CSP Complete Guide PDF
CSP Complete Guide PDF
CSP Complete Guide PDF
Certified Safety
Professional
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aspect of our operation. We have intentionally structured ourselves to segregate responsibilities
in our organization to facilitate this impartiality and objectivity. Any individual who has a
recommendation on how we can improve our implementation of our commitment is encouraged
to contact our Chief Executive Officer with your thought.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
CERTIFICATION SUMMARY
CHAPTER 2
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
EXAMINATION OVERVIEW
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
NOTE:
For the most current version of this publication please visit www.bcsp.org.
As a candidate or certificant you are solely responsible to keep BCSP informed of
your current mail and email address. If either address changes, you must notify BCSP.
You could lose your credential or eligibility status if you miss important notifications
related to your designation.
Chapter 1
Introduction
The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Certification
Schedule
Exam
Apply
Online
Determined
Eligible
Purchase
Exam
Five Year
Recertification
Fail
Pass
Receive
Certification
Maintain
Certification
Introduction 1
2 Introduction
About BCSP
BCSP is recognized as the leader in high-quality credentialing
for SH&E practitioners. BCSP establishes standards for and
verifies competency in professional safety practice and
evaluates certificants for compliance with recertification
requirements. BCSP also operates technician, technologist,
and supervisory certifications that provide additional career
paths for safety practitioners.
Since 1969, over 40,000 individuals have achieved the CSP,
ASP, OHST, CHST, STS, STSC or CET credential. BCSP is a notfor-profit corporation chartered in Illinois with headquarters in
Champaign.
Career Information
For details on careers in SH&E, download from the BCSP
website:
Chapter 2
Certification Summary
Chapter Abstract
This chapter provides general information about the Certified
Safety Professional (CSP) credential. You may download this
chapter as well as other chapters of the Complete Guide
to the CSP from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals
(BCSP) website at www.bcsp.org.
An overview of the CSP certification is presented along with
qualifications, requirements, time limits, degree evaluations
and the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) path.
Visit www.bcsp.org for the most current version of this guide.
Academic Requirement:
All individuals applying for the CSP must have a bachelors
degree or higher in any field from an accredited institution; or
an associate degree in safety, health, or environmental from an
accredited institution.
There is no waiver of the academic requirement and proof
of a minimum qualifying degree must be provided. For
U.S. degrees, BCSP requires the school hold institutional
accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education
Accreditation (CHEA) (www.chea.org) and/or the U.S.
Department of Education (www.ed.gov).
Continuing education courses, seminars, and certificate
programs are not a substitute for, and do not receive credit
toward, the academic requirement.
A degree achieved from a Qualified Academic Program
accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology-Applied Science Accreditation Commission
(ABET-ASAC) or the Aviation Accreditation Board International
(AABI) may qualify for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP)
program. The GSP designation meets the qualification of
holding a BCSP-credential (detailed in this section).
Unaccredited degrees are a growing concern and some
states have laws making it illegal to use unaccredited degrees.
Applicants and certificants cannot use unaccredited degrees
and the use is a violation of the BCSP Code of Ethics.
Experience Requirement:
CSP candidates must have four years professional safety
experience to sit for the CSP exam. Professional safety
experience must meet the following criteria to qualify:
Certification Summary 3
4 Certification Summary
Recertification:
CSPs must remain up-to-date with changes in professional
practice by earning 25 Recertification points every five years.
Additional information regarding Recertification can be
found in the Recertification Guide, located at www.bcsp.org/
Recertification.
Chapter 3
Application Instructions
Chapter Abstract
Submitting Transcripts
Application Instructions
Individuals who wish to pursue the CSP must create a profile
through My Profile at www.bcsp.org. Once you have created
your profile, you may select the certification application you
are interested in and follow the online instructions. Candidates
for certification apply only once, provided they follow all
policies and stay within their eligibility time limit.
A complete application requires candidates to provide:
1. Contact Information
2. A Qualifying Credential
3. Experience Information
4. Education Information
5. Application Agreement and Validation (acknowledging
truthful information has been provided, informing BCSP
of any criminal convictions or unethical behavior, and
agreeing to adhere to BCSP Code of Ethics)
6. Payment of Application
Do not send resumes, professional papers, continuing
education course certificates, or any other items that are not
specifically requested.
