The time it takes to obtain the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification depends on several factors, including your educational background, work experience, and how long it takes to prepare for and pass the exams. Here’s a breakdown of the steps and estimated timelines:
Meeting Eligibility Requirements
- Education: You must have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field. If you already have the degree, you’re good to proceed. If not, you’ll need to complete your degree, which could take additional years.
- Work Experience: You need a minimum of four years of professional safety experience where at least 50% of your duties are related to safety. If you already have the required experience, you can move forward. If not, gaining the experience can take up to four years.
Time for this step:
- If you meet the requirements, this step is complete and takes no additional time.
- If you lack the required experience, gaining four years of safety-related experience is the longest part of the process.
Obtaining a Qualified Credential (e.g., ASP)
Before applying for the CSP, you must have passed the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) exam or hold another qualified credential like the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Professional Engineer (PE). The ASP is the most common route.
- Study for and Pass the ASP Exam: Preparing for the ASP exam typically takes 3 to 6 months of study, depending on your prior knowledge and available time for studying.
Time for this step:
- 3 to 6 months to study and pass the ASP exam, if that’s your route.
Applying for the CSP Exam
Once you have passed the ASP exam or have another qualified credential, you can apply to take the CSP exam. The application process involves submitting your documentation (e.g., education, experience, and exam results).
- Application Review: After submitting your application, BCSP typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to review and approve it.
Time for this step:
- 4 to 6 weeks for application approval.
Studying for the CSP Exam
Once approved, you’ll need to study for the CSP exam. Preparation time varies based on your familiarity with the topics and your personal study habits. Most people spend 3 to 6 months preparing for the CSP exam.
- You’ll need to study topics such as safety management systems, hazard control, risk management, and occupational health and ergonomics.
Time for this step:
- 3 to 6 months of study.
Taking and Passing the CSP Exam
After preparing, you can schedule and take the CSP exam. The exam itself is a 5.5-hour test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions.
- Results: You’ll receive your preliminary exam results immediately after completing the exam. Official results are usually available within a few weeks.
Total Estimated Timeline
- If you already have the required education and experience:
- Studying for ASP: 3 to 6 months
- ASP Exam and Application Review: 1 to 2 months
- Studying for CSP: 3 to 6 months
- Total time to get CSP: 7 to 14 months (if you already meet experience and education requirements).
- If you still need to gain the four years of professional safety experience: Add up to four years for experience before you can start the CSP process.
On average, if you already meet the education and experience requirements, it will take between 7 to 14 months to obtain your CSP certification. If you still need to gain work experience, it could take up to four additional years. Most of the time is spent on exam preparation and the review process. Obtain a CSP certificate online in Saudi Arabia, Canada and the USA. Apply for a BCSP CSP exam online now and pass the test on your first attempt.