The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification process from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) operates on a points system for eligibility and a recertification points system for maintaining the credential. BCSP CSP points system, Here’s how each system works:
Eligibility Points System
To qualify for the CSP exam, candidates must meet education, experience, and credential requirements. These are assessed based on a points system that ensures candidates have a robust foundation in safety practices.
Key Requirements:
- Hold a BCSP-Qualified Credential:
- The Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification is the most common pathway to the CSP.
- Alternatively, other BCSP-recognized certifications, such as the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), may also satisfy this requirement.
- Education and Experience:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field is required.
- At least 4 years of professional safety experience (where safety is at least 50% of job responsibilities).
What Counts as Professional Safety Experience?
- Safety program development or management.
- Conducting safety audits and hazard assessments.
- Delivering safety training.
- Managing incident investigations.
Recertification Points System
After earning the CSP, you must maintain your certification by earning recertification points every five years. The BCSP requires 25 points in a 5-year cycle to ensure that certified professionals stay current with industry practices and advancements.
Activities to Earn Points:
- Continuing Education:
- Taking safety-related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Example: 1 hour of training = 0.1 points (e.g., a 10-hour course = 1 point).
- Professional Practice:
- Engaging in full-time safety practice (50% or more of job duties).
- You can earn up to 10 points per 5-year cycle for active safety practice.
- Certifications and Memberships:
- Maintaining other certifications or earning additional ones (e.g., CIH, CHMM).
- Active membership in professional organizations (e.g., ASSP) may also count.
- Publishing and Presenting:
- Writing articles or books on safety-related topics.
- Presenting safety topics at conferences or workshops.
- Volunteering:
- Participating in safety-related volunteer activities, such as serving on committees or boards.
- Academic Credits:
- Earning academic degrees or taking college courses related to safety and health.
Reporting Points:
- Points are logged through the BCSP online account system.
- Documentation (e.g., course completion certificates) may be required to verify activities.
Recertification Timeline
- BCSP sends reminders about recertification deadlines.
- If points are not met by the deadline, you may lose the certification and will need to retake the exam to regain it.
So, Buy a CSP certificate online. Also, obtain a BCSP CSP certificate on your first exam attempt. Further, Apply for the CSP exam online from home.
