The Exam Preparation Program is a guided study to help you prepare for the ISP® exam.
NCMS created the Exam Preparation Program (EPP) in 2005 after seeing a need for a structured program for candidates planning on taking the ISP® exam. The program has come a long way from its beginnings over a decade ago, but the goal has not changed. That goal is to aid security professionals with successfully obtaining their ISP® certification.
The EPP is a structured self-study course that assists exam candidates with reviewing the 32 CFR 117 National Industrial Security Program Operation Manual (NISPOM), Industrial Security policies and regulations, and general test taking tips. It is a comprehensive review of information candidates should already know as a security professional.
The EPP does not “teach” candidates the NISPOM. In order to qualify to take the ISP® exam, a minimum of five years cumulative experience in Industrial Security is required. Each exam candidate should already be familiar with the NISPOM.
EPP Team E-mail: et-epp@classmgmt.com
EPP Subcommittee Chairs: Joe Fulco, ISP® and Brooke Stephens, ISP®
Education and Training Committee Co-Chair: Lea Mosher, ISP®
What is the EPP?
- The EPP is a study tool that NCMS offers to assist those individuals who are planning to take the Industrial Security Professional (ISP®) Exam.
- The EPP is a structured self-study course that assists exam candidates with reviewing the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Industrial Security policies/regulations, and general test taking tips.
- The EPP guides you to review the primary topics covered by the exam.
- The EPP is a review of information you should already be familiar with.
What the EPP is Not
- The EPP does NOT “teach you” the NISPOM. To qualify to take the exam, a minimum of 2 years cumulative experience in Industrial Security is required. Each test candidate should already be familiar with the NISPOM.
- The EPP does NOT provide answers to exam questions. The exam is ANSI certified and it would be a violation of that certification to provide real exam questions.
When Are Sessions Held?
- The EPP is conducted via a weekly WebEx.
- There will be 1 call per week. Each participant can call in during the live call, or review the call on-demand afterward.
- Calls are held Tuesdays at 2:30 PM Eastern
- There are two rounds each year, the first beginning in January or February and the second beginning in July or August.
What Material is Needed?
- All course material is included in the EPP registration fee:
- $50 for NCMS Members
- $100 for Non-Members
- Please pay particular attention to the email address you use to register. This will be important to ensure you receive all course communications.
- Course material CANNOT be shared with others. Sharing is a violation of the ISP® ethical standards.
How to Register
- You can register online on the NCMS website.
- Once registered, you will be prompted to sign up for the WebEx calls
- Please ensure you register for ALL calls, even if you think you may only view content on-demand. This will give you the option of attending live if desired.
Understanding the Process
- Every week, participants will complete the listed assignment in the workbook prior to calling into the WebEx.
- Participants will call in, preferably 5–10 minutes before start.
- Facilitators will introduce the section to be discussed and, using the workbook, will start at the beginning of the assignment and read the question.
- Participants will provide the reference(s) for the answer and the facilitator will acknowledge whether the response is correct or incorrect. Answers will be provided on the WebEx screen after the correct response has been provided.
- There is a Q&A room during the WebEx that participants are highly encouraged to utilize. This is where additional questions can be asked if further clarification on a topic is needed.
- Facilitators try very hard to answer all questions during the call, but
only if time permits. - Any questions not answered can be sent to: et-epp@classmgmt.com or posted in the EPP community page
- Facilitators try very hard to answer all questions during the call, but
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the WebEx?
Once registered, you will receive weekly e-mails with the login/call
information
What if I miss a call?
Weekly calls are recorded and posted to the EPP webpage under “Call Recordings” approximately 4 business days after the call.
How long is each call?
One hour
What is the cost?
$50 for members/ $100 for non‐members
Important Information
- Make sure you phone in for the very first WebEx call. It is full of crucial information for the remainder of the round.
- We go over all the components of the calls and explain how to find the information you need.
- Important announcements of any changes are also made during the first week.
- Do not hesitate to e-mail us with any questions! That’s what we are here for!