Ready to Prove Your Competency? Start Here. As a core component of the Department of War (DOW) Physical Security Role-Based Certification (RBC), the Physical Security and Asset Protection (PY201.01/PY201.10) course is designed to formally validate your on-the-job competence. The curriculum moves beyond theory, mapping directly to the real-world behaviors required of an effective physical security professional. Through a series of practical, scenario-based assessments, you will consistently prove your ability to perform your duties. This program ensures that upon completion, you are not just 'trained', but officially verified as competent in your critical security role.
Physical Security Specialist Roles and Responsibilities: DOW Physical Security Specialists are responsible for the planning and management of physical security programs designed to protect people, information, equipment, facilities, activities, and operations (PIE-FAO). This RBC is appropriate for security professionals who oversee or support a DOW Physical Security Program. It provides the essential knowledge to develop the skillset to effectively manage the full spectrum of physical security responsibilities, from risk analysis to briefing commanders.
Threat & Vulnerability Analysis, Risk Mitigation Methodologies
Physical Security Plan Development, Asset & Stakeholder Identification
Access Control, SCIF Requirements, AA&E Storage, Countermeasures
Cost-Benefit Analysis, Justification, Briefing & Recommendations
Collaboration and communication with internal/external stakeholders
Outcome: Learners will be equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply effective solutions to real-world physical security issues.
Physical Security Certification Requirements
To earn the Physical Security Certification, you must successfully complete the following four phases in order.
Phase 1: Complete Prerequisite eLearning Courses
Before you can enroll in the main certification course, you must first complete and pass the following self-paced eLearning courses and the final capstone assessment. The capstone will unlock automatically only after all other prerequisites have been completed.
- Introduction to Physical Security (PY011.06)
- Exterior Security Lighting (PY109.06)
- Electronic Security Systems (PY250.06)
- Physical Security Measures (PY103.06)
- Physical Security Planning and Implementation (PY106.06)
- Lock and Key Systems (PY104.06)
- Storage Containers and Facilities (PY105.06)
- Risk Management for DOD Security Programs (GS102.06)
- Protected Distribution System (CS140.16)
- ICD 705 Physical Security Construction Requirements for SAP (SA501.06)
- Capstone: Physical Security Virtual Environment Assessment (PY108.06)
Phase 2: Attend an Instructor-led Course
After completing all prerequisites, you must enroll in and attend the Physical Security and Asset Protection (PY201.01/PY201.10) course. This intensive course is offered as a 5-day instructor-led training (ILT) or a 21-day virtual instructor-led training (VILT).
Course Requirements & Expectations: You will be required to review all lesson materials and participate in all graded activities. These activities are designed to build critical thinking and require you to analyze regulatory guidance and apply key concepts to practical scenarios. Graded activities include:
- Practical exercises
- Quizzes
- Discussion forums
- A final capstone project
Time Commitment: To be successful, you must commit to full-time attendance for the entire duration of the course.
Note: For the VILT this has been estimated at an average of 4 hours per day of work.
Phase 3: Successfully Complete the Course
To pass the course, you must earn a cumulative average of 80% or higher on all graded coursework. This includes all practical exercises, activities, discussion questions, and the final capstone project.
Phase 4: Pass the Final Certification Exam
The final step to earning your certification is passing the comprehensive final exam administered at the conclusion of the PY201.01 course. You must pass this exam with a minimum score of 80% to earn the DOW Physical Security Certification.
To understand the specific responsibilities of a DOW Physical Security Specialist and grasp what effective implementation looks like in practice, select a topic from the chart below. Each section details the duties and responsibilities covered in the certification.