Exam FAQs

1. If the SCP is a vendor-neutral program, why are there questions about products on the exams?

a. Although the SCP is a vendor-neutral program, it is not vendor-absent. The goal of the SCP is to test, not just the ability to understand theory and the operations of security in an organization, but to test actual working skill and knowledge. The SCP exams are designed to test the ability
of the candidate to perform security-related tasks, and operations, not simply recite definitions and descriptions. As such, it is required to test on the use of technologies.

b. We realize this may cause difficulties for those who use products other than what is tested. That is one function of the official courseware. Using the courseware, you will have the opportunity to work with the technologies that will be covered on the exams.

2. How should I prepare for the exams?

a. Since the exams test the implementation level skills of security professionals, it is strongly recommended that you prepare for the exams by taking the associated courses at an Authorized Training Partner (ATP). At the ATP, you will have the opportunity to work with the equipment and software that you will be tested on in the exams. After the class, and once you are comfortable with all the tasks in the courseware, you can prepare for the exam by taking a practice exam. The only authorized vendor of practice exam material is MeasureUp.

b. The items on the SCP exams are based on the hands-on aspects of the technologies used in the official courseware. You must be comfortable with the implementation of the various technologies in order to clear the SCP exams. Due to this, you must have experience working with the tools and techniques as described in the official courseware.

3. Will I be required to retake any exams?

a. The SCNS, SCNP and SCNA certifications are designed to remain as current as possible with security technologies and the security industry. Therefore, the certifications do have limited lifetimes to them.

b. Once you attain a certification, that credential is valid for two years. In order to keep the certification valid, you will be required to pass the SIS exam for the SCNP and the TSE exam for the SCNA.

4. How often are the exams replaced?

a. Exams are only replaced when a significant event or change happens to the security industry.

5. How can I register for an exam?

a. You may register for an exam online or on the telephone. The exams are hosted at Thomson Prometric testing centers. Please visit the Exam information page for further details.

6. Am I allowed a calculator during the exam?

a. No, you may not use a calculator (either brought in or on the PC) during an exam. The SCP exams do not allow any items to be brought into the exams, including calculators.

7. How much do the exams cost?

a. The HTI and NDC exams are $150 (USD) each, while the ASI and TSE exams are $180 (USD) each. The SIS and TPD exams are $179 (USD).

8. Will I get a sectional score?

a. Although many vendors have stopped providing this information, we feel that the vast majority of candidates appreciate and desire sectional scores, therefore they are provided for SCP exams.

9. Will I receive an ID number?

a. Yes, every candidate is assigned an ID number, upon registration for any SCP exam. Once you meet the requirements to become certified you will receive a unique ID number as a certified individual.

10. How long will it take after I pass an exam to receive my exam results?

a. You will receive your exam results immediately onscreen upon the completion of the exam.

11. Do I receive something in the mail after every test I pass?

a. You will only receive something when you become certified. There will not be an item sent to you that states pass or fail of each exam. For that record, keep the results you receive from the testing center.

12. Once I pass all required exams to become certified, when will I receive my certificate?

a. Once you have passed the required tests to become certified you will receive your certificate and other materials within 3-6 weeks.

13. What happens to someone who gets caught cheating on an SCP exam?

Individuals caught cheating on an SCP exam will have any previously earned credential revoked, and will no longer be eligible to receive any future SCP certifications.

14. Why must I agree to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before taking an exam?

SCP exams include proprietary and confidential information, and you must agree to maintain the integrity of this information to continue with any SCP exam.

15. What is the SCP exam retake policy?

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you may retake the exam again at any time. If you do not pass the exam on your second attempt, you must wait 30 days to retake the exam. Once you pass the exam, you must wait one year before you may attempt the exam again.