Certified Safety Professional®

Complete Guide to the CSP

APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION INFORMATION
THIRD EDITION | JULY 2018
 © 2018 Board of Certified Safety Professionals,
Indianapolis, Indiana USA

All rights reserved.

A BCSP Publication

All or any part of this document may be freely copied and distributed with the
following restrictions: Excerpts, in any form or medium, must include a formal statement
acknowledging that the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is the owner of the
copyrighted material excerpted from this document. Copies and redistributions of this
whole document, in any form or medium, must include the entire copyright notice
and the restrictions shown on this page.

BCSP is committed to impartiality and objectivity in every aspect of our operation. We

have intentionally structured ourselves to segregate responsibilities in our organization
to facilitate this impartiality and objectivity. BCSP evaluates all candidates seeking BCSP
certifications without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, pregnancy,
disability, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition, gender identity, sexual
orientation, or other characteristics protected by the law (“Protected Characteristics”).

This publication is not intended to guarantee that the user will pass an exam,
become certified or in general may not cover every aspect of the certification process.
Additionally, this publication is not considered training or preparatory in any manner.
BCSP makes no promises or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, of the
actions of third party organizations.

This Publication is subject to change without notice at anytime.

Complete Guide to the CSP®

Third Edition | July 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 | INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER 2 | CERTIFICATION SUMMARY 3

CHAPTER 3 | APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 6

CHAPTER 4 | PREPARING FOR THE EXAM 8

CHAPTER 5 | EXAM OVERVIEW 10

CHAPTER 6 | EXAM SAMPLE QUESTIONS 16

CHAPTER 7 | AFTER ACHIEVING CERTIFICATION 19

CHAPTER 8 | THE GSP DESIGNATION 23

DISCLAIMER:
An individual’s status with BCSP is an indicator that an individual has completed a combination of
defined education, experience, and examination requirements. However, certification is not a guarantee
or assurance of the competence or ability of any particular individual. Further, given the rapid changes
in the field, BCSP cannot warrant that any examination and other certification materials will at all times
reflect the most current state of the art.

BCSP disclaims liability for any personal injury, property or other damages of any nature whatsoever,
whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the
certification program or the acts or omissions of any person who has been certified by BCSP.

In conducting the certification program, including issuing certifications, BCSP is not undertaking to
render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is BCSP undertaking
to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using the services of a
person who has been certified should rely on his or her own independent judgment as appropriate
in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances.
4
CHAPTER 1 | INTRODUCTION

The Certified Safety Professional® How to Use This Guide

(CSP®) Certification This guide provides you with in-depth
BCSP awards the Certified Safety Professional information regarding the application process,
to individuals who demonstrate competency examination process and the rules and
and work full-time in a professional position procedures essential in retaining the CSP
where at least 50% of duties are safety program certification after you achieve it. Reading
development and risk assessment devoted and following the suggestions and rules in this
to the prevention of harm to individuals in guide will help you navigate your path to the
the workplace environment. Whether your CSP certification.
career goals include seeking a new position,
Visit bcsp.org and click on “My Profile” to
moving up in your current organization or
create an account and apply for your desired
moving to private practice, you can accelerate
certification(s). If you need further assistance
your opportunities by achieving the Certified
you may contact the Certification Services
Safety Professional (CSP) certification. You
Department at +1 317-593-4800 or by email
can improve your chances for success, being
at [email protected].
selected for leadership and senior positions,
and increased salary through the CSP Important Information
credential. BCSP offers you the opportunity For the most current version of this publication,
to rise above the competition by adding the please visit bcsp.org/CSP.
CSP certification to your portfolio.
As a candidate or certificant you are solely
Purpose of This Guide responsible to keep BCSP informed of your
The purpose of this guide is to walk you current mail and email address. If either
through the process of applying for and taking address changes, you must notify BCSP. You
the examination leading to the CSP certification. could lose your credential or eligibility status
This guide is the first step to help you achieve if you miss important notifications related
the credential. to your credential.

APPLY
ONLINE  DETERMINED ELIGIBLE
ONE YEAR ELIGIBILITY SCHEDULE EXAM

START HERE
PURCHASE
$ SIT FOR

EXAM
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS EXAM

FIVE-YEAR RECERTIFICATION FAIL

PAY EXAM FEE


ANNUAL RECEIVE
RENEWAL FEE
MAINTAIN PASS
CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION EXAM

1
 ABOUT BCSP CERTIFICATIONS
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, BCSP
Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®)
is a not-for-profit corporation recognized as a
leader in high-quality, accredited credentialing • has been in operation for more than 40 years with
over 40,000 CSPs certified
for safety, health, and environmental (SH&E)
• is the premier certification in the safety profession
practitioners. BCSP establishes standards and
certifies competency criteria in professional • covers a wide range of safety, health and environmental
(SH&E) practice disciplines
safety practice. Since 1969, over 68,000 of
BCSP’s CSP, SMS, ASP, OHST, CHST, STS, STSC,
Safety Management Specialist (SMS)
or CET certifications have been achieved.
• demonstrates management skills required for an organization’s
safe operation, including defining and utilizing safety
CAREER INFORMATION management systems
For details on careers in SH&E, download from
the BCSP website: Associate Safety Professional® (ASP®)
• demonstrates a broad scope of knowledge of SH&E practice
• Career Paths in Safety (brochure)
• serves as one of several approved credentials meeting
For a comprehensive list of accredited U.S. requirements for the CSP
academic programs, search the BCSP Academic
Database. If you have questions, please email Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician® (OHST®)
us: [email protected]. • provides practitioners with partial responsibility in SH&E with a
high quality certification

ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION

Construction Health and Safety Technician® (CHST®)
BCSP’s certifications are accredited by at least
• offers a certification for individuals who work in a construction
one of the following independent third-party craft or are construction safety specialists
organizations that evaluate certification
requirements on a regular basis. Safety Trained Supervisor® (STS®)
• provides a quality certification for work group leaders in various
• American National Standards Institute industries who are responsible for the safety and health of their
(ANSI), ansi.org [ISO/IEC 17024, General workers
Requirements for Bodies Operating • is a leading indicator of safety performance
Certification Systems of Persons] • has led to reductions in injuries and workers’ compensation
claims and has created productivity gains in participating
companies
• National Commission for
Certifying Agencies (NCCA),
credentialingexcellence.org Safety Trained Supervisor Construction® (STSC®)
• holds the same requirements and benefits as the Safety Trained
Supervisor certification but provides a quality certification for
work group leaders working specifically in construction
• Council of Engineering and Scientific
Specialty Boards (CESB), cesb.org
Certified Environmental, Safety and Health
BCSP has been granted special consultative Trainer® (CET®)
status with the United Nations Economic and • certifies those who have experience and expertise in
Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2014. developing, designing, and delivering SH&E training

2
CHAPTER 2 | CERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Overview of the CSP Certification evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Information

