BSCP FAQ

Who should get a BSCP?

Building security professionals who possess an Architect license, Landscape Architect license, Professional Engineer license, or the ASIS International Physical Security Professional (PSP) or Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credentials are encouraged to pursue the BSCP advanced certification.

A BSCP candidate should:

• Have a broad knowledge and understanding of security considerations and can address them effectively in the integrated planning, design, construction, operation, and risk assessment of buildings.
• Be familiar with the building classification and field evaluation procedures described in the Building Security Council (BSC) Building Security Rating program entitled Promoting Logical Unified Security (PLUS™), and has the expertise to apply them within the context of a multidisciplinary team.

What are the benefits of obtaining a BSCP?

You receive a designation that demonstrates a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of building security issues.

You have the opportunity to diversify your portfolio of skills making you more attractive to potential clients and employers.

You will be listed in the BSCP database on the PLUS rating website which will be used by building owners and operators to locate individuals to prepare and submit their PLUS rating application.

Your BSCP certification entitles any building owner or operator who hires you to prepare and submit their PLUS application to receive a significant discount on their PLUS rating.

What knowledge and experience is needed to earn the Building Security Professional certification?

The Building Security Certified Professional (BSCP) is an individual who is licensed to practice engineering, architecture, or landscape architecture in a United States jurisdiction, or they must be certified by ASIS International as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP).  The BSCP thus has demonstrated competence in a specific discipline.

The BSCP candidate also has broad knowledge and understanding of security considerations and can address them effectively in the integrated planning, design, construction, operation, and risk assessment of buildings.  In particular, the BSCP candidate is familiar with the building classification and field evaluation procedures described in the Building Security Council (BSC) Building Security Rating System, and has the expertise to apply them within the context of a multidisciplinary team.

The BSCP candidate has demonstrated these capabilities by:  documenting their initial professional qualification, agreeing to practice in accordance with the BSCP Code of Ethics, and passing the BSCP certification examination.

Will I need to pass an examination to earn the Building Security Professional certification?

Yes, candidates will be required to take and pass a computer based examination.  The 3 hour examination will consist of 100 multiple choice questions. For more information about the exam, please view the BSCP Examination Specification.

How do I earn a BSCP?

As mentioned previously, in order to earn a BSCP, a candidate must be licensed to practice engineering, architecture, or landscape architecture in a United States jurisdiction, or they must be certified by ASIS International as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP) and they must pass the BSCP computer based exam.

The BSCP computer-based examination is offered through CASTLE Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading certification and licensure testing companies in the United States. A BSCP candidate is able to take the examination at any of CASTLE Worldwide's more than 250 testing centers, which are located in classrooms, universities, and community colleges throughout the United States. For more information on testing facilities please click here.

The BSCP examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering seven domains of building security knowledge: project process, risk assessment, site considerations, building envelope, interior space, facility operations, and the BSC rating system.

For a step by step guide through the process of obtaining a BSCP please download the BSCP candidate guide. The candidate guide gives a thorough explanation on the computer-based examination that you must pass to earn your BSCP, as well as a description of the material you will need to study for the exam. In addition, the guide provides some sample questions to give you a feel for actual exam.

How do I prepare to take the BSCP computer-based exam?

The best way to prepare for the BSCP exam is to attend one of the BSCP Seminars. If you are unable to attend one of the seminars the BSCP Candidate Guide lists several resources that will help an individual prepare for the exam. In the future the BSC will offer online education for those who are unable to attend the BSCP seminars.

Is there a study guide I can purchase?

Currently there is no study guide offered.

How much is the exam?

The exam costs $400.

What if I fail the exam?

If you fail the exam, you will need to wait six months in order to take it again.

What if I schedule an exam and cannot keep my appointment?

If you are unable to keep your appointment, you’ll need to contact Castle Worldwide directly to reschedule or cancel.  There are no refunds offered.