Investing in the industry’s key educators

Jessica R. Minion and Matthew Porcelli tell ISJ more about the release of The International Foundation for Protection Officers’ Master Security Instructor (MSI) certification.

Security threats, both physical and cyber, continue to endanger individuals, families and organisations around the world. Hundreds of thousands of security professionals protect life, livelihood, property and brand every day.

Over the years, however, certain security instructors and quality of training has decreased for reasons ranging – but not limited to – consolidation of workforce to expediting service to meet contractual needs quickly.

Just as security personnel and management are adapting, so are the threats security professionals are tasked to protect against. Security instruction demands serious attention and high standards.

The MSI certification, created by The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), is a unique certification that exemplifies the essence of security instruction and the importance of transference of knowledge from security instructor to security professional.

Advancing the security profession

The MSI program represents The IFPO’s vision to elevate the standards of security instruction and enhance the capabilities of those who train and mentor future security professionals.

The IFPO is delighted to share that a number of dedicated individuals have already received their MSI certifications, affirming the program’s relevance and effectiveness in developing master instructors. 

Just as there is diversity in thought and practice, so are the growing number of MSIs throughout the globe. Over the last couple of years since the certification’s inception, there are up to almost 50 certified MSIs across five continents and counting.

This certification is not a “How To” course on how to be a security instructor. The MSI certification is a validation of seasoned instructors in the security sector and their skillsets, which proves they have gone above and beyond both strategically and operationally as instructors in the security industry. 

The certification process for aspiring Master Security Instructors is designed to be thorough and rigorous, ensuring that only the best candidates earn the title.

It consists of two primary steps: The first requires applicants to complete a comprehensive application that highlights qualifications, experience and commitment to the field of security.

This application undergoes a careful review by the MSI Committee, which assesses each candidate based on strict criteria reflective of the highest standards in security instruction.

Once an applicant has passed this initial review, they move on to the second step: A peer review interview.

This typically lasts no more than 30 minutes and facilitates an insightful dialogue between the candidate and experienced members of the MSI Committee.

In our experience, well-prepared candidates typically succeed in this phase, further reinforcing the program’s rigor and credibility.

The positive reception of the MSI program is a clear indication of the security industry’s drive for renewed standards of excellence in training and education.

With the demand for highly skilled security professionals continuing to grow globally, The IFPO recognises the critical importance of equipping instructors with advanced knowledge and skills.

By investing in these key educators, we are indirectly enhancing the competency and preparedness of security personnel at all levels.

Security instructors, like others, prepare materials and present them in their own unique styles.

Some say that they bring essential learning elements to the industry and might have it written on a CV, resume or other social media platform – however, an MSI candidate must share substantiative documentation that chronicles their experience as a security instructor, rather than a title that was, in other words, assigned to them.

In essence, one must question upon application: “What do I want to get out of being a Master Security Instructor and how can it help contribute to the betterment of the industry as a whole rather than for oneself?”

The IFPOs commitment to empowering members and advancing the security profession remains unwavering. The MSI program is a significant step forward in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the security sector.

The IFPO encourages security professionals to take advantage of this opportunity not just to advance careers, but to also contribute to the elevation of security standards around the world.

To find out more information, visit: https://ifpo.org/education/master-security-instructor/