Should I Become a Security Specialist?
Security specialists are often management-level security professionals who might work for government agencies, like the armed forces branches, the Department of Homeland Security, or private industries interested in protecting intellectual or physical property. This work is often routine and predictable but may turn dangerous in the event of altercations or the use of weapons.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Master's degree or Ph.D. |
| Degree Field | Police science, criminal justice, sociology, or a related field |
| Certification | Voluntary |
| Experience | At least one year of specialized experience |
| Key Skills | Communication, decision-making, observation, honesty, physical strength, ability to pass a drug test and possibly obtain security clearance |
| Median Annual Salary (2021)* | $58,727 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job postings (December 2012), *Salary.com (2021)
What steps do I need to take to be a security specialist?
Complete Bachelor's Degree
Step one is to complete a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice prepares graduates for a wide range of careers and provides preparation for students wishing to pursue the more advanced degrees required for management-level careers in security. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can be completed in four years, and some courses may include ethics, criminal law, punishment and rehabilitation in America, criminal procedure, and criminal investigation.
Gain Experience
Step two is to gain experience in the security field. Before moving on to an advanced degree, criminal justice students may want to obtain specialized field experience. This experience could include protecting proprietary information or property, assessing security systems or protocols, or training other security personnel. Qualifying for these positions might require passing background checks and random drug testing. If carrying a firearm is ever necessary, additional licensure will likely also be required.
Earn an Advanced Degree
Step three is to earn an advanced degree. Security specialists are closely linked to management positions such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Typically, a graduate degree is preferred by employers. Ph.D. programs in criminal justice are available from many different universities. They offer students the ability to combine research and theory with practical application of law. Additionally, students may be able to specialize in areas such as national security or emergency management.
Obtain Certification
Step four is to complete a certification program. Certification for security specialists is available through ASIS International, and certified individuals sometimes have more opportunities for career advancement. The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential is available to candidates who hold bachelor's degrees and have seven or more years of security experience, including three years in supervisory roles.
Candidates lacking formal education must have nine years of experience, and at least three of these years must have been in an administrative capacity. The certification exam has 200 multiple-choice questions covering eight major areas of security management. Some of these subject areas include physical security, personnel security, practices and principles of security, investigations, and emergency practices.
You'll want to continue your education. Recertification requires continuing education credits, so standing CPPs should ensure that they are participating in education, training, teaching, and volunteer work in security to be approved for recertification.
Security specialists are management-level security professionals who protect intellectual or physical property. They have advanced college degrees along with fine-tuned skills in communication and observation, and they earn a median annual salary of $58,727.
