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Frequently Asked Questions General

CPO Program

Security Supervision and Management Program /Certified In Security Supervision and Management

Can an individual apply for the CSSM designation any time after successful completion of the Security Supervision and Management Program ?



General

Q: Do I have to be a Member of the Foundation prior to enrolling into the CPO or CSSM programs?

A: Membership is not mandatory, and is not a prerequisite to enrollment into any of the IFPO programs. However there are numerous benefits to IFPO Membership including discounts and payment plan programs for all IFPO programs, services and supplies.

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Q: Can I become a Member and enroll into the CPO program all at one time and take advantage of the discount applicable?

A: Yes, certainly, and the discount can be deducted upon submission of application.

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Q: Should I enroll in the CPO program first?

A: At the Foundation we always encourage students to enroll into our premier program (CPO) prior to the CSSM program. It is not required, but it is recommended because the CPO program is so widely recognized that we feel ALL can benefit.

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Q: How do I get started?

A: Complete the appropriate application for the program desired. Once completed it can be forwarded by mail, courier, fax or e-mail to either the Canadian or United States office of the IFPO. Payment may be made by credit card, Check, money order. If enrollment is by a corporation, the IFPO will accept purchase orders. Invoicing for individual payment will only occur if Membership to the IFPO has been achieved. Once an application is received by the IFPO, program materials are forwarded out to the individual within one week. Applicant can then proceed with their studies.

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CPO Program

Q: Does the tuition fee for the Certified Protection Officer Regular Course of Study Program include all texts, and related materials?

A: Yes. The Certified Protection Officer Final Challenge Program does not include the cost of the training text. This must be purchased separately at a cost of $45.00.

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Q: What is the difference between the CPO Regular Course of Study, and the CPO Final Challenge Program?

A: The most significant difference is the CPO Final Challenge Program is a ‘fast track’ method or a condensed form of study in an effort to achieve the CPO designation. Basically, the candidate is simply challenging the CPO Final Examination. The CPO Regular Course of Study offers assistance to prepare for the Final Examination through an Interim Examination, and other related study guide material. The CPO Regular Course of Study program costs include the Protection Officer Training Manual and all other related study material. The CPO Final Challenge Program cost does not include the Protection Officer Training Manual. The manual may be purchased separately at a cost of $52.00.

Upon completion of either the aforementioned programs successful candidates receive the same completion materials.

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Q: What is the testing format?

A: Presently the CPO Program Final Examination consists of 328 true/false or multiple choice questions. There is a four (4) hour time limit to this examination. The online version is included in the program cost. Should a paper/pencil examination be requested it is an additional $20.00.

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Q: Who can serve as an examination proctor?

A: The examination proctor must meet a criteria set forth by the Foundation. The examination proctor can be someone within your own organization, that is in a supervisory or management position. The proctor could also include an individual that meets one of the following criteria: Human Resource Officer, Staff Development Officer, Member of a recognized Policing Organization, Member of a Professional Security Association, University/College Faculty Member, Certified Protection Professional, Certified Protection Officer, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Security Trainer, Member of the Clergy. Most Community Colleges and Universities offer proctoring services for independent study programs. The IFPO will assist an individual in locating a suitable proctor if necessary.

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Q: How long does the CPO program take to complete?

A: Because of the independent study format the completion time can vary. Generally speaking, on the average the CPO Program Regular Course of Study can be completed quite comfortably within a 3 month period. The CPO Final Challenge Program can be completed immediately once the individual has prepared for the Final Examination. All Foundation programs MUST be completed within a one year period.

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Q: What happens if I fail the Final Examination?

A: If a candidate is not successful in the completion of the Final Examination, they may retake the examination after a period of 30 days. An administration rewrite fee will be applied of $25.00. If the candidate is not successful in their second attempt, they may rewrite after a period of one year. Again the $25.00 administration rewrite fee would be applied.

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Security Supervision and Management Program/Certified in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM)

Q: Does the tuition fee for the Security Supervision and Management Program include all texts, and related materials?

A: Yes

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Q: Do I have to be a supervisor or manager to take this program?

A: No, you do not have to be a supervisor or manager to enroll into the Security Supervision and Management Program. However, six months security supervisory or management experience is mandatory to qualify to become Certified in Security Supervision and Management Program.

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Q: Is the Security Supervision and Management Program similar to that of the Certified Protection Officer?

A: Yes, both programs are similar in that they can be completed by home study

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Q: How long does it take to complete the Security Supervision and Management Program?

A: On the average this program takes between 4 - 6 months to complete. It must be completed within one year of enrollment.

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Q: What do I get upon completion of the Security Supervision and Management Program, and how do I obtain the CSSM designation?

A: Upon successful completion of the Security Supervision and Management Program the individual is awarded a certificate of completion, a letter confirming the completion of the Security Supervision and Management Program, a program critique questionnaire. A plaque may be ordered (additional cost). The individual may then submit application for the CSSM Program. (Six months previous security supervisory or management experience is necessary). The candidate is expected to complete a written practical exercise, where they must reply in a supervisory/management capacity. A series of more than 45 scenarios are presented and a mandatory 10 are necessary for completion.

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Q: Can an individual apply for the CSSM designation anytime after successful completion of the Security Supervision and Management Program?

A: Yes, an individual may apply for their CSSM designation anytime following the successful completion of the Security Supervision and Management Program.

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