I am seeing more Physical Security positions being posted. What are some training opportunities/ certifications that employers are looking for in this field?
Yes—if you’re seeing more physical security roles, a few certifications come up more than others depending on the level of the job.
For entry-level to mid-level roles, ASIS’s APP (Associate Protection Professional) is a good general credential, and the PSP (Physical Security Professional) is one of the most directly relevant if the job is focused on site security, access control, assessments, and security systems. ASIS describes the PSP as covering physical security assessments, design/integration of security systems, and implementation of security measures, which is exactly what many employers mean by “physical security.”
If the roles are more security-operations or guard-force oriented, IFPO’s CPO (Certified Protection Officer) is another one worth knowing. It is geared toward protection officers and security personnel and is often more practical for operational/security officer tracks than a management-focused credential.
For more senior roles, ASIS’s CPP (Certified Protection Professional) tends to matter more, but that is aimed at experienced security managers rather than someone just breaking into the field. ASIS lists it for senior-level security professionals with several years of related experience.
A useful add-on, especially if the role touches emergency response, critical infrastructure, or incident coordination, is FEMA’s free ICS/NIMS coursework (things like IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700). Those are not “prestige” certifications the way ASIS is, but they are practical and relevant, especially when a job involves incident response, site emergencies, or coordination with public safety. FEMA’s training materials specifically reference ICS 100, 200, and 700 as core pieces of the system.
So in real-world terms:
APP if you’re newer and want a strong general security credential
PSP if you want the most directly relevant physical security certification
CPO if you’re on the operations/officer side
CPP later if you move into leadership
FEMA ICS/NIMS courses as solid supporting training