The CSP is a certification awarded by BCSP regarding the process for having an
to individuals who meet all of the Board- international degree evaluated for BCSP
established requirements. certification is available in Chapter 3,
“Application Instructions”.
The CSP Process
One of the most common questions by potential Experience Requirement:
candidates is “What do I have to do to become a CSP candidates must have four years of
CSP?” The process has several stages, each one professional safety experience to sit for the CSP
building on the other. exam. Professional safety experience must meet
the following criteria to qualify:
1. Are You Eligible?
Academic Requirement: ** Professional safety must be the primary
function of the position. Collateral duties
All individuals applying for the CSP must have a
in safety are not counted.
bachelor’s degree or higher in any field from an
accredited institution. ** The position’s primary responsibility must
be the prevention of harm to people,
There is no waiver of the academic requirement property, or the environment, rather than
and proof of a minimum qualifying degree must responsibility for responding to harmful
be provided. For U.S. degrees, BCSP requires events.
the school hold institutional accreditation
** Professional safety functions must be at
recognized by the Council for Higher Education
least 50% of the position duties. BCSP
Accreditation (CHEA) (chea.org) and/or the U.S.
defines full-time as at least 35 hours
Department of Education (ed.gov).
per week. Part-time safety experience is
Continuing education courses, seminars, and allowed if the applicant has the equivalent
certificate programs are not a substitute for, of at least 900 hours of professional
and do not receive credit toward, the academic safety work during any year (75 hours per
requirement. month or 18 hours per week) for which
experience credit is sought.
A degree achieved from a Qualified Academic
** The position must be at a professional
Program may qualify for the Graduate
level. This is determined by evaluating
Safety Practitioner (GSP) program. The GSP
the degree of professional charge by
designation meets the qualification of holding
which there is a reliance of employees,
a BCSP approved credential (detailed further
employers or clients on the person’s ability
in this chapter).
to identify, evaluate and control hazards
Unaccredited degrees are a growing concern through engineering and/or administrative
and some states have laws making it illegal approaches.
to use unaccredited degrees. Applicants and ** The position must have breadth of
certificants cannot use unaccredited degrees professional safety duties. This is
and the use is a violation of the BCSP Code determined by evaluating the variety of
of Ethics. hazards about which the candidate must
advise and the range of skills involved in
BCSP requires all degrees from colleges
recognizing, evaluating, and controlling
and universities outside the United States be
hazards.

3
BCSP-Approved Credential Requirement Graduate Safety Practitioner
(applicant must hold one of the following The Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) is an
credentials at the time they apply for the CSP): additional path to the CSP available to safety
degree graduates from degree programs which
** Member of Institute of Safety Professionals meet BCSP Qualified Academic Program (QAP)
of Nigeria (MISPN) standards. Those awarded the GSP designation
** Associate Safety Professional® (ASP®) * meet the requirement of holding a BCSP
** Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) * approved credential. To learn more about the
GSP and what degree programs qualify, please
** Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) see Chapter 8, “The GSP Designation”.
** Chartered Member of the Institution
of Occupational Safety and Health 2. Submit Your Application
(CMIOSH)** BCSP reviews all application materials to
** Canadian Registered Safety Professional determine eligibility for the CSP examination.
(CRSP)** Candidates must meet all requirements in
order to be made eligible to sit for the CSP
** CP-12 Professional Certificate in Safety and
examination. More information about the
Occupational Health, U.S. Army Combat
application process can be found in Chapter 3,
Readiness Center (ACRC)
“Application Instructions”.
** Professional Member of Singapore
Institution of Safety Officers (SISO)** 3. Purchase Your Exam
** NEBOSH National or International Diploma Anytime during the one-year eligibility period,
in Occupational Health and Safety** candidates may pay for their examination
through “My Profile” at bcsp.org or by calling
** Diploma/Certificate in Industrial Safety,
Certification Services at +1 317-593-4800. The
as issued by the State Government
examination authorization period begins the
Departments/Boards of Technical
day a candidate purchases an exam (within their
Education, Government of India**
one-year eligibility period) and ends once he/she
** Certified Safety Engineer (CSE), as has passed the examination or on the day their
administered by the State Administration of eligibility ends, whichever comes first.
Work Safety (SAWS), People’s Republic of
China (PRC)** Active or retired military may qualify for a
reimbursement of the examination fee through
** Master in Occupational Safety and Health,
the VA. The VA Brochure is located on the BCSP
International Training Centre of the
website for more information.
International Labour Organization (ITC-
ILO)** 4. Schedule Your Exam
* Credential offered by BCSP Once BCSP has processed your examination
** Must meet eligibility requirements when fee, you will then be able to schedule your
pursuing CSP examination with Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE is
the official computer-based testing provider for
Associate Safety Professional all BCSP examinations. More information about
The Associate Safety Professional® (ASP®) is scheduling your examination can be found in
a permanent certification awarded by BCSP Chapter 5, “Exam Overview”.
and is one of several approved credentials
that can qualify an individual to sit for the CSP 5. Sit For Your Exam
examination. A list of this and other qualifying Candidates eligible for the CSP examination
credentials is included in the next section of must pass the examination within their one year
this chapter. To learn more about the ASP of eligibility.
certification, please see The Complete Guide
to the ASP. BCSP allows candidates to extend their eligibility
time limit once during their term and the
extension is valid for one year. Extensions are

4
available for purchase within the last 60 days of applied for the remainder of the year in which
a candidate’s eligibility period. Extensions can be the candidate passes the exam.
purchased through “My Profile” at bcsp.org, as
long as the candidate is eligible. Recertification:
CSPs must remain up-to-date with changes in
Those who do not meet this time limit nor professional practice by earning 25 recertification
purchase the eligibility extension must reapply points every five years.
as a new candidate and meet the current
application requirements. A detailed outline of Additional information regarding recertification
eligibility is provided once an application has can be found in the Recertification Guide,
been approved. located at bcsp.org/Certifications/
Recertification.
BCSP’s examination provider, Pearson VUE
(pearsonvue.com/BCSP), has test centers
located around the world and operates every
business day. All Pearson VUE testing sites are
subject to change based on criteria provided by
Pearson VUE. Please be sure to check regularly
for available locations when scheduling an exam.
Examinations are delivered via computer at the
test center.

Candidates will be given their examination results

at the center immediately after submitting their
exam. Candidates that fail may purchase a new
examination authorization which can be used to
sit for the exam six weeks after the most recent
attempt, as long as they remain eligible.

Note: If you need special examination facilities or

accommodation arrangements for documented
disabilities (consistent with the Americans with
Disabilities Act and the American Disabilities
Amendment Act), you must request the
accommodation with BCSP at the time you
purchase your exam. Accommodation requests
should be emailed to accommodations@bcsp.
org. Failure to request at the time of exam
purchase may impact your ability to have the
accommodation provided at the testing center.

For a list of current fees, visit bcsp.org/

Certifications/Safety-Certifications-at-a-Glance.

