FAQs
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Membership is not mandatory, and is not a prerequisite for enrollment into any of the IFPO programs. However there are numerous benefits to IFPO Membership including discounts for all IFPO programs, services and supplies. Click here for more information on IFPO membership.
Yes, certainly, and the discount can be deducted upon submission of the order. Add Membership to the “Shopping Cart” then “Continue Shopping” for the course material. The drop-down box in each payment area will indicate the discount for a Member.
Choose the item to be purchased and enter the quantity required. "Add to Cart" and either "Continue Shopping" or "Check Out." Once you select "Check Out" you will be asked some basic questions, including your name, address, phone number and email address together with your payment details. Payment for online orders is by credit card. To pay by check, cashier’s check, or money order please mail your payment and include order details with full contact information. For wire transfers - please contact IFPO for bank instructions. If a Corporation is ordering, IFPO will accept purchase orders. Once an order is received by IFPO, membership and/or course materials are forwarded to the individual within one week. For online security training courses, the login information is sent by email. Candidates ordering course work can then proceed immediately with their studies.
IFPO encourages students to enroll into our premier program (CPO) prior to the SSMP and subsequent CSSM programs. The CPO is not required, but recommended for anyone wanting a firm foundation in the security guard industry with certification recognized throughout the world.
Presently the CPO final examination consists of 328 True/False or multiple choice questions. There is a four (4) hour time limit to this examination. When the candidate is ready to take the final exam, a Proctor Application must be completed and forwarded to IFPO. If the final exam is to be taken online, the login information will be sent by email to the proctor. The proctor and candidate then arrange a convenient exam date and time that works for them both.
The examination proctor must meet a criteria set forth by IFPO. The proctor can be someone within your own organization in a supervisory or management position. The proctor could also include an individual that meets one of the following criteria: Human Resource Officer, Staff Development Officer, member of a recognized policing organization, member of a professional security officer association, university/college faculty member, Certified Protection Professional, Certified Protection Officer, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Security Guard Trainer, member of the clergy. Most Libraries, Community Colleges and Universities offer proctor services for independent study programs. IFPO will assist an individual in locating a suitable proctor if necessary. Click here for Proctor Guidelines and Application.
Due to the independent study format, completion time can vary. Generally speaking, it is a 80-hour course. On average the CPO Traditional Correspondence Course can be completed quite comfortably within a three (3) month period. The CPO Final Challenge security training course can be completed immediately once the individual has prepared for the final examination. Candidates must pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70% within a one-year of enrollment.
If a candidate is not successful in the completion of the final examination, the examination may be rewritten. A $40.00 administration retake fee will apply. If the candidate is not successful in the second attempt, the exam may be retaken after a period of one year. Again the $40.00 administration fee would apply.
