ASIS-PSP ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP) Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

A methodical examination in security management serves multiple purposes:

Identifying deviations from policies and procedures

Detecting vulnerabilities or loopholes

Improving operational effectiveness while maintaining or enhancing security

This approach is used in audits, inspections, and evaluations to enhance overall security posture without compromising performance.

References from PSP: ASIS POA – Security Audits and Evaluations; PSP Guide – Program Effectiveness and Risk Review

Assault is defined as the intentional act of creating a reasonable apprehension or fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact in another person. It does not require physical contact; the threat alone—if credible and intentional—is sufficient. This differentiates it from battery, which involves actual contact.

Stabbing (B) involves physical harm.

Battering (C) is a form of battery, which requires actual physical contact.

None of the above (D) is incorrect, as assault is the proper term.

When selecting CCTV cameras, the most important factor is sensitivity—how well the camera performs in varying light conditions. Next is resolution, which determines image clarity. Features (like zoom, analytics, or pan/tilt) are helpful but secondary to basic image capture quality.

A, C, and D misplace the priority order. Sensitivity is paramount, especially for surveillance in low-light environments.

Self-assumption of risk means the organization accepts the financial responsibility for certain risks without transferring them to an insurer. This may involve setting aside internal reserves or using other contingency planning methods to absorb potential losses.

References from PSP: ASIS POA – Risk Financing Techniques; PSP Guide – Self-Insured Risk Models

Plan drawings (also known as floor plans) provide a top-down view of the facility and include the layout of rooms, walls, doors, and most importantly, the placement of security devices such as cameras, sensors, and card readers. These drawings are essential during a security survey for accurately locating and assessing the effectiveness of physical security measures.

A (Elevation drawings) show vertical views, not detailed placement.

B (Detail drawings) are close-ups of specific components.

C (Riser diagrams) depict system wiring paths, not physical placement.

Crisis management plans are primarily concerned with:

Crisis management team structure (A)

Disaster operations and coordination (B)

Media communication strategies (C)

While vital records (D) are important to business continuity planning, they are not a core function of crisis management, which focuses more on command, communication, and high-level decision-making during emergencies.

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is the best solution to immediately mitigate the risk of power loss in a computer. It provides backup power instantly upon power failure, allowing safe shutdown or continued operation for a limited period.

A (Surge protector) protects against voltage spikes but doesn’t provide backup power.

C (Emergency generator) has a startup delay and is more suitable for large systems.

D (Batteries) are components of a UPS, not a standalone mitigation.

Line executives are individuals in the direct chain of command who are responsible for achieving the core objectives of an organization. They have authority over subordinate personnel and direct responsibility for organizational results. They differ from staff personnel, who provide advice or support but do not directly manage line functions.

Management (A) is a broader term that includes both line and staff.

Authorized directives (B) are formal instructions, not people.

Stockholders (D) are owners, not organizational authorities.

One of the key indicators of effective management is the ability to delegate responsibilities. Delegation allows managers to focus on strategic oversight rather than becoming bogged down in tasks that can be handled at lower levels. This empowers staff, improves efficiency, and enhances organizational agility.

Managers who fail to delegate often become bottlenecks, negatively impacting team performance.

Best practices for data backup recommend redundancy and geographical separation to ensure recovery in various disaster scenarios. Ideally, four sets of backup files should be maintained:

One on-site for quick access and recovery,

Three off-site (including possibly in different physical locations or cloud storage) for protection against local disasters like fire or floods.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

A cost-effective system integration design must balance the level of risk with the controls implemented to mitigate that risk. This balance ensures that resources are used efficiently while maintaining acceptable protection levels.

A, B, and C are relevant considerations, but only D represents the fundamental balance in security system design.

The four common types of physical lock-down systems for protecting hardware, especially in IT environments, include:

Cages: Enclosures for servers or critical equipment.

Plates: Lock-down plates secured to desks or floors.

Cables: Security cables to tether devices.

Alarms: Motion or tamper-detection systems.

These measures are used to deter theft and unauthorized physical access.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

The "Theft Triangle" is a concept used in physical security and loss prevention to illustrate the three primary elements that must exist for theft to occur: motive, desire, and opportunity.

Motive: The reason someone considers committing theft (e.g., financial hardship).

Desire: The internal emotional or psychological urge to obtain something.

Opportunity: The circumstances or vulnerabilities that allow the act to occur.

All three must typically be present for theft to happen. This model is used in behavioral risk assessments and insider threat prevention strategies.

An “after action” review is a structured process following an incident, drill, or actual disaster, in which events are documented, timelines are reconstructed, and lessons learned are gathered. Its purpose is to identify what went well, what failed, and what can be improved in future responses.

Testing (A) refers to evaluating procedures before an event.

Quality assurance (B) focuses on performance and compliance but not necessarily post-event analysis.

"All of the above" (D) is incorrect because only after action includes all these specific elements.

Strict liability applies when a manufacturer or service provider is held legally responsible for damages or injuries caused by a defective product or service, regardless of fault or intent. This type of liability is often associated with consumer protection laws, where the focus is on the danger posed to the user rather than negligence on the part of the provider.

Plaintiff (B) is the party bringing the suit.

Defendant (C) is the party being sued.

"None of the above" (D) is incorrect since "Strict liability" is the correct legal principle.

Class K fires involve cooking oils, grease, and fats typically found in commercial kitchens. These fires require specific extinguishers that saponify the oil, cooling and smothering the flames. Class K extinguishers often contain wet chemical agents.

Class C (A) involves energized electrical equipment.

Class D (B) involves combustible metals.

Class L (D) is not a recognized fire class.

Backgrounding is the act of conducting a discreet investigation into an applicant’s past and current activities. This includes reviewing criminal records, employment history, education, and possibly financial or social behaviors to evaluate risk before hiring. It's a key aspect of the screening process for sensitive or high-trust positions.

Reporting and recording (B, D) involve documentation but not investigative vetting.

Supervisory (C) relates to management, not background checking.

PIR (Passive Infrared) detectors are most effective when motion occurs across the sensor’s field of view. This maximizes the differential detection of body heat moving against the ambient background.

B and C (Movement toward/away) produce weaker thermal contrasts.

A (Defeat attempts) is a risk but not a mounting consideration.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a proactive design philosophy that uses environmental elements to reduce crime opportunities. One of its core principles is natural surveillance, which involves designing spaces so that legitimate users can easily observe their surroundings. This increases perceived risk for offenders and discourages criminal activity.

A (Balanced systems), B (Protection in depth), and D (Layered defense) are principles used in security system design but not specific to CPTED.