Certified Protection Officer Program (CPO)

Candidates who successfully complete the Final Exam will earn certification through the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).

Certified Protection Officer Program (CPO)

Candidates who successfully complete the Final Exam will earn certification through the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).

What is the CPO program?

The Certified Protection Officer (CPO) program is an internationally recognized certification offered through the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO). This credential is widely regarded as one of the most respected and sought-after demonstrations of professional competence for individuals working in the safety and security field.

Earning the Certified Protection Officer (CPO) designation through IFPO demonstrates a professional’s competence and commitment to excellence. It provides credibility and recognition internationally within the field of comprehensive protection and security.

CPO Benefits

Professional Relevance: CPO is considered the essential certification for security professionals, which increases your relevance in the field.

Advantage in Job Selection: Many employers require the CPO certification in their personnel selection processes at operational levels, which gives you a competitive advantage in the labor market.

Performance Improvement: The CPO program provides a comprehensive understanding of safety roles, duties and responsibilities, which can significantly improve your job performance.

Professional and Income Potential: Earning the CPO certification can lead to professional growth and increase your earning potential in the security industry.

Accessibility: CPO certification is available to both young professionals and active law enforcement personnel, facilitating the transition into private security.

The CPO program is designed for security officers and students who wish to learn more about asset security/protection. It is aimed at individuals with a professional orientation. What’s the difference between a security guard and a professional security officer? Guard vs Professional Protection Officer.

Candidates must have six (6) months of full-time protection officer experience (or equivalent) or one year of part-time protection officer experience (or equivalent). Students enrolled in a recognized classroom training program may also qualify for this program.

If you’ve just started studying or you’re not yet 18 years old, learn how to obtain your certification here.

Certified Protection Officer Premier Program Options

Certified Protection Officer Online Programs Online Training Online Final Exam Online Certificate Online Quizzes Online EBOOK Physical Textbook Shipping Fees
CPO Online Program with Ebook
Recommended		 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ No No
CPO Online Program with Textbook ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ No ✔ ✔
CPO Online Program
(No Book)		 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ No No No

Online with E-Book
Recommended

Online with Physical Book

Online without Book

Certified Protection Officer Self Study Options

Final Exams Online Training Online Final Exam Online Certificate Online Quizzes Online EBOOK Physical Textbook Shipping Fees
CPO Final Exam with Ebook No ✔ ✔ No ✔ No No
CPO Final Exam with Textbook No ✔ ✔ No No ✔ ✔
CPO Final Exam (No Book) No ✔ ✔ No No No No
Books Online Training Online Final Exam Online Certificate Online Quizzes Online EBOOK Physical Textbook Shipping Fees
CPO Ebook No No No No ✔ No No
CPO Textbook No No No No No ✔ ✔

Please Note: If you are looking to purchase a paper version of the CPO Final Exam, please contact us here.

CPO 2020 Options

PLEASE NOTE: All CPO 2020 Edition books will no longer be available after December 31st, 2026. Additionally testing of the 2020 books will no longer be available after March 31st, 2027.

CPO 2020 Final Exam

CPO 2020 Final Exam With Book

CPO 2020 Book

CPO 2025 Options

Please Note: No Online Program Available until Q1 2026. Test ONLY available now.

CPO 2025 Final Exam

CPO 2025 Final Exam With Book

CPO 2025 Book

CPO 2025 Retest

Other CPO Options

Recertification

Retesting

Extensions

CPO Online Program

64 Hours of Training

6.4 CEUs

11 Training Units | 11 Sections | 110+ Assignments

Training is provided by Smart Horizons.
As an IACET Accredited Provider, Smart Horizons offers CEUs compliant with ANSI/IACET standards for its learning events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need more time than one year to take the IFPO CPO test?

You can purchase a 90 day extension for $105.

You can purchase a retest. Click here to purchase a retest.

There is a two-year recertification requirement.

Students may take the exam first and receive a certificate of completion, applying for certification when they have obtained the necessary experience. Students participating in a security-related classroom program at an educational institute may take the CPO Program if they are not 18. However, they will receive a certificate of completion. When they become 18, they can contact the IFPO to receive their CPO certification certificate.

The online version works best for people who are comfortable using computers, all that is needed is a computer and Internet access. The computer-based version works very well for anyone trying to fit training into an already hectic schedule. This version allows students to train anywhere, anytime.

This program can be implemented into a classroom environment and be used to augment an existing training program.

The traditional textbook version is best for people who prefer working with a hard copy of the materials which allows personal annotations and notes.

More businesses are requiring proof of training these days, a result of a threat landscape that is increasingly sophisticated and global, according to Dan Mendelson in Securing the Best: Raising the Bar with IFPO Certification.

Learn More Here

Please allow 7 business days for all orders with electronic delivery. Reminder to check spam folders for correspondence.

*Digital CPO certificate issued to all selected candidates at least 18 years of age or older.

**IF YOU WOULD LIKE DELIVERY BY TRADITIONAL MAIL, PLEASE CONTACT INFO@IFPO.ORG.