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Chartered Security Professionals

Demystifying the Chartered Step 3

Security Professional (CSyP) For those on the Individual Pathway, the third
stage provides two months to write three portfolio
questions, two of your choosing from a list of 20, and
Application Process one determined by the assessors in the previous
stage. These should be 2,500+/- words each (about
three times longer than this article) and academically
referenced.

By Peter Page CSyP FSyI Step 4

If you have so far demonstrated the potential to
Becoming a Chartered Security Professional, or CSyP, is rightly be a CSyP, the fourth stage takes this from paper
held as the ‘gold standard’ of professional achievement in the to a professional interview. This is not simply a
field of protective security. As a CSyP you will either be practicing ‘rubber stamp’ and it is not an interrogation either.
strategically or at the very top end of operational management; you The interview gives two interview assessors the
will have excellent general security knowledge as well as in your opportunity to discuss and validate what you
specialist area; you will have good communication and leadership have submitted and ask you further questions on
skills; and you will be up-to-date and committed to your own each of the competencies, and it provides you an
continuing professional development. In short then, you will be at opportunity to expand on your answers and present
the absolute top of your game; but this in itself can present the further evidence (do not simply repeat what you
problem of not having enough hours in a busy day to get things have written in your application). Interviews usually
done, let alone find the time to apply to become a CSyP. last 60 minutes, with the first 15 for you to present
and the remaining 45 for questions. The interview
The purpose of this short article then is to demystify the CSyP is a peer review that provides a formal score so
application process and to illustrate the simple and straightforward it is important to be prepared, be punctual, talk
steps involved in applying. For an applicant there are two main about ‘I’, not ‘we’ and stay focused. You may well be
focuses: a written application and a professional interview. nervous and the assessors are trained to set you at
ease to get the most from the interview. Feedback
The first thing to note - and perhaps one of the most widely stated reasons for wanting to become often confirms that applicants actually enjoy the
a CSyP - is that the process is peer reviewed. CSyPs do not sit an exam or a multiple-choice test and experience, and as an assessor, I always learn from
CSyP is not awarded on time served. CSyPs are objectively assessed and validated by their industry these interviews too! For most applicants, this will be
peers. the last activity before they are notified whether or
not they have been successful.
There are two routes, or ‘pathways’ to becoming a CSyP: the Standard Pathway and the Individual
Pathway, which are broken down into a maximum of six stages (with only two or three main activities Step 5
for applicants). Both pathways are designed to ensure all applicants have the opportunity to
demonstrate operating at a comparably high level, with applicants on the individual pathway required Stage five involves the independent completion
to submit a portfolio of written work to support their application. and submission of the interview assessors’ written
reports. An applicant will need to reach a minimum
Step 1 points score and be recommended by both
assessors in order for them to be successful.
The first step is to throw your hat in the ring and apply. This can be done by submitting a full
application or an expression of interest. An expression of interest is a great way of receiving feedback Step 6
before submitting a full application, it is quicker, cheaper and the cost is refundable against a full
application. Your submission should contain your CV, references, relevant certificates, ID documents The sixth and final stage is for the Registrars to
and prior conduct form. It is important to keep the application relevant to your strategic impact (not review all of the assessments and recommendations
listing your Boy Scout badges for example) and less is definitely more. Things to consider here are made by the assessors and determine whether an
keeping it clear and concise, correctly punctuated and spell-checked. This is where Vicky and the team applicant will be admitted to The Register. Those
come into their own with help and support and running application workshops. who are successful are proudly able to take their
place amongst the pinnacle of the industry as
Step 2 Chartered Security Professionals.
The second stage is for the documents that you have submitted to be assessed by at least two CSyPs
who have been through the application process themselves and gone on to train as document Find out more information here:
assessors. This will provide a formal assessment of your application pack, confirm your pathway and https://www.charteredsecurityprofessional.org
make a recommendation on whether you can proceed to interview.

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