After you submit your application, BCSP Certification Services
will contact you with any questions or once your application
review has been completed.
The application fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable. For
a list of current fees, visit www.bcsp.org/Certifications/SafetyCertifications-at-a-Glance. You will be prompted to include
payment along with your application. Your application will not
be complete until payment for the application fee and any
additional requested materials have been received.
Application Instructions 5
Chapter 4
Preparing for the
Examination
Chapter Abstract
Examination Integrity
A key to a successful and respected credentialing program is
examination security. Without it, a peer-operated credentialing
program has little value. BCSP relies on the ethical behavior of
candidates and certificants to maintain the security of BCSP
examinations.
When those who hold credentials or those who are pursuing
credentials reveal information about the content of BCSP
examinations, they violate the agreement all candidates
accept when they apply for certification and when they
take an examination. Applicants, examination candidates, or
certificants who reveal confidential information about the
content of BCSP examinations through any means also violate
the BCSP Disciplinary Action Policy and the BCSP Code of
Ethics.
BCSP pursues legal actions against organizations, individuals
not seeking certification, and individuals who fraudulently
claim or misrepresent their intent to seek certification, who
reveal information about the content of BCSP examinations.
Penalties include permanently barring individuals from
pursuing the credential and revoking the certifications and
interim designations of those who have status with BCSP, in
addition to other legal remedies.
Chapter 5
Examination Overview
Chapter Abstract
All candidates for the CSP must pass the CSP examination to
earn the credential.
Computer-Based Testing
The CSP examination uses computer-based testing, with one
item appearing on the screen at a time. You will simply use a
mouse to point to the desired answer and click on it to select
it. Answers can be changed the same way.
You can mark items to return to later or simply skip them and
move to the next item. At the end of the examination, there is
a table of items and answers selected. The table also shows
skipped and marked items. You can return to any item by
simply clicking on the item number.
Prior to beginning the actual examination, there is a
tutorial. Your examination clocks begins when you officially
commence with the examination itself. After completing
the examination, you will log off to formally submit your
examination for scoring. You will receive results before you
leave the testing center facility.
You will have FIVE AND A HALF (5.5) hours to complete
the CSP examination. Examinations are closed book,
and accessing external reference materials during your
examination is not permitted. For use during the examination,
the testing center will provide you with materials for working
out calculations by hand.
Refer to the Pearson VUE Computer-Based Testing Brochure
located at www.bcsp.org for more details and requirements.
8 Examination Overview
Examination Blueprint
| EXAM BLUEPRINT
Domain 1
Collecting Safety, Health, Environmental, and Security Risk Information 28.6%
Task 1 Identify and characterize hazards, threats, and vulnerabilities using equipment and field observation methods in order to evaluate
safety, health, environmental, and security risk.