6. Maintain Certification
Annual Renewal Fees:
After completing all of the requirements, BCSP
awards candidates who pass the CSP exam
the CSP credential. Certificants will need to
pay annual renewal fees in order to maintain
certification. A prorated renewal fee will be

5
CHAPTER 3 | APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Application Instructions for the application fee and any additional

Individuals who wish to pursue the CSP requested materials have been received. If all
must create a profile through “My Profile” at application requirements have not been met
bcsp.org. Once you have created your profile, within one year of the application submission
you may select the certification application date, the application will expire.
you are interested in and follow the online
Submitting Transcripts
instructions. Candidates for certification apply
Information on submitting transcripts will be
only once, provided they follow all policies
provided as you fill out your application online.
and stay within their eligibility time limit.
International transcripts must be evaluated by
A complete application requires candidates
BCSP’s approved third party degree evaluators
to provide:
so that U.S. equivalency may be determined.
1. Contact Information The evaluation must be completed by a
member of the National Association of Degree
2. A BCSP Approved Credential
Evaluation Services (NACES). A list of NACES
3. Experience Information members can be found at naces.org.
4. Education Information
5. Application Agreement and Validation
Validation
(acknowledging truthful information has BCSP requires applicants to disclose criminal
been provided, informing BCSP of any convictions, disciplinary actions, and denial
criminal convictions or unethical behavior, or revocation of certifications, licenses and
agreeing to adhere to BCSP Code of Ethics, professional registrations taken against the
and not disclose any information.) applicant by the issuing certification board
or agency. BCSP uses its policy relating to
6. Payment of Application criminal convictions to determine whether the
If you are unable to submit online and application can proceed or whether it will be
require a paper application, there will be terminated. In some cases, a BCSP attorney
a processing fee. Please call our office for may contact the applicant to clarify information
more details. about the conviction. A copy of the BCSP
criminal conviction policy appears at bcsp.
Do not send resumes, professional papers,
org/CSP under the Resources tab “Policies and
continuing education course certificates,
Forms.”
or any other items that are not specifically
requested. Applicants are required to provide disclosure of:
After you submit your application, BCSP • All felony convictions
Certification Services will contact you with any
questions or once your application review has • All misdemeanor convictions within the
been completed. past five (5) years (Minor traffic violations
and petty offenses DO NOT have to be
reported)
The application fee is nonrefundable and
nontransferable. For a list of current fees, visit • Any record of unethical behavior
bcsp.org/Certifications/Safety-Certifications- • Information related to having a
at-a-Glance. You will be prompted to include professional license or certification denied,
payment along with your application. Your suspended or revoked for reasons other
application will not be complete until payment than not meeting qualifications, failure of
examination, or failure to pay renewal fees

6
Auditing
BCSP randomly selects 5% of applications for
audit. If your application is selected, you will
be required to provide experience documents
and an official university transcript in a sealed
envelope. Acceptable forms of validation
documentation for experience are:

1. A letter on company letterhead from

employer validating employment
dates, job title and percentage of job
duties which are/were safety/health/
environmental.
2. BCSP Experience Validation Form
completed by employer (ONLY IF YOUR
APPLICATION IS SELECTED FOR AUDIT).
3. If your application required college
education, you must also have the issuing
university send your official conferred
transcript to BCSP.
4. If your application required training, you
must upload supporting documentation
proving your completion of this training.

www.bcsp.org

My Profile

7
CHAPTER 4 | PREPARING FOR THE EXAM

Preparing for the Examination • Read the items carefully

You may use various approaches to prepare for • Consider the context
the examination: • Use examination time wisely
• Complete Self-Assessment • Go back to troublesome items
• Perform individual study • Complete all items
• Participate in informal study groups
Using Your Authorized Calculator(s)
• Attend formal review courses The candidate is allowed to bring one or two
calculators into the secure testing room as long
Some keys to success include: as they both are among the brands and models
listed:
• Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
• Having an examination preparation plan • Casio models FX-115, -250, -260 or -300
• Developing a test-taking strategy • Hewlett Packard models HP 9, 10, 12 or 30
• Understanding how to use your calculator • Texas Instruments models TI-30, -34, -35
or -36
Having an Examination Study Plan
Different versions of the above models will be
The examination blueprint shows how the
permitted. For example, the HP-30S and TI-30X
items on an examination are distributed across
calculators will be permitted, as they are versions
domains. The percentage of items per domain is
of these models.
noted on the examination blueprint.
If the candidate does not have one of the
Converting your subject strengths and
approved calculators, he or she should use the
weaknesses into a study plan is likely to increase
online calculator that is part of the exam. Test
your overall examination score. Scoring well in
centers do not provide calculators or allow
one subject area can compensate for a weaker
candidates to bring in non-approved models.
score in another subject area. However, there
may not be enough items in your strong areas to Make sure you know how to use your
achieve a passing score. calculator(s) so you do not waste valuable time
trying to understand how to use it once the
Note that knowledge and understanding are
examination clock starts. It is a good idea to
essential in passing the examination. Relying only
practice working solutions and to be able to
on simulated examination items is not the best
recall the correct calculator procedures.
way to increase knowledge and understanding.
Use simulated items to provide insight into Remember, solutions to computational items
the areas in which you should engage in usually are rounded. You should select the
additional study. answer closest to the computed value.

Developing a Test-Taking Strategy Obtaining Information on the Body

Knowing how to take the examination will help of Knowledge
improve your score. The examination uses
Draw on your experience and on professional
multiple-choice items with only one correct
and study references in your own library, a
answer and three incorrect answers. Remember,
company library, or a public library. BCSP
the goal is to get as many items correct as
maintains a list of examination references for
possible. There is no penalty for selecting an
each certification at bcsp.org/Resources/
incorrect answer. However, only correct answers
Review-and-Study-Sources. Examination items
count toward reaching the passing score.
are not necessarily taken directly from these

8
sources. However, BCSP believes these references neither endorses the providers shown on the
represent the breadth and depth of coverage of online list nor evaluates the providers or the
safety, health, and environmental practice. providers’ materials for consistency with BCSP
examination blueprints or with any aspect of any
BCSP Online Self-Assessment BCSP examination.
It is essential for you to compare your knowledge
against what is contained in the examination Candidates must contact the sources directly
blueprint. One way to do this is by using a self- about materials, course schedules, fees, or
evaluation method. A self-evaluation helps matters related to satisfaction with their products
determine how well you know various subjects. or services.

BCSP offers an online self-assessment for all Examination Integrity

certifications. The self-assessment can help A key to a successful and respected credentialing
diagnose how well you know the body of program is examination security. Without it,
knowledge, as well as to help refresh your a peer-operated credentialing program has
test-taking skills. little value. BCSP relies on the ethical behavior
of candidates and certificants to maintain the
The online self-assessment is based on the security of BCSP examinations.
blueprint described in this guide and is half the
length of a full examination. When those who hold credentials or those who
are pursuing credentials reveal information about
The online self-assessment allows six (6) months the content of BCSP examinations, they violate
access, during which time users have unlimited the agreement all candidates accept when they
assessment attempts. Results from each attempt apply for certification and when they take an
are provided, and a results history is maintained examination. Applicants, examination candidates,
so candidates may evaluate their progress. or certificants who reveal confidential information
Note: The self-assessment is designed to assist about the content of BCSP examinations through
the candidate in evaluating their strengths and any means also violate the BCSP Disciplinary
weaknesses, strategize test taking pace, and plan Action Policy and the BCSP Code of Ethics
future studying accordingly. The self-assessment located at bcsp.org/About.
is not considered training or preparation in any BCSP pursues legal actions against organizations,
manner. individuals not seeking certification, and
To order a self-assessment, please log on to individuals who fraudulently claim or misrepresent
“My Profile” at bcsp.org to make the purchase. their intent to seek certification, who reveal
information about the content of BCSP
Other Review and Study Sources examinations. Penalties include permanently
A number of professional membership barring individuals from pursuing the credential
organizations, trade organizations, colleges, and revoking the certifications and interim
and universities, and private companies offer designations of those who have status with BCSP,
study courses, software, and materials to in addition to other legal remedies.
assist candidates when preparing for BCSP
examinations. Because candidates for BCSP
examinations often ask where to locate review
courses and materials, BCSP maintains an online
list strictly as a courtesy at bcsp.org/Resources/
Review-and-Study-Sources.

