Certified Safety Professional designation: a career guide

Canada is a country famous for its heavy industries. The major contributors to its economy include manufacturing, construction, mining, forestry, and oil and gas. Working in these industries is inherently risky, as they are fraught with hazards due to the nature of the work and their work environments. 

Knowing how dangerous a lot of the jobs in these industries are, who oversees safety in the workplace or worksite? This cannot be left to management or HR staff, and onus cannot be placed squarely on the shoulders of the workers themselves. So, who’s in charge of worker safety?  

That’s the domain of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (CRSPs) or Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs). A CRSP or CSP is charged with ensuring that companies have safety systems in place to manage work hazards that can affect employees, company equipment, and the environment. These safety professionals typically help in accident prevention and avoiding environmental degradation via their daily activities.  

Those interested in this profession would have several important questions including:  

• How do you get the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation in Canada? 
• What is the cost of getting this professional safety certification? 
• Are there other safety designations in Canada? 
• What jobs can I get as a CRSP? 

Canadian Occupational Safety will provide insights on these and other queries in this article.  

Introduction to the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) 

The CSP or Certified Safety Professional is the designation given to those who have been confirmed by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Note that this designation is not a Canadian designation but an American one. The CSP is also discussed because it is a reciprocal designation; its Canadian equivalent, the CRSP or Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation is governed by the Board of Registered Canadian Safety Professionals (BRCSP).  

These two safety designations may be used interchangeably, since an MOU signed in 2019 enables individuals who hold either designation to operate in both Canada and North America. These organizations also have an agreement with the UK’s Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.  

These MOUs allow either the CSPs (US) or CMIOSHs (UK) to apply for the CRSP designation via a streamlined application process.  

The roles of the CSPs/CRSPs 

These are the main roles that CSPs/CRSPs would be tasked with:  

• enhance workplace safety 
• ensure regulatory compliance in terms of workplace safety 
• promote company credibility  
• reinforce employee morale 
• Investigating incidents  

Eligibility criteria for the Certified Safety Professional designation 

To qualify for the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, candidates must meet specific professional and educational requirements. These requirements include the following:  

• Educational requirements – aspiring CSPs must have at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify. While candidates do need this type of formal education, there is no specific required degree – you can have a diploma in any degree to apply for the CSP/CRSP certification.  

• Safety industry experience – for the work experience requirement, CSP candidates must have at least four years of professional experience. Of these four years, two years must be spent doing safety-related duties in a preventative capacity.  

• Requisite credentials – Apart from the educational and professional requirements, aspiring CSPs must also have the right credentials, which can be any of the following:  

• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) 
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) 
• Graduate Safety Professional (GSP) 
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and other recognized internationally accepted safety designations 

Application process for Canadian candidates 

To apply for the Canadian Registered Safety Professional, these are the steps:  

Step 1. Gather required documents. 

Documents like educational transcripts, proof of their safety experience, and copies of relevant certifications are a must to obtain the Canadians certified safety professional designation.  

Step 2. Submit your application.  

Candidates are required to complete their application at the BCSP portal.  

Step 3. Prepare for and take the CSP examination. 

After a candidate’s application is approved, they may take the CSP exams. Passing the exams does not immediately grant a candidate the certification, however. Other steps and requirements must first be fulfilled. 

Step 4. Pass the background checks.  

The regulatory body of the certified professional safety designation checks a candidate’s character and conduct. Background checks are necessary for the BCSP to verify if a candidate has a criminal record or history of disciplinary matters concerning this or any other professional licences.  

You can check Canadian Occupational Safety’s guide on how to become a certified safety professional for more details. 

Preparing for the CSP examination 

After an application for the certified safety professional designation is accepted and approved, the candidate must take and pass the CSP examination. The exams are specifically designed to test their knowledge in various aspects of occupational safety.  

The exam format consists of nine different sections that focus on health and safety, risk management systems, and other areas that are expected of safety professionals. Candidates can sign up for study programs, attend in-person classes, and use study guides to prepare for the exams. 

CSP application and other fees 

Candidates must pay an application fee of $160 to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) to get the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation. Other fees include:  

• Exam fee: $350 
• Exam Bundle fee: $600 
• App+Exam Fee Combos: Exam: $494, Exam Bundle: $744 
• Eligibility Extension Fee: $100 
• Renewal Fee: $180 

Source: CSP overview 

Maintaining the CSP/CRSP designation 

Candidates who successfully obtain the certification and go on to become certified safety professionals are required to take ongoing education and professional development courses. These include:  

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses - CSPs must earn 25 points’ worth of CPD courses every five years. This is achieved by attending seminars, participating in instructional activities, doing research, and publishing journals.  

• Ethics training – During each CPD cycle, a 2-hour ethics course is required.  

• Documenting CPD activities – It is essential for CSPs to keep accurate records of their CPD activities to ensure hassle-free reporting and recertification.  

Where can I take the preparatory courses for the CSP exams? 

Here are some of the institutions that offer the courses that can prepare you for the CSP exams:  

• University of Alberta: Offers the Occupational Health and Safety Diploma that conforms with the formal education requirements for the CRSP designation. 

• University of Calgary: Offers an Occupational Health and Safety Diploma, as well as Fundamentals and Advanced Certificates that can prepare candidates for the CRSP exam. Also offers an ADL 213 Ethics for Professional Practice course. 

