UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Strategies similar? How are site design exemptions for antiterrorism standards 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
strategies different? for site design? October 1, 2013

Site Design What are the methods and approaches UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Strategies of site design for mitigating aggressor 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
tactics and maximizing protection October 1, 2013
levels?

Site Design What are the purpose and function of UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Strategies site-work protective measures? 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
October 1, 2013

Site Design What are the principles of perimeter UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Strategies barriers in the context of site design? 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
October 1, 2013

Site Design How are landforms implemented to DoD ATO Guide, December
Strategies increase physical protection? 2012

Site Design What are the purpose, function, and UFC 4-010-01, February 9,
Strategies requirements for walls, doors, windows, 2012, Incorporating Change 1,
and roofs as physical protective October 1, 2013
measures?

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 10
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Standards, Countermeasures, and Planning

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Security Systems What are the principles and How would you describe the DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices functions of security systems considerations for an Electronic Security Incorporating Change 1, May
devices? Systems design? 27, 2009

Security Systems What are the purpose and function for DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices Intrusion Detection Systems? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Security Systems What are the purpose and function DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices of voice communication links and Incorporating Change 1, May
equipment? 27, 2009

Security Systems What are the principles and concepts for DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices closed circuit television (CCTV) systems? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Security Systems What are the considerations for alarm DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices and annunciation systems? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Security Systems What are the purpose, function, and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices requirements for card access systems Incorporating Change 1, May
and biometrics systems? 27, 2009

Security Systems What are the purpose and function of DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices electronic entry control? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Security Systems What are the function and consider- DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices ations for boundary penetration sen- Incorporating Change 1, May
Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change.
sors? 27, 2009 PSC CPTs | Page 11
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Standards, Countermeasures, and Planning

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Security Systems What are the principles and What are the function and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices functions of security systems considerations for boundary penetration Incorporating Change 1, May
devices? sensors? 27, 2009

Security Systems What are the elements, purpose, and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices function of motion and point sensors? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Security Systems What are the purpose and function of DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices duress-alarm devices? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Security Systems What are the types, purpose, and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices function of weapon and explosive Incorporating Change 1, May
detectors and equipment, including 27, 2009
magnetometers, portable metal
detectors, and X-ray machines?

Security Systems What are the purpose and function of DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Devices two-way radios? Incorporating Change 1, May
27, 2009

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 12
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Standards

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Physical Security What are the the special What are the requirements and DoDM 5200.01, Volume
Standards for requirements and standards standards for vault and secure room 3, February 24, 2012,
Storage of Classified for the storage and protection construction? Incorporating Change 2, March
Information of classified information? 19, 2013

Physical Security What are the standards for Intrusion DoDM 5200.01, Volume
Standards for Detection Systems that protect classified 3, February 24, 2012,
Storage of Classified information? Incorporating Change 2, March
Information 19, 2013

Physical Security What are the access control standards DoDM 5200.01, Volume
Standards for in the context of protection of classified 3, February 24, 2012,
Storage of Classified information? Incorporating Change 2, March
Information 19, 2013

Physical Security What are the certification and ICS 705, May 26, 1020; ICS 705-
Standards for accreditation requirements for facilities 1, September 17, 2010
Storage of Classified that store and protect classified
Information information?

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 13
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Standards

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Physical Security What are the physical security What are the security risk categories DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards standards for sensitive for AA&E removal from storage areas, Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive conventional AA&E? use of segregated storage areas, 2018
Conventional Arms, and construction standards and
Ammunitions, and requirements?
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the deviations and equivalent DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards levels of protection in the context of Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive AA&E? 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What is the the purpose and function of DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards inspections and audits for AA&E? Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the requirements for DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards prohibitions of AA&E? Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What is the relationship between DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards investigations and suitability/access to Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive AA&E? 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the constraints the Lautenberg DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards Amendment places on access to AA&E? Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives
Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 14
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Standards