Beyond the written materials BCSP publishes,

BCSP has no involvement in the development,
content, or distribution of any courses or
materials associated with preparing for BCSP
examinations or evaluating readiness. BCSP

9
CHAPTER 5 | EXAM OVERVIEW

Computer-Based Testing For a complete list of testing center rules and

The CSP examination uses computer-based procedures, visit PearsonVUE.com/BCSP.
testing, with one item appearing on the screen
at a time. You will simply use a mouse to point General Description of the CSP
to the desired answer and click on it to select it. Examination
Answers can be changed the same way. All candidates for the CSP must pass the CSP
examination to earn the credential.
You can mark items to return to later or simply
skip them and move to the next item. At the end The CSP examination contains 200 multiple-
of the examination, there is a table of items and choice items with four possible answers and
answers selected. The table also shows skipped only one correct answer. Data necessary to
and marked items. You can return to any item by answer items are included in the item. Each item
simply clicking on the item number. is independent and does not rely on the correct
answer to any other item. Formulas will be
Prior to beginning the actual examination, embedded into each item that requires one.
there is a tutorial. Your examination clocks
begins when you officially commence with CSP Examination Blueprint
the examination itself. After completing the
BCSP examination blueprints are based on
examination, you will select to end the exam to
surveys of what safety professionals do in
formally submit your examination for scoring.
practice. The CSP examination is required
You will receive results before you leave the
for candidates to demonstrate knowledge of
testing center facility.
professional safety practice at the CSP level.
You will have FIVE AND A HALF (5.5) hours to
The top levels, called domains, represent
complete the CSP examination. Examinations are
the major functions performed by safety
closed book, and accessing external reference
professionals at the CSP level. Within each
materials during your examination is not
domain are lists of knowledge areas and
permitted. For use during the examination, the
skills necessary for carrying out the task in
testing center will provide you with materials for
that domain. The knowledge areas for the
working out calculations by hand.
CSP examination build upon the knowledge
Refer to the Pearson VUE Computer-Based candidates have already demonstrated by
Testing Brochure located at bcsp.org for more virtue of having achieved the ASP certification,
details and requirements. GSP designation, or another BCSP-approved
credential. Each domain heading is accompanied
Scheduling Your Exam by a percentage label which represents the
Once you have purchased your examination, proportion of the actual CSP examination
BCSP will send you information on scheduling devoted to that domain. The following pages
your examination with a Pearson VUE testing describe the subject matter covered by the CSP
center. It is important that when you schedule, examination.
you do so on Pearson VUE’s website or by calling
their national number. Local testing centers do Examination Content Development
not schedule examinations. All Pearson VUE and Revision
testing sites are subject to change based on BCSP updates examinations regularly. Items
criteria provided by Pearson VUE. Please be sure come from safety professionals in practice.
to check regularly for available locations when Before items are accepted into item banks, they
scheduling an exam. go through rigorous technical, psychometric,

10
and grammatical editing. Also, 10–15% of the
items on BCSP examinations are experimental,
and do not contribute to a candidate’s pass/
fail decision. BCSP analyzes the performance of
these experimental items before including them
as scored items.

How BCSP Establishes the Minimum

Passing Score
BCSP uses a criterion-referenced procedure
(the Modified Angoff Method) to establish
minimum passing scores for examinations.
This procedure ensures that the passing score
is independent of scores for other candidates
sitting for the examination and involves having a
panel of experts rate each examination item with
respect to the minimally qualified candidate.
As examinations are modified on a regular
basis, the minimum passing score is adjusted
for the difficulty of items on the examination.
Item performance is also evaluated regularly
to ensure that BCSP examinations maintain the
highest testing standards.

11
CSP9 EXAM BLUEPRINT
The following three pages contain the entire CSP9 Exam Blueprint.

12
 EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT
CSP9

Domain 1
Advanced Science and Math • 7.4%

Knowledge of:
1. Core concepts in anatomy and physiology
2. Core concepts in chemistry (organic and general chemistry)
3. Core concepts in physics
4. Mathematics (e.g., geometry, algebra, trigonometry)
5. Statistics for interpreting data (e.g., mean, median, mode, confidence intervals, probabilities, pareto analysis)
6. Core research methodology concepts

Skill to:
1. Calculate required containment volumes and hazardous materials storage requirements
2. Calculate statistics from data sources

Domain 2
Management Systems • 19.5%

Knowledge of:
1. Benchmarks and performance standards
2. How to measure, analyze, and improve organizational culture
3. Incident investigation techniques
4. Management of change techniques
5. System safety techniques (e.g., root cause, job safety analysis, fault tree analysis)
6. The elements of business continuity and contingency plans
7. Types of leading and lagging safety, health, environmental, and security performance indicators
8. Safety, health, and environmental management and audit systems (e.g., ANSI/AIHA Z10, ISO 14000 series,
OHSAS 18000 series, ISO 19011)
9. Applicable requirements for health plans, programs, and policies
10. Applicable requirements for safety plans, programs, and policies
11. Documentation retention or management principles (e.g., incident investigation, training records, exposure records,
maintenance records, environmental management system, audit results)
12. Budgeting, finance, and economic analysis techniques and principles (e.g., timelines, budget development,
milestones, resourcing, financing risk management options)
13. Management leadership techniques (e.g., management theories, leadership theories, motivation, discipline,
communication styles)
14. Project management concepts and techniques (e.g., RACI charts, project timelines, budgets)

Skill to:
1. Analyze and/or interpret sampling data (e.g., exposure, release concentrations)
2. Apply management principles of authority, responsibility, and accountability
3. Compare management systems with benchmarks
4. Conduct root cause analyses
5. Develop and implement environmental, safety, and health management systems
6. Evaluate and analyze survey data
7. Perform gap analyses
8. Demonstrate business need via financial calculations (e.g., ROI, engineering economy, financial engineering)

CSP9 Examination Blueprint | V.2016.09.28 Board of Certified Safety Professionals

E: [email protected] | W: bcsp.org

13
 Domain 3
Risk Management • 10.3%

Knowledge of:
1. Analysis required to support risk management options
2. Behavior modification techniques
3. Hazard analysis methods
4. The costs and benefits of risk analysis
5. The risk assessment process

Skill to:
1. Apply risk-based decision-making tools for prioritizing risk management options
2. Calculate metrics for organizational risk
3. Conduct job safety analyses and task analyses
4. Explain risk management options and concepts to decision makers, stakeholders, and the public

Domain 4
Advanced Safety Concepts • 22.9%

Knowledge of:
1. Administrative controls (e.g., job rotation, chemical substitution)
2. Chemical process safety management (e.g., pressure relief systems, chemical compatibility, management of change,
materials of construction, process flow diagrams)
3. Common workplace hazards (e.g., electrical, falls, confined spaces, lockout/tagout, working around water, caught in,
struck by, excavation, welding, hot work, cold and heat stress, combustibles, laser, and others)
4. Engineering controls (e.g., ventilation, guarding, isolation)
5. Facility life safety features (e.g., public space safety, floor loading, occupancy loads)
6. Fleet safety principles (e.g., driver and equipment safety, maintenance, surveillance equipment)
7. Hazardous materials management (e.g., labels, storage, and handling)
8. Insurance/risk transfer principles
9. Multi-employer worksite issues (e.g., contractors, temporary or seasonal employees)
10. Personal protective equipment
11. Principles of safety through design or inherently safer designs (e.g., designing out hazards during design phase)
12. Sources of information on hazards and risk management options (e.g., subject matter experts, relevant best
practices, published literature, safety data sheets)
13. The safety design criteria for consumer and industrial products (e.g., UL, NFPA, NIOSH)
14. Tools and equipment safety (e.g., hand tools, ladders, grinders, cranes and other mobile equipment, robotics)
15. Unique workplace hazards (e.g., nanoparticles, combustible dust)

