DCSA SPeD Physical Security Certification
(PSC) Exam – 2026/2027 Edition Expert-
Verified Q&A | Certification-Ready Format
Overview
This comprehensive examination document focuses on the essential domains
of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Security
Professional Education Development (SPeD) Physical Security Certification
(PSC) program. The assessment emphasizes the critical integration of DoD
physical security policies, risk management methodologies, access control
systems, protective measures, and security-in-depth principles. Each question
has been meticulously developed to ensure thorough understanding of
physical security fundamentals, countermeasures, and compliance
requirements. All questions are expert-verified with 100% correct answers,
designed for accurate evaluation and pass-level readiness. This document
serves as a thorough preparation resource for candidates completing their
DCSA SPeD PSC certification examination.
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Security-in-depth,
Physical Security physical security
Fundamentals & 1–16 purpose, DoD policy 20%
Concepts framework, roles and
responsibilities
Risk Management & Asset criticality, threat
Assessment 17–32 assessment, 20%
Methodology vulnerability
,Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
assessment, risk
formula, CARVER, threat
working groups
DoDI 5200.08, DoDM
DoD Policies,
5200.01, UFC 4-020-01,
Directives & 33–48 20%
5200.08-R, AA&E
Regulations
security
Access control
Access Control & measures, fencing,
49–60 15%
Physical Barriers lighting, locks, doors,
windows, roofs, barriers
Intrusion Detection
Systems (IDS), CCTV,
Security Systems &
61–70 Electronic Security 12.5%
Technology
Systems (ESS), SCIF
requirements
Physical Security Plans,
Security Planning,
antiterrorism standards,
Countermeasures &
71–80 FPCON, emergency 12.5%
Emergency
management, security-
Management
in-depth capabilities
Q1. What is the primary objective of the DoD Physical Security Program
per DoDI 5200.08?
,A. Increase convenience and reduce operational costs
B. Safeguard personnel, prevent unauthorized access to facilities, equipment,
materiel, and documents, and safeguard against espionage, sabotage, damage,
and theft
C. Reduce lighting and energy costs across installations
D. Promote social events and community engagement
Answer: B. Safeguard personnel, prevent unauthorized access to
facilities, equipment, materiel, and documents, and safeguard against
espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft
RATIONALE: DoDI 5200.08 establishes physical security as the protection of
DoD personnel and assets against espionage, sabotage, terrorism, damage, and
criminal activity. The primary objective is safeguarding personnel and
preventing unauthorized access to facilities, equipment, materiel, and
documents.
Q2. Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of physical
security?
A. Physical security is only concerned with active measures designed to
prevent unauthorized access
B. Physical security aims to safeguard assets against espionage, sabotage,
terrorism, damage, and criminal activity
C. Physical security focuses exclusively on perimeter fencing and lighting
D. Physical security is primarily concerned with cybersecurity measures
Answer: B. Physical security aims to safeguard assets against espionage,
sabotage, terrorism, damage, and criminal activity
RATIONALE: Physical security is the branch of security that aims to safeguard
assets against espionage, sabotage, terrorism, damage, and criminal activity. It
encompasses both active and passive measures designed to protect personnel,
facilities, equipment, and information.
Q3. The DoD Risk Management Process for physical security consists of
which sequential steps?
, A. Buy equipment, install cameras, hire guards
B. Asset criticality assessment, threat assessment, vulnerability assessment,
risk assessment, countermeasure selection
C. Paint fences, lock doors, install lighting
D. Random selection based on available budget
Answer: B. Asset criticality assessment, threat assessment, vulnerability
assessment, risk assessment, countermeasure selection
RATIONALE: The five-step DoD risk management methodology—asset
criticality assessment, threat assessment, vulnerability assessment, risk
assessment, and countermeasure selection—is mandated in UFC 4-020-01.
This systematic approach ensures comprehensive security planning.
Q4. What are the five categories of assets that must be protected under
DoD physical security?
A. People, Information, Equipment, Facilities, Activities and Operations
B. Buildings, Vehicles, Computers, Documents, Personnel
C. Classified, Unclassified, Sensitive, Public, Proprietary
D. Hardware, Software, Networks, Data, Personnel
Answer: A. People, Information, Equipment, Facilities, Activities and
Operations
RATIONALE: Assets fall into five categories: People, Information, Equipment,
Facilities, and Activities and Operations. All five categories must be considered
when conducting asset criticality assessments and developing physical
security plans.
Q5. Which of the following individuals should be included in a Threat
Working Group?
