CSPM Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Begin

Is this course for novice or experienced project managers?
This course is designed for project managers with some experience in security project management; it is not designed for novice project managers.

How can I apply for the CSPM program?
You can apply for the CSPM program by completing the application form and submitting it, along with your $75 payment, to SIA. You can find the application form here.

Do I have to pay the entire $1850 fee at once?
No, you can pay the fee over time. To get started, you should submit your application form and $75 payment as well as your self-study registration form and $275 payment for a total of $350. You can pay for your classroom registration fee when you enroll for the classroom portion of the program. If you want to enroll in all parts of the program at the same time you will need to pay the full $1850.

In what order do I need to submit my application and registration forms?
You must submit your application to the program first; however, you may include your self-study registration or classroom registration forms at the same time.

What does the application fee cover?
The application fee covers many of the administrative costs of the program, including printing, shipping, and your certificate of completion.

What if I change my mind about completing the certification; can I get a refund?,br> Your application fee is non-refundable. Your self-study fee is refundable only until your materials have been shipped to you; you are not eligible for a refund once the materials have been shipped to you. Please see the CSPM Classroom Schedule section for more information about cancelling your classroom training.

Can I take the course if I am not in the USA?
Yes, you can. CSPM candidates represent a number of countries throughout the world. However, all CSPM classroom training sessions are currently held in the United States.

Self-Study

How long will it take to get my self study materials?
Please allow for 3-4 weeks for your self-study materials to be delivered. While many self-study manuals are delivered quickly, we do not guarantee their arrival sooner than three weeks after your order is placed.

How will I take the self-study exam? What if I have questions?
Your self-study manual will include your self-study exam. The self-study exam is open-book and can be completed in your own time; it is not proctored, and there is no time limit. However, the questions are challenging and will require you to fully read your self-study materials. If you have questions, please mark them on your exam and bring them to class.

Classroom

What is the final exam like? How hard is it?
The final exam is 125 multiple choice questions covering the material from both the self-study and classroom components. The final exam is challenging, but most students find themselves well-prepared after completing the self-study work and the full week of classroom training.

How long will it take to get my final exam score?
Results are released within two weeks of the exam date. Students are notified of their exam results by email.

What happens if I do not pass the final exam?
Students receiving a 60% - 74% on the final exam are invited to complete an online retest. The retest is 50 questions long, and it is available for $125. Students who receive less than a 60% on the final exam must reenroll and attend an additional classroom training at full cost to qualify for certification.

How can I find out what my score was on the final exam?
SIA does not provide exam results to students; students are notified that they have passed the exam, qualified for a retest, or failed the exam and must retake the classroom component. If you have questions about your specific results you are welcome to contact SIA for more information.

Can I audit the training and not pursue a certification?
Yes, you can. However, the cost of auditing the course is $1500, which is equivalent to the cost for CSPM candidates.

I am enrolled in the classroom session but I can't attend. What should I do?
Please visit the CSPM Classroom Schedule section for more information on class cancellations.

Experience Verification

How much experience do I need?
Experience needed is based on your level of education. If you have a Baccalaureate degree you need to document 2500 hours with 500 hours specific to security project management; if you do not have a Baccalaureate degree you need 4000 hours with 1000 hours specific to security project management.

I don’t have enough project management experience to date; can I still take the course?
Yes, you can take the course and complete both the self-study and classroom components without having the required amount of project management experience. However, the course is not designed for novice project managers; most students have some project management experience before beginning the certification.

Is there any time limit for gaining my experience?
No, there is no time limit for gaining experience. Please note that you will not earn your certification until you complete the experience portion; the self-study and classroom components alone are not enough to earn the full certification.

How long does the Experience Verification process take once my paperwork is completed?
The verification process takes 4-6 weeks. Students will be notified of their status within this time; the most common responses include a confirmation that all requirements have been fulfilled and requests for further documentation.

Recertification

Does my certification expire?
Yes, your certification will expire three years after the date it was issued. For example, if your certificate was issued in January 2006 your CSPM certification will expire in January 2009.

How do I renew my certification?
You can complete the recertification process by completing the Recertification Reporting Form. More information about the recertification process can be found here.