PSP study plan
PSP · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Physical Security Assessment
Distinguish the major risk assessment methodologies and state when each is appropriate
Build an asset inventory for a mock facility across people, property, information, and reputation categories
Rank threats by likelihood and consequence using a scored risk matrix
Identify vulnerabilities by comparing existing controls against each ranked threat
Your checkpoint
A 2-page mock risk assessment for a fictional 200-person facility containing an asset inventory, a ranked threat list, and a completed likelihood-by-consequence risk matrix.
Physical Security Assessment & Application of Physical Security Systems
Map each residual risk from Week 1 to at least one candidate countermeasure
Apply the principles of layered defense and CPTED to the mock facility layout
Justify each recommended control on cost, effectiveness, and operational impact
Explain how assessment findings translate into a security program baseline
Your checkpoint
A countermeasure matrix mapping at least 10 ranked risks to selected controls, each with a cost band, expected risk reduction, and a one-sentence justification.
Application of Physical Security Systems
Differentiate intrusion detection sensor technologies by detection principle and suitable application
Describe alarm transmission, annunciation, and monitoring pathways from sensor to response
Compare access control credential technologies and the door hardware each requires
Select camera, lens, and lighting configurations for defined surveillance objectives
Your checkpoint
A one-page integrated system architecture diagram (IDS, ACS, CCTV) for the mock site plus a component justification table listing each device, its technology choice, and the reason for selection.
Application of Physical Security Systems
Calculate video storage retention requirements from resolution, frame rate, compression, and camera count
Compare biometric modalities on accuracy, throughput, and user acceptance
Critique the Week 3 design against a stated risk to expose gaps
Recall sensor, credential, and video terminology under time pressure
Your checkpoint
A completed 20-question self-authored systems quiz scored at 80% or higher, with a written correction note for every missed item.
Implementation of Physical Security Systems
Sequence an installation project from design through commissioning and acceptance
Draft acceptance test criteria for at least three subsystems
Identify the codes, standards, and licensing requirements that constrain the installation
Plan operator training and the operations-and-maintenance handover package
Your checkpoint
An implementation schedule with phases, dependencies, and milestones, plus a one-page acceptance and handover checklist covering testing, documentation, training, and warranty start.
Implementation of Physical Security Systems & Procurement of Physical Security Systems and Services
Apply change control and schedule risk management to a mid-project scope change
Draft the scope-of-work and technical requirements sections of a solicitation
Define weighted evaluation criteria that are defensible and measurable
Identify ethical and conflict-of-interest constraints in the procurement process
Your checkpoint
A draft solicitation package section containing scope of work, mandatory requirements, and a weighted scoring rubric totaling 100 points.
Procurement of Physical Security Systems and Services
Compare contract types and select the appropriate structure for a defined project
Screen vendor qualifications, references, and financial stability using stated criteria
Draft service level agreement and warranty terms with measurable performance thresholds
Evaluate three fictional bids and document the award rationale
Your checkpoint
A populated vendor evaluation scorecard for three fictional bidders plus a one-page recommendation memo justifying the award against the published criteria.
Physical Security Assessment & Application of Physical Security Systems & Implementation of Physical Security Systems & Procurement of Physical Security Systems and Services
Complete a full-length timed practice examination under test conditions
Re-drive every domain scoring below 80% with targeted review
Condense each domain into a one-page recall sheet of processes, formulas, and definitions
Rehearse the assessment-to-procurement workflow end to end without notes
Your checkpoint
A scored full-length practice exam at 80% or higher plus a written remediation list naming the specific concepts still weak and the action taken on each.
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain, without notes, how a completed risk assessment drives countermeasure selection, and hand over a finished countermeasure matrix covering at least 10 ranked risks.
Week 4: Can justify every component in an IDS/ACS/CCTV architecture by risk addressed and technology fit, and score 80% or higher on the systems quiz.
Week 6: Can walk from an approved design through commissioning to a solicitation, producing both an acceptance checklist and a weighted RFP scoring rubric.
Week 8: Scores 80% or higher on a timed full-length practice exam and holds a written remediation list with no unresolved items across all four domains.