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

Alarm monitoring systems are categorized into central station systems, local systems, proprietary systems, and auxiliary systems. Each system involves different methods of signal transmission and monitoring, including third-party monitoring centers or direct links to authorities.

Controlled areas are secure zones that restrict access to authorized personnel and vehicles only. These areas may include military zones, secure corporate facilities, or sensitive operational spaces where access control is enforced through badges, guards, surveillance, or barriers.

Terminal operations (A) refers to logistical or transportation hubs.

Surveillance (B) is a monitoring method, not a restricted area itself.

Total programs (C) is not a recognized security term.

In communism, the overthrow of capitalism is based on class struggle between the proletariat and bourgeoisie. Radical Islam is not centered around class conflict but rather on religious ideology and perceived moral decay. While radical Islamists may oppose Western or Russian systems, it is not explicitly framed as a class-based struggle akin to Marxist theory.

In the design phase of a security project, key deliverables include detailed equipment lists, drawings, system specifications, and layout plans. These elements guide the eventual procurement and installation processes.

A, B, and C include elements from other project phases like planning (A), procurement (B), and feasibility (C).

Remote access control using CCTV requires two-way communication to authenticate identity, provide instructions, and ensure that individuals requesting entry can be properly engaged. This supports access decisions made by personnel monitoring remotely.

A and D (monitoring and visual analysis) are important but secondary to communication.

C (constant camera display) is inefficient and not a requirement if smart alerting or switching is used.

An alarm sensor (also called a detector or initiating device) detects specific changes such as motion, temperature, or opening/closing of entry points. It is the primary component in any detection system and initiates the alarm response.

A Change Review Board (CRB) is typically composed of key stakeholders representing the major interests involved in a project—engineering, operations, security, IT, procurement, and other relevant departments. This cross-functional group ensures that proposed changes are reviewed, justified, and approved collaboratively.

A, C, and D list some roles, but they don’t fully represent the project’s key partners in a typical governance model.

The Edison Electric Institute, in collaboration with the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE), developed security guidelines for the protection of the electrical grid. One of the primary components of these guidelines is performing a vulnerability/risk analysis to identify potential weaknesses and assess the impact of threats to the infrastructure.

While threat response and cyber scenarios are part of broader planning, vulnerability/risk analysis is a foundational element.

Emergency detection is important but not a specifically highlighted part of the referenced guidelines.

Telnet is a network protocol that allows users to connect to remote computers and access their resources, typically via command-line interface, assuming they have proper credentials. While outdated for secure applications (due to lack of encryption), it was widely used for remote access to systems.

Cabinet (A) and Telecom (C) are unrelated.

“None of the above” (D) is incorrect because Telnet is the correct protocol.

Security is not a standalone function; it must align with and support the broader mission and strategic goals of the organization. This includes protecting assets, enabling business continuity, and ensuring safety in a way that complements business objectives.

A (Quarterly cycle) is not a standard requirement.

B (Certified manager) is good practice but not a defining mandate.

D (Lowest cost) is not always ideal; effectiveness and alignment are more important than minimal cost.

The owner’s formal acceptance of a security system—usually after site acceptance testing—is the point at which the warranty period typically begins. From this moment, the vendor or contractor is responsible for addressing defects or performance issues as stipulated in the contract.

B and C (Phase II references) are not standard project stages.

D (Site acceptance testing) occurs before acceptance and warranty activation.

Detention, particularly in the context of retail loss prevention, refers to the practice of holding a suspected shoplifter temporarily while investigating or waiting for law enforcement. This concept has evolved to provide legal protection for merchants when they act in good faith and with reasonable cause.

Release (A) and Confinement (B) do not fit the protective context.

None of the above (D) is incorrect because "Detention" is a valid and specific term used.

Programmed supervision is a structured process that ensures supervisors or designated personnel systematically check critical functions or areas for compliance, performance, and accountability. It involves scheduled tasks or checkpoints and is a key mechanism in ongoing quality and security assurance.

References from PSP: ASIS POA – Security Management Controls; PSP Study Guide – Inspection and Supervision Systems

In the context of risk management:

A hazard is a condition or factor that increases the likelihood or severity of a peril (a cause of loss).

For example, oily floors (hazard) increase the chance of slips and falls (peril).

A (possible occurrence) and B (probable occurrence) describe likelihood, not hazard.

C (difference between actual and expected losses) refers to variance, not hazard.

When selecting countermeasures, the most important factor is the overall risk posed to the asset or operation. This includes both the likelihood of a threat and the potential impact. Cost, criticality, and probability are components of the risk equation but are not stand-alone decision criteria.

A (Cost) is important for feasibility but follows risk evaluation.

B (Probability) and C (Criticality) contribute to risk but don’t outweigh it individually.

A clearly defined and executed procurement contract is critical to successful implementation of a physical security construction project. It outlines scope, deliverables, timelines, cost structures, and responsibilities, ensuring all parties operate with aligned expectations and accountability.

A (RFQ) is a pricing request, not a contract.

B (BIA) informs continuity planning, not project execution.

D (Cost analysis) is useful but not foundational for execution.

The number of security personnel required is typically directly proportional to the size and complexity of a facility, not inversely. Larger facilities or those with more employees often require more security staff to ensure adequate coverage, surveillance, access control, and emergency response. Factors influencing personnel needs include square footage, asset value, location, threat level, and operational hours.

The statement in the question is incorrect, making the correct answer "False."

Multiplex systems allow multiple alarm signals to be transmitted over a single communication line. This significantly reduces the cost of leasing multiple phone lines while enhancing efficiency and providing a high level of security by encoding and validating data streams.

A (Circuit loop) is an older method using dedicated circuits.

C (Cellular) is wireless but may not always offer secure or low-cost options.

D (Dial-up) is cost-effective but offers limited security and speed.

X.25 is a standard protocol suite developed by the Consultative Committee for International Telephone and Telegraph (CCITT), now known as ITU-T. It is one of the earliest protocols used for WAN communications, enabling reliable data transfer across public networks using packet switching.

XA.10 (B), CXA 1.23 (C), and X.20 (D) are not recognized standards for WAN protocols.