What is the schedule for the EPP Rounds?
There are two Rounds each year, consisting of 14 calls each. The first Round begins in January or February and the second Round begins in July or August.
Disclaimer: The ISP Exam Preparation Program (EPP) is the only guided study program for the ISP Certification that is developed and sanctioned by NCMS. While NCMS endeavors to ensure that the NCMS-provided EPP materials are current and accurate, NCMS is unable to guarantee the accuracy or currency of all program content. Use and review of the NCMS EPP materials does not imply or guarantee a successful outcome or result on the ISP examination. NCMS does not review nor does it endorse ISP certification examination preparation materials developed and/or advertised by any third party.
What are the days and times for the calls?
There is one call per week. Candidates can attend the call live, or view on-demand after each live session occurs. (Please allow 3–5 business days for the call recording to be posted for viewing.
Call times are:
| Call In Day | Eastern | Central | Mountain | Pacific |
| Tuesday | 2:30 PM | 1:30 PM | 12:30 PM | 11:30 AM |
How much does the Exam Preparation Program cost?
The cost is $50 for NCMS members and $100 for non-members. This fee covers the entire program, including the workbook, and is due at the time of registration.
How long are the calls?
Calls last one hour or less, depending on the amount of material to be covered that week.
What if I miss a call?
All calls are recorded. The recorded calls are posted to the NCMS website approximately 3–5 business days after the call. Access to these calls is given to candidates after registration for the Round.
What materials will I need for the course?
All course material is included in the program fee. There is a workbook, and several other guides which are provided throughout the course. Once registration closes, registered candidates are added to the NCMS HUB Community created specifically for sharing information related to the Exam Prep Program.
Course material is posted in the HUB for easy access. Emailing of documents often gets interrupted by spam filters, therefore the HUB is the preferred method to transmit course material.
Do I need to complete the EPP before I take the exam?
No, participation in the EPP is voluntary and not a requirement for the exam. You may take the exam at any time after completing the required exam application procedures.
Who are the Facilitators of the EPP?
The chair, vice chair, and facilitators of the EPP are experienced security professionals who have already obtained their ISP certification. Each member of the team is well versed in the NISPOM and the various topics to be covered.
How do I register?
Please visit the Register for the EPP section of this website. Registration opens one month prior to each Round and closes just before the Round begins. If you miss the registration cutoff, you will need to wait for the following Round before you can register.