BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasRetail Loss Prevention Specialists

O*NET · 33-9099.02

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

Implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss. Conduct audits and investigations of employee activity. May assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets.

Also called APA · Asset Protection Agent · Asset Protection Associate (APA) · Asset Protection Coordinator · Asset Protection Detective · Asset Protection Greeter · Asset Protection Investigator · Asset Protection Manager
29 more

Asset Protection Officer · Asset Protection Security Guard · Asset Protection Service Associate · Asset Protection Specialist · Loss Control Field Rep · Loss Control Field Representative (Loss Control Field Rep) · Loss Mitigation Specialist · Loss Prevention Agent · Loss Prevention Associate (LPA) · Loss Prevention Customer Service Associate · Loss Prevention Detective · Loss Prevention Guard · Loss Prevention Investigator · Loss Prevention Officer · Loss Prevention Representative · Loss Prevention Security Ambassador · Loss Prevention Service Ambassador · Loss Prevention Service Representative · Loss Prevention Specialist · LPA · Prevention Specialist · Protection Specialist · Retail Asset Protection Specialist · Retail Loss Prevention Investigator · Retail Loss Prevention Specialist · Security Ambassador · Security Specialist · Store Detective · Store Protection Specialist

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CER35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Transportation Inspectors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CERConventional · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.67
  • E Enterprising4.77
  • R Realistic3.90
  • I Investigative3.44
  • S Social2.71
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma5%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent69%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
  • Bachelor's Degree11%
Related work experience
None (50%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (52%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (43%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Social Perceptiveness3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Writingbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Systems Analysis3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
Show the other 23
  • Time Management3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Instructing2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Evaluation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Service Orientation2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operations Monitoring2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Troubleshooting2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Programming1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology Design1.60.9
  • Operations Analysis1.40.8
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Equipment Selection1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

20 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.4.7
  2. Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.4.6
  3. Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.4.6
  4. Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.4.5
  5. Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.4.5
  6. Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.4.5
  7. Conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.4.4
  8. Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.4.4
  9. Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.4.4
  10. Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.4.4
  11. Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.4.4
  12. Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to report or investigate crimes.4.3
Show the other 9
  1. Prepare written reports on investigations.4.3
  2. Testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.4.3
  3. Train establishment personnel in loss prevention activities.4.2
  4. Recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.4.2
  5. Coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.4.1
  6. Respond to critical incidents, such as catastrophic events, violent weather, or civil disorders.4.0
  7. Direct work of contract security officers or other loss prevention agents.3.9
  8. Recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.3.9
  9. Conduct employee background investigations and review reports with operational or human resources managers.3.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security4.74.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • English Language4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Law and Government4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Customer and Personal Service3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administration and Management3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and Electronics3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
Show all 33
  • Administrative3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Mathematics3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Psychology2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Telecommunications2.61.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Production and Processing2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Therapy and Counseling2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Economics and Accounting2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Communications and Media2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Sales and Marketing2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Mechanical2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Philosophy and Theology2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Transportation2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Engineering and Technology1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Design1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Chemistry1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Geography1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Building and Construction1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Physics1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Food Production1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Biology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive Reasoning3.83.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Oral Expression3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Inductive Reasoning3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Recognition3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Speech Clarity3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written Comprehension3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.43.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Selective Attention3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Far Vision3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Information Ordering3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written Expression3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure2.82.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Time Sharing2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visualization2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Multilimb Coordination2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.42.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Reaction Time2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Trunk Strength2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory Attention2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Depth Perception2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Manual Dexterity2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Response Orientation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Spatial Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Stamina2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Explosive Strength2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Night Vision1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Sound Localization1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Extent Flexibility1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Glare Sensitivity1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.40.6
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.44.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing Information4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.34.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.15.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.15.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Working with Computers3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Training and Teaching Others3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing and Building Teams3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.63.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.53.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.32.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Thinking Creatively3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.02.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.92.6
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.82.9
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.53.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • E-Mail4.4
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.2

Technology

15 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (8)

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Structured query language SQL
Other tools (7)
  • Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP
  • Case management system software
  • Database software
  • Enterprise application integration EAI software
  • Epicor Loss Prevention
  • McAfee
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Loss Prevention Managers
  2. Private Detectives and Investigators
  3. Security Managers
  4. First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
  5. Compliance Managers
  6. Financial Risk Specialists
  7. Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
  8. Security Guards
  9. Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  10. Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.