Get Certified
Applying for CSSP
Thoroughly read the CSSP Candidate Handbook for eligibility criteria and application process details and deadlines. Download the CSSP Policies and Procedures Manual to review certification governance, including processes for filing appeals and complaints.
Click the APPLY NOW button below to start your application. Please note that the application will be unavailable on the third Thursday of every month from 7-7:15 p.m. Central time for regular maintenance.
Application Fee: $495, which will be refunded if your application is denied
Incomplete and unsubmitted applications will be kept on file for two years before inactivation. You will need to start a new application, including the application fee and supporting documentation, if you applied more than two years ago and did not complete and/or submit your application.
Preparing for the CSSP Exam
Review the Exam Knowledge Areas, Reference List, and Relevant Courses List sections of the CSSP Candidate Handbook.
The NCS4 also offers the online, self-paced Senior Leader Course: Sports and Entertainment Security, which can help you prepare for the CSSP exam and includes practice questions. Please note that this course does not cover all of the exam content.
Scheduling a CSSP Exam Appointment
Computer-Based CSSP Exam
The CSSP exam is offered via computer at PSI testing centers across the U.S. and Canada. PSI will email you instructions to schedule an exam appointment at a testing center near you after the NCS4 approves your application.
Testing Center Fee: $90, paid by credit card to PSI when you schedule your appointment
Please contact PSI before your exam appointment if you need disability accommodations.
Paper-Based CSSP Exam
The NCS4 offers the CSSP exam via paper and pencil at its annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition at no cost. Please submit your CSSP application and supporting documentation at least four months before the conference to allow enough time for us to receive all of your materials, evaluate your application, and ship your exam materials to the conference venue.
If you are approved to take the exam, you will be emailed a registration form 6 to 12 weeks before the conference. You must register via this form in advance to take the exam at the conference. Please note that spots are limited, and you cannot register to take the exam at the conference.
Please email CertificationSupport@usm.edu as soon as you register for the exam if you need disability accommodations. Doing this as soon as you register is important because the exam is given at the conference venue and accommodations may require advance preparation (e.g., shipping additional exam supplies to the conference venue, coordinating with the conference venue).
Taking the CSSP Exam
Computer-Based CSSP Exam
You will receive an email from PSI with testing center policies, procedures, and rules after you register for the exam.
Paper-Based CSSP Exam
The Certification Department will email candidates who registered for the paper-based CSSP exam the testing center rules when their registration is complete.
Exam Results
See the CSSP Candidate Handbook for information on the exam passing score, diagnostic reports, and retesting.
Computer-Based CSSP Exam
You will receive a preliminary pass/fail email from PSI after submitting your exam. The NCS4 will email your official results within 30 days of taking the exam.
Paper-Based CSSP Exam
The NCS4 will email your official results within 60 days of taking the exam.
Initial Certification Period
The initial certification period is your certification date to December 31 of the same year, plus an additional three years. For example, if you were certified on August 26, 2022, your initial certification period would be August 26, 2022, to December 31, 2025. You are responsible for completing continuing education and professional development requirements, submitting the required documentation for approval, and paying associated fees to maintain certification during your initial certification period. See Recertification and the CSSP Candidate Handbook for details.
Recertification
CSSPs must complete continuing education and professional development requirements, submit the required documentation to the NCS4 Certification Department for approval, and pay the associated fee to maintain certification. See Recertification and the CSSP Candidate Handbook for more information.