Skill to:
1. Calibrate, use, and maintain data logging, monitoring, and measurement equipment
2. Identify relevant labels, signs, and warnings
3. Interpret plans, specifications, technical drawings, and process flow diagrams

Domain 5
Emergency Preparedness, Fire Prevention, and Security • 9.1%
Knowledge of:
1. Emergency/crisis/disaster response planning (e.g., for nuclear incidents, natural disasters, terrorist attacks,
chemical spills, fires)
2. Fire prevention and protection systems
3. Fire suppression systems
4. Incident (e.g., emergency, crisis, disaster) management
5. Transport and security of hazardous materials
6. Workplace violence and harassment recognition and prevention techniques

CSP9 Examination Blueprint | V.2016.09.28 Board of Certified Safety Professionals

E: [email protected] | W: bcsp.org

14
 Domain 6
Occupational Health and Ergonomics • 8.0%

Knowledge of:
1. Basic toxicology principles (e.g., symptoms of an exposure, LD50, mutagens, teratogens)
2. Ergonomics and human factors principles (e.g., visual acuity, body mechanics, patient lifting, vibration, anthropometrics)
3. How to recognize occupational exposures (e.g., hazardous chemicals, radiation, noise, biological agents, heat/cold,
infectious diseases, nanoparticles, indoor air quality)
4. How to evaluate occupational exposures (e.g., hazardous chemicals, radiation, noise, biological agents, heat/cold,
infectious diseases, ventilation, nanoparticles, indoor air quality), including techniques for measurement, sampling, and analysis
5. How to control occupational exposures (e.g., hazardous chemicals, radiation, noise, biological agents, heat/cold,
ventilation, nanoparticles, infectious diseases, indoor air quality)
6. Epidemiology Fundamentals
7. Occupational exposure limits (e.g., hazardous chemicals, radiation, noise, biological agents, heat)

Domain 7
Environmental Management Systems • 6.3%

Knowledge of:
1. Environmental protection and pollution prevention methods (e.g., air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, containment)
2. Hazardous waste management practices (e.g., segregation and separation, containment, disposal)
3. How released hazardous materials migrate through the air, surface water, soil, and water table
4. Sustainability principles

Domain 8
Training/Education • 9.1%

Knowledge of:
1. Education and training methods and techniques
2. Training requirements
3. Methods for determining the effectiveness of training programs (e.g., determine if trainees are applying training on the job)
4. Effective presentation techniques

Skill to:
1. Perform training needs assessments
2. Develop training programs (e.g., presentation skills, tools)
3. Conduct training
4. Assess training competency
5. Develop training assessment instruments (e.g., written tests, skill assessments) to assess training competency

Domain 9
Law and Ethics • 7.4%

Knowledge of:
1. Legal issues (e.g., tort, negligence, civil, criminal, contracts, disability terminology)
2. Protecting confidential information (e.g., privacy, trade secrets)
3. Standards development processes
4. Ethics related to conducting audits
5. Relationship between labor and management
6. BCSP Code of Ethics
Skill to:
1. Interpret laws, regulations, and consensus codes and standards
2. Apply concepts of BCSP Code of Ethics

CSP9 Examination Blueprint | V.2016.09.28 Board of Certified Safety Professionals

E: [email protected] | W: bcsp.org

15
CHAPTER 6 | EXAM SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Examination Item Samples

The following items illustrate only the style and format typical of items on the CSP examination. Not
all CSP examination domain areas are represented by these sample items. Please note it is essential
for you to read and understand the CSP examination blueprint found in Chapter 5 so you have a
complete awareness of the depth and breadth of all of the subject matter appearing on the actual
CSP examination.

Note: None of the following items are on the examination nor do they reflect specific content.

1. The irradiance of a laser is defined as the 3. The theoretical ideal for safety is achieved
power per unit area of a light beam striking a when all risks derived from hazards are:
surface. What is the irradiance of a CO2 laser
with a power of 250W and a diameter of 1.5 A. At an acceptable level.
cm? B. Recognized.
Area of a circle is (pi X r*2) C. Anticipated.
D. Eliminated.
A. 141.5 W/cm2
B. 166.7 W/cm2
C. 35.4 W/cm2
D. 16.7 W/cm2 4. A new chemical process line will be
installed in a facility. A cross functioning
team comprised of operators, maintenance
personnel, design engineers, and safety
specialists has been created. The team
2. In predicting the ability of an organization decides to use a process hazard evaluation
to successfully make a change, one of the technique during the design phase. The
measures of the organizational function team wants to use a systematic approach by
is procedural justice. What is procedural reviewing all drawings and specifications of
justice? the new process line, dividing these into small
segments and nodes, and identifying process
A. The extent to which the individual worker deviations, the likelihood and consequences
perceives fairness in the supervisor’s of deviations, and control measures. What
decision making process process evaluation method would be
selected?
B. The process of rationalization for a new
procedure A. What-if analysis
C. A procedure for determining appropriate B. Failure modes and effects analysis
disciplinary action for safety (and other) C. Hazard and operability study
infractions D. Checklists
D. An arbitration method

16
5. Why is it necessary for the fire department 8. When conducting a safety and health
to maintain control of a fire scene after the program audit, what is the BEST way
fire is extinguished? to determine training, awareness, and
competence of employees?
A. The fire department is responsible for the
prevention of looting of the scene. A. Quantitative analysis of scores of all SH&E
B. The fire department may be held liable for examinations completed by employees.
injuries to the curious. B. Complete verification analysis to
C. The fire department is responsible to determine if employees had completed all
allow the insurance people to do their regulatory training.
claim investigation. C. Observation of employees and practices
D. Fire investigation personnel must have being used in the operation.
adequate time to properly investigate the D. Complete a sampling of employee
fire. performance reviews from various areas
to determine how supervisors evaluated
their employees’ SH&E competence.

6. Identify a design action for preventing and

controlling “sick building syndrome.”
9. Which legal theory under which polluters
A. Keep hot water supply temperatures have been held liable for damage is defined
higher than 120°F. as “wrongful interference with another
B. Limit relative humidity to less than 70%. person’s property rights?”
C. Use only steam humidifiers, not
A. Trespass
recirculating ones.
B. Negligence
D. Keep coils, pans, drainage systems and
C. Nuisance
duct work clean.
D. Strict liability

7. Dispersion models describe the airborne

transport of materials away from the
accident or release site. Which affects
atmospheric dispersion of released toxic
materials?

A. Specific gravity of the toxic materials

B. Percent of volumetric concentration of
materials
C. Absolute pressure of the external
surroundings
D. Momentum and buoyancy of the initial
materials released

Answers and references on following page >>>

17
 Answer Key

1. A 4. C 7. D
2. A 5. D 8. C
3. A 6. C 9. A

References to Questions
1. Safety with Lasers and Other Optical 6. Safety and Health for Engineers, Brauer,
Sources, A Comprehensive Handbook, Roger L. (2006), 2nd Edition, John Wiley
Wolbarsht, Myron; Sliney, D. H. (1985), 4th and Sons, Page 491.
Printing, Plenum Press, Page 55.
7. The Safety Professionals Handbook:
2. Leading with Safety, Krause, Thomas R. Technical Applications, Haight, Joel M.,
(2005), Wiley-Interscience, Page. 63. Editor (2008), American Society of Safety
Engineers, Page 435.

