Certified Protection Officer

[auxitrooper]

Has anyone become certified in this manner?
http://www.ifpo.org/products/cpo.html

I know that most states usually have some method for licensing or require some basic course (Illinois?) before you can go to work in security. However I'm looking for any little addition that will cross state lines and hopefully (at the very least) lead to a better account with a contract company or give more reason for a college campus to hire into a similar position I'm in now; in both cases this certification would hopefully be a reason that they would hire me over a diploma/GED holder.

I ask about this site only because it gives the appearance of not really meaning anything and possibly being outdated (not that 2006 is old).

[SecTrainer]

It's not totally meaningless. Some employers might give you preference over another identical candidate who doesn't have it. However, it has no officially-recognized standing or status.

Bottom line: This is "Security 101" level training, but for the price it would not be unreasonable to go ahead and do the program, especially if you have no better source of training available to you. You will probably learn something (which is just as important as what status the certification has) and, as I say, it could be of some help to you in the hiring process with some employers.

One thing: CPO is "generic" training and it's possible that state-sponsored training might differ in some respects. If this kind of conflict arises with your CPO training, it's the state-sponsored training or law or practice, etc. that is controlling for SO's working in that state, not the CPO.

The same is true of company policies, etc., which might differ from what you are taught in the CPO program. Again, it is the company policy that is controlling, and very few supervisors or managers will appreciate anyone telling them "Yes, but the CPO manual says....". Just a bit of advice. :D

[SgtUSMC8541]

Picked up mine back in 1998. Its worth more than going though most "company" training. I could care less what Spectaguard, Securatas, USI, United Security or any other company has trained you, the entry level security officer. Coming in with the CPO shows me that you take this profession seriously and are looking for additonal "outside" training. I try to get as many of my officers and supervisors though the course as I can.

[auxitrooper]

I lucked out and found a recent edition of the training manual at the library. There are two ways that I can go about this; take the full course at over $200 or pay $100 to take the test.

What is on the test? I've been in security for over 6 years and I'm currently working at a University. Would I have learned what is going to be on the test?

[flashlightcop509]

I lucked out and found a recent edition of the training manual at the library. There are two ways that I can go about this; take the full course at over $200 or pay $100 to take the test.

What is on the test? I've been in security for over 6 years and I'm currently working at a University. Would I have learned what is going to be on the test?

Or, depending on your company, you only need to pay the $45 some odd fee for the manual, and (like mine did) your company will pay for the testing fee and resulting paperwork, etc....

The test itself covers everything in the CPO book, pretty much right down to the same questions asked at the end of each chapter verbatim; It is a 328 question, semi supervised proctored exam, meaning you take the actual test at your company's office and under a strict 3 (?) hour limit. You can also take a 100 question "practice" exam prior to the one for record, and it is based on percentile...

So, say you get 76 out of 100 correct on the practice test, you could get near 100 out of 328 wrong on the actual test and still pass (though I don't recommend it); read, read, read, and then read some more... the first twenty pages or so covering the beginnings of security from the Praetorian Guards to Wells Fargo are drier than a popcorn fart and just as exciting, but keep in mind some of these points WILL be on the final exam...

My $.02...

[auxitrooper]

I work in-house and the chances of them springing for anything that wouldn't bring in more money from parking citations and alcohol violations is slim to none. Their training is a 90-day new-hire program and all new guys get sent to a week long campus law enforcement course (it's state specific where this wouldn't be).

A supervisor told me that it would be great to have and would be a plus if I was around when a supervisor position came open but they wouldn't be interested in paying for it.

Thanks a lot for the information, I'll get the book and see how it goes.

[Eric]

Continuing education in your chosen field always looks good on the resume.

There is a college or 2 (in Canada at least) that offers the CPO program and that college would more likley be known to a recruiter than IFPO, send IFPO an email to see if a college near you hosts the course.

This certification, like many others today, require further education to recertify. The CPP requires 60 points over 3 year for example, but it is not that hard to fulfill the requirments.

[mjw064]

I hear that LPN is a good certification to get too.

[Eric]

I hear that LPN is a good certification to get too.

Licensed Practicle Nurse?

First aid is often enough and requires less school time:D