Building Security Council

Is the Building Security Council a government entity?

No, the Building Security Council (BSC) was established in November 2005 as a not-for-profit corporation.  Initial funding for the BSC is provided by the American Society of Civil Engineers.  BSC is supported by numerous building design, management and ownership organizations.

Who is participating on the Council?

BSC is focused on bringing multi-disciplinary solutions to the building security arena.   Individuals on the BSC Board of Directors and committees are affiliated with diverse organizations such as the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI), American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), ASIS International, Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), Federal Facilities Council (FFC), U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), New York City Police Department (NYPD), The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), risk management firms, and building security services consultants.

BSC’s cross disciplinary nature is enhanced through the BSC Advisory Council.  The Advisory Council is another facet in ensuring the expertise of all building security disciplines is included in the Building Rating System and Building Security Professional certification programs.  The Advisory Council is led by the BSC Outreach Committee, chaired by Charles Meyer, M.AEI, Chairman of Henry Adams, LLC. 

Organizations that are interested in serving on the Advisory Committee should contact Charles Meyer at meyer@henryadams.com.

What products does BSC offer?

The BSC administers and maintains a building security rating program entitled the Promoting Logical Unified Security (PLUS™) and the Building Security Professional (BSCP™) certification program that enables building owners to evaluate and improve the security of their facilities.

How can I get involved with the Council’s activities?

The Building Security Council is currently seeking individuals to participate on its committees to implement the PLUS™ program and BSCP™ certification.  Please contact the committee chairs noted below for additional information.

Rating System Development Committee
Mohammed Ettouney, Ph.D., P.E., Chair

Building Evaluation Committee
Jon A. Schmidt, P.E., SECB, BSCP, Chair

Certification Program Development Committee
Leonard Hopper, FASLA, BSCP, Chair

Outreach Committee
Charles Meyer, P.E., M.AEI, Chair

PLUS™ Ratings System

When will the Building Security Rating System be available?

Full information and applications are available now.  Please click here for more details.

How much does it cost to obtain a BSC Building Security Rating?

Cost for the PLUS Rating System vary by the number of buildings that will be rated, the type(s) building, as well as the rating the owner or operator seeks to achieve.  To find the pricing for your building and rating please click here.

Additional Questions about PLUS

As the PLUS system is relatively new rating system there have been a series of question posed to the BSC about the system.  To view these additional questions, as well as the answer to those question please click here.

 

BSCP™ Certification Questions

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 who is certified by ASIS International as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP).  The BSCP thus has demonstrated minimum competence in a specific discipline.

The BSCP 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 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 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 written 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 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 seminar the BSCP Candidate Guide lists several resources that will help an individual prepare for the exam. In the future the BSC will also offer online education for those who are unable to attend the BSCP seminars.