A. Only law enforcement personnel
B. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive
representative, Information operations representative, Operations security
officer, Law enforcement, Counterintelligence, Antiterrorism Officer
(PSC) Exam – 2026/2027 Edition Expert-
Verified Q&A | Certification-Ready Format
Overview
This comprehensive examination document focuses on the essential domains
of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Security
Professional Education Development (SPeD) Physical Security Certification
(PSC) program. The assessment emphasizes the critical integration of DoD
physical security policies, risk management methodologies, access control
systems, protective measures, and security-in-depth principles. Each question
has been meticulously developed to ensure thorough understanding of
physical security fundamentals, countermeasures, and compliance
requirements. All questions are expert-verified with 100% correct answers,
designed for accurate evaluation and pass-level readiness. This document
serves as a thorough preparation resource for candidates completing their
DCSA SPeD PSC certification examination.
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Security-in-depth,
Physical Security physical security
Fundamentals & 1–16 purpose, DoD policy 20%
Concepts framework, roles and
responsibilities
Risk Management & Asset criticality, threat
Assessment 17–32 assessment, 20%
Methodology vulnerability
,Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
assessment, risk
formula, CARVER, threat
working groups
DoDI 5200.08, DoDM
DoD Policies,
5200.01, UFC 4-020-01,
Directives & 33–48 20%
5200.08-R, AA&E
Regulations
security
Access control
Access Control & measures, fencing,
49–60 15%
Physical Barriers lighting, locks, doors,
windows, roofs, barriers
Intrusion Detection
Systems (IDS), CCTV,
Security Systems &
61–70 Electronic Security 12.5%
Technology
Systems (ESS), SCIF
requirements
Physical Security Plans,
Security Planning,
antiterrorism standards,
Countermeasures &
71–80 FPCON, emergency 12.5%
Emergency
management, security-
Management
in-depth capabilities
Q1. What is the primary objective of the DoD Physical Security Program
per DoDI 5200.08?
,A. Increase convenience and reduce operational costs
B. Safeguard personnel, prevent unauthorized access to facilities, equipment,
materiel, and documents, and safeguard against espionage, sabotage, damage,
and theft
C. Reduce lighting and energy costs across installations
D. Promote social events and community engagement
Answer: B. Safeguard personnel, prevent unauthorized access to
facilities, equipment, materiel, and documents, and safeguard against
espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft
RATIONALE: DoDI 5200.08 establishes physical security as the protection of
DoD personnel and assets against espionage, sabotage, terrorism, damage, and
criminal activity. The primary objective is safeguarding personnel and
preventing unauthorized access to facilities, equipment, materiel, and
documents.
Q2. Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of physical
security?
A. Physical security is only concerned with active measures designed to
prevent unauthorized access
B. Physical security aims to safeguard assets against espionage, sabotage,
terrorism, damage, and criminal activity
C. Physical security focuses exclusively on perimeter fencing and lighting
D. Physical security is primarily concerned with cybersecurity measures
Answer: B. Physical security aims to safeguard assets against espionage,
sabotage, terrorism, damage, and criminal activity
RATIONALE: Physical security is the branch of security that aims to safeguard
assets against espionage, sabotage, terrorism, damage, and criminal activity. It
encompasses both active and passive measures designed to protect personnel,
facilities, equipment, and information.
Q3. The DoD Risk Management Process for physical security consists of
which sequential steps?
, A. Buy equipment, install cameras, hire guards
B. Asset criticality assessment, threat assessment, vulnerability assessment,
risk assessment, countermeasure selection
C. Paint fences, lock doors, install lighting
D. Random selection based on available budget
Answer: B. Asset criticality assessment, threat assessment, vulnerability
assessment, risk assessment, countermeasure selection
RATIONALE: The five-step DoD risk management methodology—asset
criticality assessment, threat assessment, vulnerability assessment, risk
assessment, and countermeasure selection—is mandated in UFC 4-020-01.
This systematic approach ensures comprehensive security planning.
Q4. What are the five categories of assets that must be protected under
DoD physical security?
A. People, Information, Equipment, Facilities, Activities and Operations
B. Buildings, Vehicles, Computers, Documents, Personnel
C. Classified, Unclassified, Sensitive, Public, Proprietary
D. Hardware, Software, Networks, Data, Personnel
Answer: A. People, Information, Equipment, Facilities, Activities and
Operations
RATIONALE: Assets fall into five categories: People, Information, Equipment,
Facilities, and Activities and Operations. All five categories must be considered
when conducting asset criticality assessments and developing physical
security plans.
Q5. Which of the following individuals should be included in a Threat
Working Group?
A. Only law enforcement personnel
B. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive
representative, Information operations representative, Operations security
officer, Law enforcement, Counterintelligence, Antiterrorism Officer