Knowledge of:
1. Types, sources, and characteristics of hazards, threats, and
vulnerabilities
2. Job safety analysis and task analysis methods
3. Hazard analysis methods
4. Qualitative, quantitative, deductive, and inductive risk assessment
methods
5. Incident investigation techniques
6. Methods and techniques for evaluating facilities, products, systems,
processes, and equipment
7. Methods and techniques for measurement, sampling, and analysis
8. Sources of information on hazards, threats, and vulnerabilities (e.g.,
subject matter experts, relevant best practices, published literature)
9. Competencies of other professionals with whom the safety professional
interacts
10. Information security and confidentiality requirements
11. Internet resources
Skill in:
1. Identifying hazards associated with equipment, manufacturing systems,
and production processes
2. Recognizing external and internal threats to facilities, systems,
processes, equipment, and employees
3. Conducting job safety analyses and task analyses
4. Performing hazard analyses
5. Leading incident investigations
6. Interviewing witnesses to incidents
7. Interpreting plans, specifications, technical drawings, and process flow
diagrams
8. Using monitoring and sampling equipment
9. Communicating with subject matter experts
10. Consulting with equipment manufacturers and commodity suppliers
11. Finding sources of information on hazards, threats, and vulnerabilities
12. Interviewing people
13. Using the Internet to find information
Task 2 Design and use data management systems for collecting and validating risk information in order to evaluate safety, health,
environmental, and security risk.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Skill in:
Calculating statistics from data sources
Determining statistical significance
Comparing statistics to benchmarks
Preserving evidence from incident investigations
Calibrating and using data logging and monitoring equipment
Using data management software
Creating data collection forms
Maintaining data integrity
Task 3 Collect and validate information on organizational risk factors by studying culture, management style, business climate, financial
conditions, and the availability of internal and external resources in order to evaluate safety, health, environmental, and security risk.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Examination Overview 9
Task 4 Research applicable laws, regulations, consensus standards, best practices, and published literature using internal and external
resources to develop benchmarks for assessing an organizations safety, health, environmental, and security performance and to support the
evaluation of safety, health, environmental, and security risk.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Domain 2
Assessing Safety, Health, Environmental, and Security Risk 36.6%
Task 1 Evaluate the risk of injury, illness, environmental harm, and property damage to which the public or an organization is exposed
associated with the organizations facilities, products, systems, processes, equipment, and employees by applying quantitative and qualitative
threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment techniques.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
10 Examination Overview
Domain 2 (Continued)
Assessing Safety, Health, Environmental, and Security Risk 36.6%
Task 2 Audit safety, health, environmental, and security management systems using appropriate auditing techniques to compare an
organizations management systems against established standards for identifying the organizations strengths and weaknesses.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Task 3 Analyze trends in leading and lagging performance indicators related to safety, health, environmental, and security management
systems using historical information and statistical methods to identify an organizations strengths and weaknesses.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Examination Overview 11
Domain 3
Managing Safety, Health, Environmental, and Security Risk 34.8%
Task 1 Design effective risk management methods using the results of risk assessments to eliminate or reduce safety, health, environmental,
and security risks.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
Engineering controls
Principles of managing risk throughout the design process
Administrative controls
Personal protective equipment
Qualitative, quantitative, deductive, and inductive risk assessment
methods
Root cause analysis methods
Risk-based decision-making tools
Mathematics and statistics
Applied sciences: fluid flow, mechanics, electricity
Basic sciences: anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, physiology
Organizational and behavioral sciences
Management sciences
Management principles of authority, responsibility, and accountability
Budgeting, finance, and economic analysis techniques
Business planning
Business software
Adult learning
Cultural norms and population stereotypes
Training methods
Training assessment instruments (e.g., written tests, skill assessments)
Agriculture safety (including food supply safety)
Biological safety
Business continuity and contingency planning
Change management
Chemical process safety
Community emergency planning
Construction safety
Education and training methods
Emergency/crisis/disaster management
Emergency/crisis/disaster response planning
Employee assistance programs
Employee/stakeholder incentive programs
Environmental protection and pollution prevention
Epidemiology
Equipment safety
Ergonomics and human factors
Facility safety
Facility security and access control
Facility siting and layout
Fire prevention, protection, and suppression
Hazardous materials management
Hazardous waste management
Healthcare safety (including patient safety)
Incident command methods
Industrial hygiene
Infectious diseases
Insurance/risk transfer principles
Labels, signs, and warnings (including international symbols)
Maritime safety
Mining safety
Multi-employer worksite issues
Mutual aid agreements
Physical and chemical characteristics of hazardous materials
Pressure relief systems
Product safety
Public safety and security
Radiation safety
System safety
Toxicology
Transportation safety and security
Ventilation systems
Workplace violence
Competencies of other professionals with whom the safety
professional interacts
Sources of information on risk management options (e.g., subject
matter experts, relevant best practices, published literature)
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
12 Examination Overview
Domain 3 (Continued)
Managing Safety, Health, Environmental, and Security Risk 34.8%
Task 2 Educate and influence decision makers to adopt effective risk management methods by illustrating the business-related benefits
associated with implementing them to eliminate or reduce safety, health, environmental, and security risks.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Task 3 Lead projects to implement the risk management methods adopted by decision makers using internal and external resources to
eliminate or reduce safety, health, environmental, and security risks.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Examination Overview 13
Domain 3 (Continued)
Managing Safety, Health, Environmental, and Security Risk 34.8%
Task 4 Promote a positive organizational culture that is conscious of its safety, health, environmental, and security responsibilities by
communicating these responsibilities to all stakeholders and by training all stakeholders as part of the organizations overall risk management
program.
