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Physical Security Certification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LenelS2 or other security certifications are highly desired * Ability to configure and deploy access control, surveillance systems, and physical security platforms such as Lenel, DMP, Bosch, Genetec ...

Physical Security Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$132K - $193K/yr

Must possess or be willing to obtain Physical Security Certification (PSC) within one year of hire. * Experience must include support to Special Access Program and Sensitive Compartmented Information ...

You are an avid bicyclist or have a certification for the International Police Mountain Bike Association ( IPMBA), Bicycle Patrol. * You are a Physical Security Professional, a Certified Protection ...

You are an avid bicyclist or have a certification for the International Police Mountain Bike Association ( IPMBA), Bicycle Patrol. * You are a Physical Security Professional, a Certified Protection ...

You are an avid bicyclist or have a certification for the International Police Mountain Bike Association ( IPMBA), Bicycle Patrol. * You are a Physical Security Professional, a Certified Protection ...

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Physical Security Certification information

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$13

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How much do physical security certification jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical security certification in the United States is $31.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $42.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals pursuing a physical security certification, and how can they overcome them?

One common challenge for professionals pursuing a Physical Security Certification is staying current with evolving security technologies and industry best practices. The field is dynamic, requiring a strong understanding of both traditional security principles and modern advancements such as electronic access control and cybersecurity integration. Candidates often need to balance hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, making self-study and practical application essential. Networking with certified peers and participating in professional organizations can also help overcome these challenges by providing mentorship and access to up-to-date resources.

What is a physical security certification?

A Physical Security Certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and expertise in protecting people, property, and assets from physical threats such as theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. These certifications typically cover topics like risk assessment, access control, surveillance systems, and emergency response planning. Earning a physical security certification can enhance your career prospects and may be required for certain roles in security management or law enforcement. Popular certifications include the Physical Security Professional (PSP) offered by ASIS International.

What can you do with a physical security certification?

A physical security certification qualifies individuals for roles such as security officer, security supervisor, or security manager, focusing on protecting physical assets and ensuring safety protocols. It demonstrates knowledge of security procedures, access control, and emergency response, often required for jobs in security firms, corporate security, or government facilities.

What is the difference between Physical Security Certification vs Security Guard?

AspectPhysical Security CertificationSecurity Guard
Required credentialsTraining programs, certifications like PSP or CPPOn-the-job training, state licensing
Work environmentSecurity consulting, risk assessment, planningPatrols, access control, monitoring
Employer and industry usageSecurity firms, corporations, government agenciesSecurity companies, private clients
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding certification benefits, career pathsJob duties, licensing requirements

Physical Security Certification focuses on validating expertise in security planning, risk management, and system design, often requiring specialized credentials. Security Guards primarily perform patrols and access control, often with less formal certification. Both roles are integral to security but differ in scope, responsibilities, and credential requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a physical security certification role, and why are they important?

To excel in a Physical Security Certification role, you need a solid understanding of security principles, risk assessment, and incident response, often backed by certifications such as PSP (Physical Security Professional) or CPP (Certified Protection Professional). Familiarity with security technologies, access control systems, alarm monitoring tools, and surveillance equipment is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify vulnerabilities and coordinate with teams. These competencies ensure robust protection of assets and people by enabling effective design, implementation, and management of physical security measures.
More about Physical Security Certification jobs
What job categories do people searching Physical Security Certification jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Security Certification jobs are:
Infographic showing various Physical Security Certification job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,772 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Security Specialist - Physical Security

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Arlington, VA • On-site

$132K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.


As The Security Specialist - Physical Security you will:

  • Protect classified facilities, secure spaces, assets, and operations through physical safeguards, entry controls, secure-area procedures, assessments, and corrective actions.
  • Support facility security planning, evaluates protective measures, maintains required documentation, and coordinates recurring activities needed to preserve controlled-environment requirements.
  • Work with Government security stakeholders, facility personnel, users, and other security disciplines to address access, key and lock control, inspections, opening and closing procedures, and changes that may affect secure operations. Through consistent oversight and practical issue resolution.
  • Help ensure that physical protections remain effective, documented, and aligned with applicable Government standards throughout facility operations and sustainment.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Implement and monitor physical-security controls for classified facilities, secure spaces, assets, and operational areas.
  • Administer entry-control, key and lock, access, secure-area opening and closing, and related protection procedures.
  • Support facility security planning, secure-space sustainment, and evaluation of proposed physical changes.
  • Conduct inspections, assessments, and recurring reviews of physical safeguards and controlled-environment procedures.
  • Document findings, coordinate corrective actions, and verify completion of required physical-security improvements.
  • Maintain facility-security records, diagrams, logs, access information, inspection files, and supporting documentation.
  • Coordinate physical-security requirements with Government stakeholders, facility personnel, users, and specialized security functions.
  • Respond to physical-security issues and recommend protective measures that preserve classified operations and mission continuity.

#F35

#F35


  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant discipline and 10 years of directly relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline plus 14 years of directly related work experience.
  • Must possess or be willing to obtain Physical Security Certification (PSC) within one year of hire.
  • Experience must include support to Special Access Program and Sensitive Compartmented Information environments
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across Government, contractor, and external stakeholders; prepare briefings, reports, standard operating procedures, and official correspondence; and lead a team in fast paced classified environments.
  • CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; must be able to meet any applicable Special Access Program eligibility requirements identified by the Government.

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $132,500.00/Yr. - USD $221,300.00/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.
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