CSMP?- Value for money is an understatement!
Back in June 2016 I was asked by my manager if I would like to undertake the Certified Security Management Professional (CSMP?) Level 6 Diploma. Not one to turn down a course that is offered out freely I snapped it up and was put on the August intake. Having looked at the programme's cost I thought that doing this alongside my third year on the BSc Risk & Security Management degree that Portsmouth offers would be no problem. However, after unit one of the course I discovered that this was no ordinary programme and I was right!
Lesson learnt: courses exist that are extremely good value for money. Should I say it or not ………………………………….why not! If I knew what I knew now I would have personally paid double for the course. Before anyone thinks "that’s because you did not pay for it, I am personally financing my degree which is fifteen times more expensive.
My time management skills have been tested to the limit this year and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I found the majority of my evenings went to working on the CSMP programme not just because of the time it took to complete the units but because I really enjoyed them.
The CSMP programme was exactly what I needed to enhance my knowledge I feel that I could confidently run a large corporate security team while managing the security systems. Before I thought I could but after this programme looking back I may have struggled.
What benefits have I got from the programme?
Apart from the obvious of a considerable improvement in my knowledge of how to manage a security function I have:
- Improved my marks on my degree both complimented each other.
- Realised that I can manage my time effectively - Family (supportive wife and two children both under five), degree, CSMP, fulltime job, projects at work and an allotment!).
- Chosen the subject for my dissertation - CPTED orientated, something I had heard of but knew little about.
- Feel energised after completing quite an intense course (So much time on my hands now, need to channel it somewhere).
I am yet to receive my results for Units 11 and 12 so I may be a bit premature in thanking ISMI for constructing such a good course. I will seriously be thinking of taking up the ASIS CPP preparation course you offer.
Anyone who has completed the programme I have respect for and those who are thinking of doing it, just do it! BUT be prepared to do it and take what it has to offer.
Thank you David, Janice and the team.
Director
7 年I completed my CSMP in June 2016, a challenging 12 months but well worth it! It has most certainly complimented my years of experience as a Soldier and a Police officer. There are many course's out there for Security Consultants! and some that are very good. But I do question how can you be equipped after a two or three week course! As you have indicated Darren, the skills and Knowledge to be a Security Consultant, are a wide spectrum and the CSMP offers this.
Researcher | Academic | Policing & Security Consultant | Transforming Research into Impactful Solutions & Apply to Real-World Challenges
7 年100% right Darren Sindall. Best of luck!
Well written Darren Sindall CSMP? ASyI - We were in the same intake then and I also had somewhat similar reservation re: initial degree to intensive, self-discipline and dedication required that soon became obvious after Module 1 (SRA). As a result of 12 month challenging CSMP – I now been accepted for MSc Leicester University but reality is best ￡750 I have ever spent in my life. Amount of learning, knowledge, material and support from ISMI team throughout the course has been second to none. For that David Cresswell MSc CPP PSP and ISMI team have a Security benchmarking course - that all Security practitioner should take it as security professional standard.