3. On the Practice of Safety, Manuel, Fred A.

(2003), 3rd Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 8. ISO 14001: Environmental Systems
Page 75. Handbook, Whitelaw, Ken (1997).
Butterworth Heinemann, Page 78 and
OHSAS 18001: Designing and Implementing
4. Engineering Reference Manual, Bolton, an Effective Health and Safety Management
Fredric N.; Johnson, David L. (1999), 2nd System, Kausek, Joe (2007), Government
Edition, AIHA Press, Pages 172-173. Institutes, Pages 134-135.

5. Kirk’s Fire Investigation, DeHaan, John 9. Accident Prevention Manual for Business
(2007), 6th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, and Industry: Environmental Management,
Pages 198-199. Krieger, Gary (2000), 2nd Edition, National
Safety Council. Page 155.

18
CHAPTER 7 | AFTER ACHIEVING CERTIFICATION

Features and Benefits of Obtaining eSafetySource Registration. BCSP offers

BCSP Credentials the opportunity for BCSP certification and
Wallet Card. Upon certification and each year designation holders to register on the electronic
when you pay the required annual renewal fee, safety source registry, indicating their areas
a wallet card is made available which shows of specialization.
you are certified. The wallet card is the official Membership Level. Individuals may use the
documentation of certification. You will have CSP credential to qualify for the highest level of
access to print your wallet card instantly from membership in professional safety societies. After
your profile. achieving the CSP credential, check with the
Wall Certificate. When you achieve the CSP safety and health organizations in which you hold
credential, BCSP issues a wall certificate suitable memberships to see if you qualify for a status
for framing. Should you lose or damage your wall change. For example, the CSP credential qualifies
certificate, BCSP will replace it for a nominal fee. members of the American Society of Safety
Visit “My Profile” on the BCSP website to order. Professionals (ASSP) for “Professional Member”
status.
Access to BCSP’s Career Center. Many employers
post open job positions seeking qualified safety Title Protection and Laws Involving the
professionals. With a BCSP credential, you may BCSP Credentials. Some states have enacted
post your resume online and employers have title protection laws which restrict anyone
access to view your resume and contact you if from claiming to hold a BCSP certification
you wish. without having duly obtained them from BCSP.
Additionally, several states have enacted laws or
BCSP eNewsletter Subscription. As a BCSP regulations which specify that CSPs may provide
certificant, you will receive the quarterly BCSP loss control services for insurance companies.
eNewsletter. The BCSP eNewsletter contains Check your state government website for more
information about important changes which details.
may affect BCSP certifications and designations,
information about certificate holders, and Use of the CSP Title
professional safety practice information. Current It is important to know how to use your CSP title
issues and back issues are located on the correctly. The “Certified Safety Professional” title
BCSP website. and the letters “CSP” are registered certification
marks issued to BCSP by the U.S. Patent and
BCSP Annual Report. The BCSP Annual Report Trademark Office. They can only be used when
is another important publication you will receive authorized for a period specifically designated
electronically. It contains summarized data by BCSP. There are guidelines for displaying your
about CSPs and the annual audited financial CSP credential properly.
report and can be found on the BCSP website at
bcsp.org/About. Examples of correct use:

BCSP Directories. BCSP publishes directories of • Robert A. Smith, CSP

individuals who currently hold BCSP certifications • Robert A. Smith, Certified Safety
and designations. An abbreviated format, Professional
containing names, cities, and states, appears on
the BCSP website and allows viewers to confirm The CSP credential may be used only for the
if a person currently holds a BCSP certification period for which use is authorized. Use expires
or designation.

19
if you have not paid the annual renewal fee or Meeting Recertification Requirements. The
have not met recertification requirements for the recertification program helps CSPs keep up with
CSP. Use of these titles beyond the authorized changes affecting professional safety practice.
period (without complying with renewal or The program complies with requirements of
recertification requirements) constitutes BCSP’s national accrediting organizations.
unauthorized use of the credential.
Every five years (one cycle) you must achieve
You may use the credential on your business 25 points. There are ten categories of activities,
cards, resume, and correspondence or with each providing points toward meeting that goal.
your signature. You may use your CSP credential Keep in mind, there is no limit to the number
virtually anywhere you use your name. of points in some categories, while other
categories have annual and/or total point limits.
The CSP credential is awarded to individuals,
not companies, and should only be used with At the end of the five-year period, you must
individuals’ names. submit the points you earned during that cycle.
Only points earned during a recertification cycle
Example of proper company use: count toward that cycle. BCSP randomly selects
ABC Safety Company provides the latest 5% of those who submit their points for an audit.
safety services. Employees holding the While documentation to prove points is not
Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®) required with the initial submission, the audit
certification include Robert A. Smith, CSP procedure requires you have proof of the points
and Mary A. Jones, CSP. claimed. It is important that you keep records to
Example of improper company use: verify your recertification activities.

ABC Safety Company, providing safety Additional details of the recertification program
services by Certified Safety Professionals. appear in the Recertification Guide. You may
download the Recertification Guide on the BCSP
Maintaining Your Certification website to help you through the process. You
In order to retain your certification, you must: will want to refer to the website regularly for the
most up-to-date information.
• Inform BCSP when your mail or email
address changes Reinstatement
• Pay your annual fee If you fail to pay your annual renewal fee on
• Complete recertification requirements time or fail to achieve the required recertification
points every five years, BCSP will send you a
Changing Your Name. If you change your name notice that your credential has been invalidated
through marriage or other court proceedings, and you no longer hold the CSP.
you may request a name change by contacting
[email protected]. Additionally, you must provide a You may seek reinstatement online through
copy of the court record or marriage certificate “My Profile” at bcsp.org. Reinstatement must be
in order for BCSP to register the change. by 12/31 of the same year you are invalidated.
Reinstatement includes paying a reinstatement
Paying Your Annual Renewal Fee. The authority fee and complying with the current recertification
to use the CSP title is valid for one year. It must requirements. Otherwise, you will be required
be renewed annually. You will receive a prorated to apply as a new candidate and meet all of
fee for the remainder of the year in which you the requirements in place at the time of your
pass the examination. Each following year, BCSP application.
will send you a notice when your annual renewal
fee is due. BCSP gives you several options for Career Interruptions
paying the fee online via a credit card or by While holding the CSP credential, you may face
phone. After receiving your payment, BCSP situations which affect your ability to maintain
will have a receipt and wallet card available to your certification. You may experience an
print. For a list of current fees, visit bcsp.org/ interruption in your safety career, such as moving
Certifications/Safety-Certifications-at-a-Glance.

