ISP Certification and ISOC Master Exam Prep For 32CFR Part 117

You know security. Now prepare to demonstrate it on exam day.

You have the experience and the ambition. But studying the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), finding answers quickly, and performing under time pressure can make certification feel like a goal that keeps slipping away.

Stop wondering whether you are ready. Start preparing with purpose.

ISP® and ISOC Master Exam Prep: Learn Faster, Retain More, Pass the Exam for 32 CFR Part 117 by Jeffrey W. Bennett helps security professionals turn scattered studying into focused preparation. It combines study strategies, practice tests, and NISPOM-based review to support your Industrial Security Professional (ISP) and Industrial Security Oversight Certification (ISOC) goals.

TACKLE THE PROBLEMS THAT HOLD CANDIDATES BACK

"There is so much to study. Where do I start?"
Build a written plan with manageable study sessions, goals, and practical steps. Learn how mentors, study groups, and hands-on experience can help you maintain momentum instead of putting certification off for another year.

"I read the NISPOM, but I struggle to remember it."
Move beyond rereading and memorizing answers. Practice studying by topic, paraphrasing sections, and connecting requirements to security tasks. Build understanding you can apply, not just familiarity with words on a page.

"I waste too much time looking for answers."
Strengthen your NISPOM navigation skills. Practice identifying the relevant topic, choosing useful search terms, and locating supporting guidance. Use the book's questions alongside the electronic or printed NISPOM to make reference work part of your preparation.

"I know my job, but I don't work in every security discipline."
Expand beyond your daily duties. Explore ways to build knowledge through other security projects, self-inspections, mentoring, and peer learning. Strengthen areas outside your comfort zone before they become obstacles.

"I'm afraid I'll freeze or run out of time."
Rehearse under timed conditions before the pressure counts. Learn to use practice tests and progressively shorter practice sessions to build familiarity with answering questions against the clock. Give yourself a way to practice pacing, not just content.

"I get questions wrong, but don't know what to review."
Turn mistakes into a study plan. Check your responses against the short answer keys, then use the long-version answers and their NISPOM references to revisit the underlying guidance. Focus your next study session where you need it most.

PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE

Inside, you will find four 110-question multiple-choice practice tests, long- and short-version answer keys, and essay-style exercises in Appendix A. The essay questions encourage you to explain how requirements apply instead of simply recognizing an answer. Use them to deepen your understanding as you prepare for ISP or ISOC certification.

MORE THAN A TEST SCORE

Your preparation can serve you beyond exam day. Build the habit of finding guidance, interpreting requirements, and explaining security responsibilities with confidence.

Written by an author with Army, government, and FSO experience, this guide treats certification as part of professional growth, not a substitute for practical competence.

Use this book alongside the NISPOM as a supplemental study aid, not a source of actual exam questions or a guarantee of passing.

Stop letting uncertainty set your schedule. Start building the knowledge, practice habits, and confidence to take your next step.

Select "Add to Cart" and make ISP® and ISOC Master Exam Prep part of your certification study plan today.

Sample Questions: 

1. Contractors must obtain _____ approval before installing Intrusion Detection Systems. 

a. CSS 

b. CSA 

c. GCA 

d. GSA 

e. DIA 

2. Some categories for IS can be protected with _____ controls : 

a. Additional 

b. Compensating 

c. Prescribed 

d. Protective 

e. Special 

The security industry is booming and defense industry security specialists are benefiting. Departments of Defense, Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Central Intelligence Agency and many other Federal and supporting contractors are in great need of experienced and qualified security specialists, managers and Facility Security Officers. 

Customer Reviews

"After receiving this book, I quickly skimmed through it prior to sitting down for a close study. My initial reaction was to wonder just how much information I could learn based on the fact that most of the book was dedicated to practice tests. When I finally took the time to sit down and read it, I was surprised at just how much information it contains. The book tells you how to prepare, to include learning all security disciplines, how to manage your time, and how to study the NISPOM. The practice tests are a great opportunity to time yourself, and help to identify areas of weakness. I truly recommend this book for anyone considering the ISP Certification… it is a great tool to have!"

"Mr. Bennett once again has assisted me in my endeavors as a security and protection professional. His book not only assists in helping you prepare for the ISP certification, it provides first hand insight and mentoring on how to advance your career goals in this complex field. In using his study guide, one can get a real understanding of how the certification process is and study to overcome the challenges of taking the exam. The one recommendation I can say is to combine it with the pocket edition, so you can take and read while on the metro to work."

"As most others I am a seasoned FSO. However, based on research I did, once I decided to take the ISP Exam I quickly learned to not take it cold. I got my workbook from NCMS and researched what other tools are out there to better help prepare me for the exam. I quickly discovered Mr. Bennet’s ISP certification manual and after reading the overwhelmingly positive reviews I knew this would be well worth the money!
After purchasing the e-book I went at it. Mr. Bennet’s manual provides great information on preparing and the sample test were perfect for managing my time more effectively for the test. Along with that, I also purchased his ISP Test Tips book. With over 75 slides, it to gave me the knowledge so I would know what to expect once I sat down to take the exam.
Well after all that, I took the ISP exam and PASSED it on the first try. Not only did I pass it, I finished the exam with time to spare. Time that I used to review the questions I was not 100% on it the first time. With Mr. Bennet’s book you are not just investing into your ISP Exam, but also your career as an Facility Security Officer. As the title says this book is a MUST HAVE for anyone preparing to take the ISP Exam."