DCSA SPED PHYSICAL SECURITY
CERTIFICATION (PSC) EXAM – PRACTICE 2026
COMPLETE (125) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
DCSA
Prepare with confidence using this DCSA SPeD Physical Security
Certification (PSC) Exam practice exam designed to reinforce essential
physical security principles, risk management, security regulations, and
asset protection concepts. The exam-style questions help strengthen
your knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence
before the certification examination. An excellent study resource for
focused review and effective exam preparation. Suitable for security
professionals and candidates pursuing the DCSA SPeD Physical Security
Certification (PSC).
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: Physical Security Concepts (22% of Exam)
Questions 1–25
1. Which of the following best defines the primary purpose of
physical security within the Department of Defense (DoD)?
A. To prevent unauthorized access to classified information only
B. To safeguard personnel, installations, operations, and resources
against espionage, sabotage, terrorism, damage, and criminal
activity
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C. To ensure all buildings have functioning locks and alarms
D. To provide security guards at all entry points
Correct answer: B. To safeguard personnel, installations,
operations, and resources against espionage, sabotage,
terrorism, damage, and criminal activity
Rationale: Physical security aims to safeguard assets against
espionage, sabotage, terrorism, damage, and criminal activity. It is
not limited to classified information or simply locks and guards; it
encompasses a comprehensive approach to protecting DoD assets.
2. Physical security is defined as the branch of security that:
A. Is only concerned with active measures designed to prevent
unauthorized access
B. Uses active and passive measures to safeguard assets against
threats
C. Focuses exclusively on electronic surveillance systems
D. Is limited to perimeter fencing and lighting
Correct answer: B. Uses active and passive measures to
safeguard assets against threats
Rationale: Physical security employs both active measures (guards,
patrols) and passive measures (fencing, locks) to protect assets. It
is not limited to active measures or any single component.
3. Which of the following is an example of a physical security
measure?
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A. Marking classified documents
B. Conducting personnel background investigations
C. Installing perimeter fencing
D. Classifying information
Correct answer: C. Installing perimeter fencing
Rationale: Perimeter fencing is a physical security measure.
Marking classified documents is an information security measure;
background investigations are personnel security measures.
4. Which of the following is NOT considered a physical security
measure?
A. Perimeter fences
B. Security guards
C. Marking classified documents
D. Alarm systems
Correct answer: C. Marking classified documents
Rationale: Marking classified documents is an information security
measure, not a physical security measure. Physical security
measures include fences, guards, and alarm systems.
5. Access control is best described as:
A. A standalone security function with no relation to other security
programs
B. An integral and interoperable part of DoD installation physical
security programs
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C. A procedure that should NOT be tailored to local conditions
D. A responsibility of the installation security officer only
Correct answer: B. An integral and interoperable part of DoD
installation physical security programs
Rationale: Access control is an integral and interoperable part of
DoD installation physical security programs. It should be tailored to
local conditions, and the installation commander/facility director is
responsible for defining access control measures consistent with
DoD policy.
6. Who is ultimately responsible for defining access control
measures consistent with DoD policy?
A. The installation security officer
B. The installation commander/facility director
C. The physical security specialist
D. The facility security manager
Correct answer: B. The installation commander/facility director
Rationale: The installation commander/facility director is
responsible for defining access control measures consistent with
DoD policy.
7. Which of the following is a true statement about access
control?
A. Access control procedures should be standardized and NOT
tailored to local conditions