Knowledge of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
Management sciences
Management principles of authority, responsibility, and accountability
Methods of achieving project stakeholder acceptance of project goals
Organizational and behavioral sciences
Organizational protocols
Cultural norms and population stereotypes
Group dynamics
Interpersonal communications
Labels, signs, and warnings (including international symbols)
Multi-employer worksite issues
Organized labor/management relations
Presentation media and technologies
Presentation strategies
Protocols for public announcements
Public communication techniques
Risk communication techniques
Stakeholder participation committees
Target audience background
Adult learning
Education and training methods
Behavior modification techniques
Training methods
Training assessment instruments (e.g., written tests, skill assessments)
Business communication software
Competencies of other professionals with whom the safety
professional interacts
Standards development processes
Information security and confidentiality requirements
Skill in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
14 Examination Overview
Chapter 6
Examination Sample
Items
Chapter Abstract
This chapter provides sample examination items and their
solutions for the CSP examination. You may download this
chapter as well as other chapters of the Complete Guide
to the CSP from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals
(BCSP) website at www.bcsp.org.
Visit www.bcsp.org for the most current version of this guide.
The probabilities of
occurrence for events
X1, X2, X3, and X4 are
shown below.
X1 = 0.0025
X2 = 0.050
X3 = 0.0050
X4 = 0.00050
X1
B2
A1
X2
X2
X3
A2
X1
Fatal
Accident
X4
Item
Number
Correct
Answer
Item
Number
Correct
Answer
= $600,000
Cost of sprinkler installation
= 200,000 square feet/125 square feet x $310
= $496,000
+ $100,000
= $1,396,000 $1,400,000
Chapter 7
After You Achieve Your
Certification
Chapter Abstract
This chapter provides detailed information needed after
earning your credential. You may download this chapter as
well as other chapters of the Complete Guide to the CSP from
the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) website at
www.bcsp.org.
An overview of the rules and procedures essential in retaining
the CSP credential is presented as well as proper use of the
title. It also defines discipline procedures, contains guidelines
for helping promote the value of the CSP credential, and
provides information on ordering seals, stamps, jewelry,
certificate frames, and other logo products.
Visit www.bcsp.org for the most current version of this guide.
Reinstatement
If you fail to pay your annual renewal fee on time or fail to
achieve the required Recertification points every five years,
BCSP will send you a notice that your credential has been
invalidated and you no longer hold the CSP.
You may seek reinstatement by contacting BCSP.
Reinstatement must be by 12/31 of the same year you are
invalidated. Reinstatement includes paying a reinstatement fee
and complying with the current Recertification requirements.
Otherwise, you will be required to apply as a new candidate
and meet all of the requirements in place at the time of your
application.
Career Interruptions
While holding the CSP credential, you may face situations
which affect your ability to maintain your certification. You
may experience an interruption in your safety career, such as
moving to a job which is not in the safety profession, taking
time out to be a parent, student or soldier, having an extended
health problem, or being unemployed. BCSP has established
some options to help deal with these types of situations.
Leave of Absence and Extensions. You may seek a leave of
absence or an extension if a career interruption will affect your
ability to meet Recertification requirements. Please refer to the
Recertification Guide for detailed information.
Annual Renewal Fee Waiver While Unemployed. If you
become unemployed and are unable to pay your annual
renewal fee, you may request in writing a one-time waiver of
the annual renewal fee.
Retired CSPs
There is not a retired status for the CSP, however, retired CSPs
can list the certification and the dates that they held it behind
their name.
