Testing Process

How to take the ISP® exam

Candidates may choose to take the ISP® exam either virtually or in person at a Prometric testing center. During the ISP® application process, candidates will indicate their preferred testing location.

In-person Testing: Wondering what to expect on test day?

Test Center Locations

If you want to check first to find a test center that is most convenient for you:

  • Visit the Prometric website.
  • Enter the country and state in which you wish to take the test and click “next”.
  • Click on “Locate a Test Center”.
  • Choose the test version you plan to take and click “next”.
  • Enter your preferred address, city/state or zip code where you would like to take the test.
  • You will be shown all available options.

Application

Before you can take the ISP® test, you must first submit your application for review by the NCMS ISP® Certification Committee. Please allow at least 30 days for processing. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

Experience:

  • At least two years cumulative experience in industrial security (note: military/police/guard experience may not qualify);
  • Candidates must be working in security at least part-time as part of their job description (a minimum of 10% of hours worked) in order for the experience to be considered;
  • Candidates do not need to be currently working in industrial security to apply as long as their work history satisfies the two-year requirement.

Documentation:

Payment:

  • Payment is required with the completed application.
  • Test fees are $275/NCMS Members; $400 non-members.
  • Retest fees are $140/NCMS Members; $200 non-members.
  • If your application is not approved, your test fee will be refunded by NCMS.

If you are approved, you will receive a confirmation via email from NCMS HQ.  Please carefully review the information contained in your confirmation. If any of the information is incorrect, please contact NCMS at: sue@mmco1.com or by telephone 610-971-4856.

Scheduling Your Test Date

Once you are approved, you will have six months in which to schedule and take your test. This is done directly via Prometric, and instructions are included in your confirmation email from NCMS.

Please note that once you schedule your test, cancellation/rescheduling fees may apply:

  • If canceling or rescheduling your exam 30 days prior to your exam date, no change fee will be assessed by Prometric.
  • If canceling or rescheduling your exam 5-29 days prior to your exam date, a $50 cancellation/reschedule fee will be assessed by Prometric.
  • If canceling or rescheduling your exam less than 5 days before your exam date, a $70 cancellation/reschedule fee will be assessed by Prometric.

What to Bring to the Testing Center

  • You will be required to present one valid, government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license, passport, national ID, military ID).
  • If you are testing outside of your country of citizenship, you must present a valid (note: Expired passports will not be accepted) passport.
  • The identification document must be in Latin characters and contain your photograph and signature.
  • You are not permitted to bring any food or beverage into the testing center except a bottle of water with the label removed.
  • All personal items must be locked in a locker for test security purposes, so please limit what you bring to the testing center.
  • Find more information about what you bring to the Testing Center and other requirements here.

References That are Available During the Test

The test is “open book”. That means you will be allowed to look up answers within the references provided. Keep in mind that there is not enough time to look up every question on the exam. There are a total of 110 questions, and 150 minutes in which to complete the exam. Prometric allows organizations to include a maximum of 10 reference documents which are all available during the exam. 

In-person Testing: What Time to Arrive at the Testing Center

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in procedures. If you are late in arriving, you may not be allowed to test and appropriate cancellation/reschedule fees may apply.

Want to check out a center in advance? Take a Test Drive.

  • Scroll down, then click on “Sign Up”
  • Then you get to a page called “schedule appointment”
    • (sponsor is “Prometric”)
  • Click on the right facing green arrow at the bottom of the page.
  • Scroll down on this page until you see the check boxes. Check the 2 boxes to confirm over 18 and the personal data consent box
  • Click green arrow again
  • Then you say “no” you are not pre-approved for testing accommodations, and you select “Prometric Test Drive” for test selection. (click green arrow again)
  • Then you find a test center by putting in a zip code, city, etc. and a start/end date.
  • Then you just pick one of the selections, by clicking on the desired date/time, fill out your profile, and then you pay the $30. (this is a Prometric Fee, not an NCMS fee)

Requests for Accommodation

Candidates may request special consideration or accommodation by submitting this request in writing to the Executive Director, for review and determination by the ISP® Committee. All requests must include the specific condition(s) that requires the accommodation and a doctor’s written confirmation of the condition and reason for the accommodation. Questions should be directed to the NCMS Executive Director at 610-971-4856 or kyle@mmco1.com.

What to do if Your Test Session is Interrupted

Once you begin your test, the clock is not able to be reset to account for any time lost.  Therefore, if your test session is interrupted by external circumstances beyond your control (i.e., power outage, site evacuation), it is your right to request that your test session be rescheduled.  If you do not request a reschedule and instead choose to resume your test, the results will stand, and your test score will count regardless of outcome.  If you have any questions about rescheduling or the test center does not allow you to do so, please visit contact NCMS HQ at 610-971-4856 and Prometric’s Candidate Care line at 1-800-853-6769.     

Questions

For questions concerning examinations, please contact the NCMS office directly at 610-971-4856 or by email at kyle@mmco1.com.