• Toronto Metropolitan University: Offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in OHS, as well as certificates in Occupational Health and Safety, Advanced Safety Management, and Occupational Health and Safety Leadership. 

• Telos Training: Offers a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program. 

You can check this detailed list of institutions and courses for more information and help you choose a course and institution that suits your needs and is in a convenient location.  

Industries that require a CSRP/CSP in Canada 

There are many different industries that would need the skills and expertise of a CSRP/CSP here. Without a CSRP or CSP, companies engaged in these industries not only risk workplace incidents but also face stiff penalties and worse – irreparable damage to their industry reputation. Due to their complexity and inherent risks and hazards, these are the most common industries that would benefit from a CSRP/CSP:  

1. Manufacturing 

This industry is rife with hazards, thanks to the machinery, chemicals, and physical procedures and processes involved. In manufacturing companies, a CSRP is invaluable for creating, managing, and maintaining safety protocols.  

2. Construction 

Construction activities and sites have many inherent risks like falling and equipment malfunction hazards. A CSP can actively promote safety protocols, not to mention assist in outfitting the workforce with the appropriate safety equipment.  

3. Healthcare 

Safety professionals in the healthcare sector can be very useful in ensuring that laboratory workers follow protocols to safeguard against infectious diseases, harmful toxins, chemicals, and other dangerous materials. CSPs can also ensure that staff procure the best safety equipment for working on these substances. 

4. Petroleum industry 

This includes the exploration, extraction, and refinement of petroleum products. Certified safety professionals are invaluable in this industry, as their skills in safety management can help prevent or avoid costly workplace accidents.  

5. Mining 

Going deep underground to extract valuable minerals would need and benefit from the services and skills of someone with a certified safety professional designation. CSPs in this industry can mitigate hazards related to worker safety, heavy equipment, and the work environment.  

6. Transportation and logistics 

Industries that engage in the storage and transport of various goods must deal with various safety hazards and risks. A CRSP can assist in developing the appropriate safety protocols.  

7. Utilities 

Companies engaged in power generation, water supplies, and gas supplies need safety professionals who are well versed in navigating the risks associated with maintenance activities and operational procedures.  

What are the career opportunities for a CSP/CSRP in Canada? 

There are many industries that need these safety professionals to implement proper safety procedures and protocols. While there are no overarching laws that require these professionals, Canadian Health and Occupational Safety regulations require employers to protect their workers’ safety and well-being. 

These regulations open many career opportunities for CSPs/CSRPs in Canadian industries and companies. Here are some roles that safety professionals can keep an eye out for:  

• Safety advisor - this is a safety professional tasked with enhancing safety protocols within a company and advising on safety regulations.  

• Health and safety specialist – develops safety programs and conducts training sessions to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.  

• Occupational health and safety manager – oversees the safety management systems of organizations, making sure that safety policies are implemented effectively.  

• Environmental health and safety coordinator – this role is chiefly involved in integrating environmental management practices into health and safety policies. EHS coordinators also ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.  

Benefits of obtaining the CSP certification   

Earning a certified safety professional designation like the CSP or CRSP can give the titleholder several advantages. These include:  

Enhanced career opportunities 

A CSP or CRSP designation can greatly enhance the chances of a titleholder to stand out in a competitive job market. Many employers seek job applicants with this certification to fill their safety-related roles. Having this certified status can open doors for career opportunities in a wide range of industries and organizations.  

Higher earning potential 

BCSP certification and other safety certifications can provide better chances of receiving a higher salary. In 2020, the Safety, Health, and Environmental (SH&E) Industry Salary Survey revealed that certified safety professionals earn $12,000 more than their non-certified counterparts.  

This financial benefit makes it clear that organizations place great value on the expertise and dedication required to earn these certifications.  

Industry recognition and credibility  

CSP credentials are considered as the gold standard for health and safety certifications. These are a validation of the titleholder’s professional skills, experience, and expertise in managing health, safety, and environmental protocols. These certifications also enhance their credibility among peers and stakeholders.  

Professional development and networking opportunities 

Safety professionals with these certifications must earn CPD credits to stay updated on industry trends, changes in regulations, and best practices. Being part of this community affords valuable networking opportunities that may lead to career advancement, knowledge sharing, and collaborative activities.  

Personal achievement  

Professionals with the CSP or other safety certifications derive a sense of accomplishment and validation of their skills from earning these titles. The challenging process of preparing for and passing the CSP exams can enhance a safety professional’s confidence and reinforce their commitment to managing safety standards in the workplace.  

Is pursuing the certified safety professional designation worth it? 

Yes, earning and maintaining the certified safety professional designation is worth the effort. Working towards this certification can lead to greater recognition, career advancement, and not to mention opportunities to earn a higher salary.  

Those in the health and safety sector can find plenty of career opportunities in various industries in Canada. At the professional level, earning certifications like the CSP can provide them with even more opportunities for career advancement, as well as networking opportunities due to the CPD requirements.  

Employers should also be aware of the benefits of having a CSP or other titled safety professional in their organization. Having a CSP is a sound strategy for minimizing work hazards, as these also help avoid hefty penalties from state regulators. Other benefits of having a CSP include increased employee morale, enhanced safety, and better industry reputation. 

Did you find this guide on the opportunities available to those with a certified safety professional designation helpful? Tell us in the comments.