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Physical Security What are the physical security What constraints does the Lautenberg DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards standards for sensitive Amendment place on AA&E access? Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive conventional AA&E? 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the special requirements for DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards contracts that address AA&E? Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the special criteria, standards, DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards and requirements for the protection Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive of arms, missiles, rockets, and sensitive 2018
Conventional Arms, conventional AA&E?
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the requirements for inventory, DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards unique item identifier (UII) registration, Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive disposal, and demilitarization of arms? 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the requirements for the DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards physical security of AA&E at contractor Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive facilities? 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 15
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Standards

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Physical Security What are the hysical security What are the special considerations for DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards standards for sensitive AA&E transportation security? Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive conventional AA&E? 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Physical Security What are the requirements for AA&E DoDM 5100.76, April 17, 2012,
Standards reports, investigative aids, and Incorporating Change 1, May 8,
for Sensitive disposition of records? 2018
Conventional Arms,
Ammunitions, and
Explosives (AA&E)

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 16
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Standards

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Physical Security What are the physical security What are the standards and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Standards for standards for special assets/ requirements for the physical protection Incorporating Change 1, May
Special Assets/ resources? of petroleum, oil, and lubricant facilities 27, 2009
Resources and assets?

Physical Security What are the standards and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Standards for requirements for the physical protection Incorporating Change 1, May
Special Assets/ of weapons platforms? 27, 2009
Resources

Physical Security What are the standards and DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Standards for requirements for the physical Incorporating Change 1, May
Special Assets/ protection of communications facilities, 27, 2009
Resources including planning and hardening of
communications structures?

Physical Security What are the standards and Chemical: DoDI 5210.65,
Standards for requirements for the physical protection January 19, 2016, Incorporating
Special Assets/ of chemical, biological, radiological, Change 2, August 31, 2018;
Resources nuclear, and explosive assets including Biological: DoDI 5210.88,
personnel reliability program, biosafety January 19, 2016, Incorporating
levels, and considerations for nuclear Change 2, August 31, 2018;
weapons, reactors, and materials? Nuclear: DoDD 5210.41, January
22, 2015, Incorporating Change
2, August 31, 2018;
DoDI O-5210.63, November 21,
2006

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 17
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS NEXT

Area of Expertise: Physical Security Planning and Implementation

Concepts/Topics Question Answer Reference
Emergency What is the role, purpose, and What are the concepts of the National DoDI 6055.17, February 13,
Management/ function of physical security Incident Management System, National 2017 Incorporating Change 1,
Emergency in the context of emergency Response Framework, “all-hazards,” November 14, 2017
Response management/emergency incident, and preparedness?
response?

Emergency What is the concept of emergency DoDI 6055.17, February 13,

Management/ management, including national 2017 Incorporating Change 1,
Emergency emergencies, disasters, civil November 14, 2018
Response disturbances, and acts of terrorism?

Emergency What are the purpose and function of DoDI 6055.17, February 13,
Management/ emergency management planning, 2017 Incorporating Change 1,
Emergency including coordination with local, state, November 14, 2019
Response Federal, and/or host-country officials?

Physical Security What are the elements of risk analysis, DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Planning and Plan including threat assessment, criticality Incorporating Change 1, May
Implementation assessment, vulnerability assessment, 27, 2009
risk assessment, and cost benefit
analysis?

Physical Security What is the risk management process, DoD 5200.08-R, April 9, 2007,
Planning and Plan including identification, prioritization, Incorporating Change 1, May
Implementation evaluation, mitigation, controls, 27, 2009
supervision, and re-evaluation?

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 18
 Center for Development
of Security Excellence
Physical Security Certification (PSC)
Competency Preparatory Tools (CPTs) PREVIOUS

Helpful Tips
• The body of material covered on the PSC assessment cannot be memorized in its entirety. Use memory techniques only to help recall key points.
• Focus on the application of accepted principles, practices, and theories, not memorizing facts, dates, and names.

• The PSC assessment is based on DoD policy only, and does not incorporate additional Component or agency requirements.

Published: December 16, 2019. All content is subject to change. PSC CPTs | Page 19