20
to a job which is not in the safety profession, Protecting the CSP Credential and Logo
taking time out to be a parent, student or soldier, Because BCSP has registered its logos and titles,
having an extended health problem, or being it has a solid position for challenging BCSP title
unemployed. BCSP has established some options and/or logo infringement. There are several legal
to help deal with these types of situations. theories and considerations involved. Registration
itself does not provide absolute protection from
Leave of Absence and Extensions. You may
others using similar acronyms or titles. BCSP
seek a leave of absence or an extension if a
does not have exclusive use of the acronym.
career interruption will affect your ability to meet
BCSP continually challenges those uses which
recertification requirements. Please refer to the
can be confusing to the public or for which there
Recertification Guide for detailed information.
are legal grounds to make such challenges.
Annual Renewal Fee Waiver While Unemployed.
If you become unemployed and are unable to Individuals Using the CSP Credential
pay your annual renewal fee, you may request Without Authority
in writing a one-time waiver of the annual BCSP has established procedures for challenging
renewal fee. individuals known to use the Certified Safety
Professional credential without having
Retired CSPs obtained it or after they lost it for failure to pay
annual renewal fees or meet recertification
Certificants who are retiring can hold their
requirements.
certifications in retired status should they meet
the following requirements: In order to establish someone is using the
credential without authority, BCSP must have the
• They have held certification a minimum
original document (or a copy) showing where
of ten (10) years.
the individual is using the title. Most often the
• They have completed two (2) unauthorized use occurs online, on a business
recertification cycles. card, resume, business letterhead, brochure
or similar publication, or with a signature. To
To maintain a certification in retired status: initiate action against the individual using the
credential without authority, BCSP also needs
• Safety practice is not required.
the individual’s current mailing address.
• No more than 200 hours of safety
BCSP relies on those finding potential
practice annually is allowed.
unauthorized uses to report them and provide
• A Retired Annual Renewal Fee the documentation showing the use of these
is required each year (beginning with titles. BCSP will not disclose the name of the
2018 renewal(s)). person or organization reporting potential
unauthorized uses.
A certificant holding a certification in retired
status must indicate their status as in the After receiving documentation of a potential
following examples: unauthorized use case, BCSP takes steps to
challenge that individual and seeks to correct
• Robert A. Smith, CSP Retired any record-keeping error on the part of BCSP.
Legal counsel for BCSP may participate in the
• Robert A. Smith, CSP (Retired)
procedures.
• Robert A. Smith, CSP Ret.
Those who have used BCSP titles without
• Robert A. Smith, Certified Safety authority may be barred from pursuing the
Professional (Retired) CSP certification for five years. Their names

21
are also published on the BCSP website. Other credit for promoting the CSP. To request
penalties may be applied. BCSP reserves the a display, fill out the Display and Literature
right to use the courts in protecting use of the Request Form located at bcsp.org/Resources/
CSP credential. Presentations-and-Outreach, or contact BCSP.

Criminal Convictions Promotional Materials. There is a variety of

BCSP’s criminal conviction policy appears on complimentary literature about all of the BCSP
the BCSP website. It applies to BCSP certification credentials, qualifications and procedures,
holders. The policy also covers convictions by and examinations. Most BCSP publications are
other certifications and licensing bodies for available on the BCSP website as downloadable
unauthorized use of designations. It requires PDFs. To request literature, please fill out the
CSPs to report new convictions which can Display and Literature Request Form located
result in BCSP disciplinary proceedings. at bcsp.org/Resources/Presentations-and-
Outreach, or contact BCSP.
Discipline Procedures Presentation Materials. PowerPoint
BCSP authorizes individuals to use the CSP presentations about the safety profession and
credential when they meet requirements for the BCSP credentials are located on the BCSP
achieving and retaining the credential. BCSP website at bcsp.org/Resources/Presentations-
also has a responsibility to withdraw that and-Outreach.
authorization if individuals fail to pay annual
renewal fees, fail to meet recertification Mentor Program. Created specifically to
requirements, or violate BCSP Disciplinary Action recognize certificants’ roles in assisting the
Policy or the BCSP Code of Ethics. The BCSP career development of others, the mentor
Disciplinary Action Policy contains rules on program helps bring current credential holders
disciplinary procedures and grounds for action. and those looking to pursue certification
The complete BCSP Disciplinary Action Policy is together.
on the BCSP website.
The mentor program rewards those who
Appeals become mentors and ensures safety
You may appeal decisions related to earning professionals who perform quality work are
and maintaining BCSP credentials. Requests for certified. By having your mentee fill out the
appeal must be submitted to the Chief Executive Professional Advancement Mentor Form and
Officer in writing and in accordance to the submit it by fax or email at the time that they
current appeals policy located online at bcsp. apply online, BCSP recognizes mentors and their
org/About. work with their peers, colleagues, and other
safety professionals. More information can be
Promoting the CSP found at bcsp.org/Resources/Mentoring.
BCSP uses several methods to promote the CSP
credential and to encourage safety professionals Maintaining Your Mail and Email Address 

to pursue it. You may volunteer to assist in these As a CSP, you are solely responsible to keep
activities. Please contact BCSP or visit the BCSP BCSP informed of your current mail and email
website to determine available materials. address. If either address changes, you must
notify BCSP. You could lose
the CSP certification
Request a Returnable Banner Display. Use of if annual renewal notices and other important
BCSP banner displays helps promote BCSP and information do no reach you. 

the CSP certification. They are ideal for meetings,
local and regional conferences or educational
programs of local professional groups and
companies. BCSP pays for shipping to and from
events. Some instances may earn recertification

22
CHAPTER 8 | THE GSP DESIGNATION

GSP General Information participation in a path leading to the CSP

Understanding the Graduate Safety certification.
Practitioner Program Qualified Academic Program. A Qualified
The Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) is an Academic Program (QAP) is an academic degree
additional path to the CSP available to safety program in safety, health and environmental
degree graduates from degree programs which practices meeting BCSP standards for
meet BCSP Qualified Academic Program (QAP) participation in
the GSP program. Currently,
standards. Those awarded the GSP designation BCSP defines a QAP as a bachelor’s or master’s
meet the requirement of holding a BCSP degree program in safety, health and/or
approved credential. The GSP designation environmental practices whose curriculum has
is not a certification. It denotes graduation been determined to be a substantial match to the
from a QAP and indicates progress toward the ASP Examination Blueprint by BCSP.
CSP certification.

Purpose of the GSP Program QAP Coordinator. A Qualified Academic

The purpose of the GSP program is to recognize Program Coordinator is the contact person
that an academic program in safety, health between the academic institution and BCSP. It
and environmental practices meets BCSP QAP may be the department chair, professor, or a
standards and that its graduates are prepared program coordinator. This person works with
for entry into (or advancement in) professional BCSP to help maintain the program’s QAP status.
safety practice. In addition, they inform students about the GSP
program and promote the value of holding the
Benefits for Qualified Students CSP certification.
• Meets the CSP eligibility requirement of The Certified Safety Professional. The Certified
holding a BCSP approved credential. Safety Professional® or CSP® is a certification
• Recognition for the level of preparation for awarded by the Board of Certified Safety
professional safety practice. Professionals (BCSP). More information about the
• A certificate awarding the GSP designation. 
 CSP and BCSP can be found at bcsp.org.

How to Apply 
 Qualifications

If you have graduated from a current QAP GSP program qualifications include the
during its eligibility period, you must submit a following:
GSP Application using ‘My Profile’ at bcsp.org. 