Examples:
Robert A. Smith, Retired, CSP 1981-2012
Robert A. Smith, Retired, Certified Safety Professional
from 1981-2012
CSPs who have retired may not actively use the Certified
Safety Professional credential.
showing where the individual is using the title. Most often the
unauthorized use occurs online, on a business card, resume,
business letterhead, brochure or similar publication, or with
a signature. To initiate action against the individual using the
credential without authority, BCSP also needs the individuals
current mailing address.
Criminal Convictions
BCSPs criminal conviction policy appears on the BCSP
website. It applies to certificate holders. The policy also
covers convictions by other certifications and licensing bodies
for unauthorized use of designations. It requires CSPs to
report new convictions which can result in BCSP disciplinary
proceedings.
Discipline Procedures
BCSP authorizes individuals to use the CSP credential when
they meet requirements for achieving and retaining the
credential. BCSP also has a responsibility to withdraw that
authorization when individuals fail to pay annual renewal
fees, fail to meet Recertification requirements, or when they
violate BCSP Disciplinary Action Policy or the BCSP Code of
Ethics. The BCSP Disciplinary Action Policy contains rules on
disciplinary procedures and grounds for action. The complete
BCSP Disciplinary Action Policy is on the BCSP website.
Appeals
You may appeal decisions related to earning and maintaining
BCSP credentials. Requests for appeal must be submitted to
the Chief Executive Officer in writing and in accordance to the
current appeals policy located online at www.bcsp.org/About.
Chapter 8
The GSP Designation
Chapter Abstract
This chapter provides detailed information about the GSP
designation and how it can assist in achieving the CSP
certification. You may download this chapter as well as other
chapters of the Complete Guide to the CSP from the Board of
Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) website at www.bcsp.org.
Visit www.bcsp.org for the most current version of this guide.
Qualifications
GSP program qualifications include the following.
You must have graduated from a QAP during its
accreditation period. A full list of QAPs eligible to
participate in the GSP program are on the BCSP website
at www.bcsp.org/GSP
You must fill out a GSP application through My Profile
at www.bcsp.org
You must submit an official copy of a conferred
transcript with degree awarded and date conferred
Time Limits
The following time limits apply to the GSP designation:
Those holding the GSP designation must meet the
experience requirements and apply for the CSP within
ten years of receiving the GSP.
Once a GSP has applied for and become eligible for the
CSP, they must then meet the time limits associated with
the CSP certification.
Once a GSP has achieved the CSP, the GSP designation
expires.
GSPs must maintain active status until the CSP is
achieved.
with BCSP.
Once a GSP has met the above criteria for the CSP, they can
fill out an application online by following the instructions
provided in Chapter 3, Application Instructions.
Professional Advancement Mentor Program
Over the years, many certificants encouraged, assisted, or
required fellow safety professionals to pursue certification to
advance their careers. BCSP has a program that traces the
role certificants play in assisting aspiring safety professionals
career development and then recognizing their contributions.
Applicants and mentors can participate in this program by
completing a Professional Advancement Mentor Program
Form and submitting it around the time the candidates
application is submitted. Forms and more information are
located at www.bcsp.org.
Code of Ethics
This code sets forth the code of ethics and professional standards to be observed by holders of documents of
certification conferred by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Certificants shall, in their professional
activities, sustain and advance the integrity, honor, and prestige of the profession by adherence to these standards.
Standards:
1. HOLD paramount the safety and health of
people, the protection of the environment and
protection of property in the performance of
professional duties and exercise their
obligation to advise employers, clients,
employees, the public, and appropriate
authorities of danger and unacceptable risks to
people, the environment, or property.
2. BE honest, fair, and impartial; act with
responsibility and integrity. Adhere to high
standards of ethical conduct with balanced care
for the interests of the public, employers,
clients, employees, colleagues and the
profession. Avoid all conduct or practice that
is likely to discredit the profession or deceive
the public.
3. ISSUE public statements only in an objective
and truthful manner and only when founded
upon knowledge of the facts and competence in
the subject matter.
4. UNDERTAKE assignments only when
qualified by education or experience in the
specific technical fields involved. Accept
responsibility for their continued professional
development by acquiring and maintaining
competence through continuing education,
experience, professional training and keeping
current on relevant legal issues.
Notes: