To become a certified security specialist, research the government agency that outlines the requirements for certification in your area. The Board of Certified Security Professionals can also help. Earn a degree, gain experience, and pass certification exams. Employers may offer support, but otherwise, you will need to fund your activities.
Before considering a path to becoming a certified security specialist, you will need to determine which government agency outlines the requirements for certification in your area. You can inquire about certification at your own company or by visiting a government website; in the United States, for example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines workplace safety regulations; therefore, you will need to research this administration’s guidelines to become a certified security expert. Private companies may require certification from other entities, so check what requirements exist in advance.
Another body that will help you become a certified security specialist is the Board of Certified Security Professionals (BCSP). There is an alliance between BCSP and OSHA, which means that many of the requirements between the two entities may overlap. In countries other than the US, there are other similar government bodies; in Europe, for example, the Institution for Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) regulates certification. You’ll need to earn an associate’s degree in health or safety, although in some cases you may actually need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Once you earn this degree, you will need to gain experience in the health and safety field; you can do this by taking a basic position in the field and learning as much as possible about managing safety and health planning.
After completing your training or on-the-job experience, you will need to pass certification exams to become a certified security specialist. It will be a wise decision to study for this exam; an existing security expert can provide guidance on how to study for these exams. Be sure to research how many times you can take the exam to try to pass; you may need to wait a set amount of time between exam periods after taking the exam once.
If you take a job as a safety or health officer, your employer can help you become a certified safety specialist by giving you on-the-job training and even paying for further training or education. The employer may also give you the opportunity to take the exam, taking care of all fees associated with the process. Not every employer will do this, but you can consult your employer about any support they may be able to offer. Otherwise, you will need to fund your activities; it’s a good idea to research various fees in advance so that you can financially plan for your certification and preparations.
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