For information on QAPs visit bcsp.org/GSP.
 • You must have graduated from a current
QAP during its eligibility period. A full list
Definitions of QAPs eligible to participate in the GSP
Graduate Safety Practitioner. The Graduate program is located at bcsp.org/GSP.
Safety Practitioner (GSP) is not a certification. It
• You must fill out a GSP application through
is a designation awarded to qualified individuals
‘My Profile’ at bcsp.org.
to mark their completion of an academic
program meeting BCSP QAP standards. The GSP • You must upload a copy of your official
designation recognizes students graduating from transcript with degree awarded and date
QAPs who develop suitable knowledge and skills conferred.
for entry into (or advancement in) professional
safety practice. The GSP designation denotes

23
 • You must complete application Agreement • Failing to complete the CSP within the
and Validation (acknowledging truthful 6-year time
limit.
information has been provided, informing • Violating the BCSP Code of Ethics
BCSP of any criminal convictions or (see bcsp.org/pdf/BCSPcodeofethics.pdf). 

unethical behavior, and agreeing to adhere
to BCSP Code of Ethics).
• BCSP randomly selects 5% of applications Maintaining Your Mail and Email Address 

for audit. As part of the audit, you are As a GSP, you are solely responsible to keep
required to submit an official transcript BCSP informed of your current mail and email
showing degree earned and date conferred. address. If either address changes, you must
notify BCSP. You could lose
the GSP designation
Time Limits if annual renewal notices and other important
The following time limits apply to the GSP information do not reach you. 

designation:
Protecting the GSP and CSP Credentials 

• Those holding the GSP designation must BCSP acts to challenge those who use the GSP
meet the experience requirements and and CSP credentials without authority from
apply for the CSP within six years of BCSP. Penalties may include being barred from
receiving the GSP. pursuing BCSP certifications and publishing the
• Those graduating on or after January names of violators.
1, 2018, will have one year from their
A directory of those holding certifications
graduation date to apply for the GSP;
from BCSP, and those who have used BCSP
however…
designations without authority, appear at
• Graduates who obtained their degree bcsp.org. 

during the time-period prior to January
1, 2018 and fall within a QAP’s “Applicable Disciplinary Action 

Dates” as noted on the GSP QAP List at BCSP has a disciplinary action policy. Disciplinary
bcsp.org/GSP may apply for the GSP actions may include any of the following: 

through January 1, 2020.
• Once a GSP has applied for and become • Reject or suspend an application

eligible for the CSP, they must then meet
the time limits associated with the CSP • Terminate or suspend a candidate’s
certification. eligibility


• Once a GSP has achieved the CSP, the GSP • Issue a reprimand

designation expires.
• Suspend, refuse to renew or revoke the
• GSPs must maintain active status until the ASP or CSP

CSP is achieved.
• GSP candidates who lose their GSP status • Terminate or suspend any status with BCSP

will have to achieve the ASP certification
or another BCSP-approved credential to The Disciplinary Action Policy is located at bcsp.
qualify for the CSP certification, but cannot org/ About and provides detailed procedures
reapply for the GSP. for bringing charges and for hearings related to
disciplinary charges.
Retaining the GSP
The following conditions will result in the loss of Annual Renewal Fees
the GSP designation: All who achieve the GSP must pay a GSP annual
renewal fee that is pro-rated for the remainder of
• Failure to pay an annual renewal fee. the year that their GSP designation was awarded.
The current GSP annual renewal fee is listed at

24
bcsp.org/Certifications/Safety-Certifications-at- Once a GSP has met the above criteria for the
a-Glance. CSP, they can fill out an application online by
following the instructions provided in Chapter 3,
Other fees may apply upon achieving the GSP “Application Instructions”.
designation. For example, individuals who pay
their annual renewal fee late may incur a late
Professional Advancement Mentor
charge or a reinstatement fee if BCSP has acted
Program
to terminate designation.
Over the years, many certificants encouraged,
Unemployed designation holders may request assisted, or required fellow safety professionals
a one-year waiver of the annual renewal fee in to pursue certification to advance their careers.
writing only once during their history with BCSP. BCSP has a program that traces the role
certificants play in assisting aspiring safety
Moving Beyond the GSP Designation professionals’ career development and then
recognizing their contributions. Applicants and
Qualifying for the CSP Examination mentors can participate in this program by
CSP candidates must have four years completing a Professional Advancement Mentor
professional safety experience to sit for the CSP Program Form and submitting it around the time
exam. Professional safety experience must meet the candidate’s application is submitted. Forms
the following criteria to qualify: and more information are located at bcsp.org.

** Professional safety must be the primary

function of the position. Collateral duties in
safety are not counted.
** The position’s primary responsibility must
be the prevention of harm to people,
property, or the environment, rather than
responsibility for responding to harmful
events.
** Professional safety functions must be at
least 50% of the position duties. BCSP
defines full-time as at least 35 hours
per week. Part-time safety experience is
allowed if the applicant has the equivalent
of at least 900 hours of professional safety
work during any year (75 hours per month
or 18 hours per week) for which experience
credit is sought.
** The position must be at a professional level.
This is determined by evaluating the degree
of professional charge by which there is a
reliance of employees, employers or clients
on the person’s ability to identify, evaluate
and control hazards through engineering
and/or administrative approaches.
** The position must have breadth of
professional safety duties. This is
determined by evaluating the variety of
hazards about which the candidate must
advise and the range of skills involved in
recognizing, evaluating, and controlling
hazards.

25
 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 5. AVOID deceptive acts that falsify or
people, the protection of the environment and misrepresent their academic or professional
protection of property in the performance of qualifications. Not misrepresent or exaggerate
professional duties and exercise their their degree of responsibility in or for the
obligation to advise employers, clients, subject matter of prior assignments.
employees, the public, and appropriate Presentations incident to the solicitation of
authorities of danger and unacceptable risks to employment shall not misrepresent pertinent
people, the environment, or property. facts concerning employers, employees,
associates, or past accomplishments with the
2. BE honest, fair, and impartial; act with intent and purpose of enhancing their
responsibility and integrity. Adhere to high qualifications and their work.
standards of ethical conduct with balanced care
for the interests of the public, employers, 6. CONDUCT their professional relations by the
clients, employees, colleagues and the highest standards of integrity and avoid
profession. Avoid all conduct or practice that compromise of their professional judgment by
is likely to discredit the profession or deceive conflicts of interest. When becoming aware of
the public. professional misconduct by a BCSP certificant,
take steps to bring that misconduct to the
3. ISSUE public statements only in an objective attention of the Board of Certified Safety
and truthful manner and only when founded Professionals.
upon knowledge of the facts and competence in
the subject matter. 7. ACT in a manner free of bias with regard to
religion, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin,
4. UNDERTAKE assignments only when sexual orientation, or disability.
qualified by education or experience in the
specific technical fields involved. Accept 8. SEEK opportunities to be of constructive
responsibility for their continued professional service in civic affairs and work for the
development by acquiring and maintaining advancement of the safety, health and well-
competence through continuing education, being of their community and their profession
experience, professional training and keeping by sharing their knowledge and skills.
current on relevant legal issues.

Approved by the BCSP Board of Directors November 2, 2012

Effective January 1, 2013

26
27
Notes:
 MISSION
BCSP sets and certifies technical competency
criteria for safety, health, and environmental
practitioners worldwide; enhancing careers,
advancing the profession, protecting the public.

VISION
Creating a safer world through safety, health,
and environmental certification.
 ISO/IEC 17024
Personnel Certification Program
#0646

BOARD OF CERTIFIED SAFETY PROFESSIONALS

8645 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 USA
P: +1 317-593-4800 | F: +1 317-593-4400
bcsp.org
07/18