ASIS International

ASIS International (each letter pronounced separately,), headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is a professional organization for security managers. ASIS advocates the role and value of the security management profession to business, media, government entities and the general public. With more than 37,000 members in more than 200 chapters worldwide, ASIS is developing programs and materials that address broad security interests.

ASIS offers a wide variety of training programs to keep security professionals abreast of industry changes. Programs include national and international conferences, webinars and more.

The ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits is an educational and networking event in the security industry.

History

Founded in 1955 as the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS, pronounced "as is," or, alternatively, as rhyming with "basis" by most members), the organization officially changed its name in 2002 to ASIS International. This new name supposedly better reflected the growth and expansion of the society into the largest international organization for security professionals, covering a wide array of services and specialties within the security industry.

Certification Programs

ASIS administers three internationally accredited certification programs. The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation is a widely acknowledged accreditation programme for security professionals. The credential is awarded to qualified individuals who have demonstrated, through credentials and examination, expertise in security management principles, concepts, technology and best practices. Those who have earned the CPP are "Board Certified in Security Management". CPP is recognised as a part of demonstrating security competency for attainment of the Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) registration in the United Kingdom.

The Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) designation is a specialty certification awarded to security practitioners who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in case management, evidence collection and preparation of reports and testimony to substantiate findings. Those who have earned the PCI are "Board Certified in Investigations".

The Physical Security Professional (PSP) designation is a specialty certification awarded to security practitioners who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in threat assessment and risk analysis, integrated physical security systems, and the appropriate identification, implementation and ongoing evaluation of security measures. Those who have earned the PSP are "Board Certified in Physical Security".

Standards and Guidelines

As the leading organization for security management professionals worldwide, ASIS International announced a new focus in 2007: to actively embark in standards development both nationally and internationally, in addition to the development of guidelines. ASIS entered the standards development world after its members around the globe asked ASIS to support compatible standards to promote consistency and reduce trade barriers.

While it develops guidelines that are suggested practices, ASIS also develops standards that are the benchmark of best practices. ASIS is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO) and participates in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards activities.

The work of preparing ASIS standards and guidelines is carried out through the ASIS Standards and Guidelines Commission and Committees. ASIS standards and guidelines are developed within a voluntary, non-proprietary and consensus-based process utilizing to the fullest extent possible the knowledge, experience and expertise of ASIS membership, the security industry and materially affected parties.

ASIS released its first American National Standard, the "Chief Security Officer Organizational American National Standard," in 2008. The most recent ASIS American National Standard, "Organizational Resilience: Security, Preparedness and Continuity Management Systems—Requirements with Guidance for Use," published in March 2009, provides a comprehensive management framework to anticipate, prevent if possible, and prepare for and respond to a disruptive incident.

ASIS Foundation

Since 1966, the ASIS Foundation has actively forged the way for the creation of new academic, strategic and professional development opportunities within the security industry, through fundraising, research, scholarships and endowments.

The ASIS Foundation supports the growth and evolution of the security profession by funding and managing a wide range of activities designed to strengthen and advance the expertise of security practitioners and to professionalize and institutionalize the study of security management at the college and university level.

CSO Roundtable

The CSO Roundtable, a by-invitation-only group of ASIS International, was launched in 2004 to give top security executives a stronger voice in business and public policy. The CSO Roundtable became a full-service membership group offering an exclusive array of benefits in 2008.

External links

• Official website of ASIS International
• Official site of the ASIS Foundation of ASIS International
• Official website of the CSO Roundtable of ASIS International