The Certified Safety Professional test: a quick guide

For many heavy industries in Canada, having a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a critical part of mitigating workplace accidents. The CSP’s primary role is creating and enforcing effective safety protocols. Without them, oil and gas, construction, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and other hazard-prone industries would be less safe. 

A CSP can help mitigate the risks, since they work to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, company assets, the environment, and ultimately the public. Having a CSP can cultivate a strong safety culture, which is essential for preventing workplace accidents. So, what is the process to becoming a CSP? 

In this article, Canadian Occupational Safety discusses an important part of how to become a Certified Safety Professional – taking the certified safety professional test.  

You’ll likely have questions like:  

• What is the appropriate Certified Safety Professional exam preparation?  
• What are the Certified Safety Professional requirements?  
• Is the Certified Safety Professional designation worth it?  

We’ll provide insight into these and more, so let’s get into it.  

What is the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation? 

The CSP designation is the gold standard for safety professionals. It serves as proof that safety practitioners have the knowledge and skills to uphold the highest safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) standards. The CSP designation is also the safety industry’s most-recognized SH&E certification.  

Eligibility requirements for the Certified Safety Professional test 

Due to the necessity for a high level of competency in the workplace, the eligibility requirements for the CSP designation are quite stringent compared to other certifications. To be eligible for taking the Certified Safety Professional test, candidates must:  

• have a bachelor’s degree in any field 
• have a minimum of four years of safety experience in a preventative role, with breadth and depth of safety duties 
• two of those four years must be in a preventative role 
• already hold a designation recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) 
• pass a background check 

Acceptable prerequisite designations a safety professional can have include:  

• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) 
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) 
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) 
• Certified Safety Engineer (CSE), as administered by the State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS), People’s Republic of China (PRC) 
• Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) 
• Diploma/Certificate in Industrial Safety, as issued by the State Government Departments Boards of Technical Education, Government of India 
• Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) 
• Master's degree in occupational safety and health, International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC-ILO) 
• NEBOSH National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety 
• Professional Member of the Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO) Professional Certificate in Safety and Occupational Health, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center (ACRC) (formerly CP-12) 
• Transitional Safety Practitioner (TSP) 

In cases where a candidate has a bachelor’s degree from a country other than the US, the BCSP will evaluate whether their degree has equivalency. Aspiring CSPs can have their college degrees evaluated on the BCSP online portal.  

Age restrictions 

Aspiring CSPs will be glad to know that the certified safety professional test does not have any age restrictions. Age is irrelevant if the candidate meets the eligibility requirements. However, in case the eligible candidate is under 18 years old, they must first secure the approval of their parent or guardian for taking the certified safety professional test.  

Background check 

It’s critical also for CSP candidates to pass a background check. This is necessary to confirm that the candidate was not involved in any unethical behaviour, or committed any crimes that can affect their professional standing.  

How the CSP certification applies to the Canadian market 

Thanks to reciprocal agreements between the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, Canadian employers recognize the US-based CSP title.  

As the CSP is a globally recognized certification, anyone who works to earn this credential is viewed as a credible safety professional. It signifies that a safety worker is of a professional level with breadth and depth of knowledge and possesses the relevant skills and experience in the industry.  

The CSP and CRSP – what's the difference? 

As you find out more about the Certified Safety Professional test and how to become a CSP, you may come across a similar-sounding designation, that of the Canadian Registered Safety Professional or CRSP. 

While at first glance these roles may appear to be similar, they have a few crucial differences. The CSP is a designation governed by the US Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)., The CRSP, meanwhile, is governed by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP). 

But they have more similarities, prompting the BCSP and BCRSP to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows those with a CSP designation to practice in Canada as a CRSP and vice-versa. Basically, here’s what the MOU between the two organizations means:   

• Safety professionals who meet the certification standards of either the BCSP and BCRSP and are in good standing are deemed certified by the other body.  

• A CRSP who meets the eligibility criteria of the American CSP does not have to take the BCSP Associate Safety Professional (ASP) exams, but they must pass the American CSP exam.  

• A CSP designation holder who meets the eligibility criteria of the CRSP is exempted from the BCRSP interview; but they must still pass the BCRSP exams. 

If safety professionals were to ask which title was better, this would probably boil down to personal circumstances and preferences. The CRSP can put you on a path to career success, as does the CSP title. 

Core topics covered in the Certified Safety Professional test   

Candidates can expect a wide range of topics in the CSP exam. The exams are designed to assess their knowledge and skills in safety management., The tests also serve to ensure that they have what it takes to excel in this demanding profession. The exams will test aspiring CSPs on:  

Advanced science and mathematics 

You can expect essential scientific principles and mathematical concepts to be part of the CSP exams. These can include:  

• core concepts of human anatomy and physiology 
• core concepts in chemistry 
• core concepts in physics 
• statistics  

Management systems 

The exams will test candidates’ proficiency in safety management systems and their core components like:  

• performance standards and metrics 
• change management 
• incident investigation 
• safety management audits  

Risk Management

This aspect of safety management covers concepts that are necessary for learning how to spot and manage risks or hazards effectively in the workplace. Key concepts include:  

• hazard identification 

• risk assessment methods 

• decision-making process in risk management 

Key safety concepts and their application 

This section of the exams covers key safety principles and how they are applied in practice. Here’s what’s involved:  

• safety through design 
• common hazards in the workplace 
• chemical process safety management 

Emergency preparedness and fire evacuation 

This section of the certified safety professional test assesses the candidates’ knowledge and ability in: 

• crisis response planning 
• fire prevention systems 

Occupational health and ergonomics 

This part of the exam covers topics about employees’ health, including:  

• toxicology principles 
• control of occupational exposures to chemical and physical hazards 

Education and training 

Candidates will be quizzed on their skill in training and instruction. Key topics include: 

• Presentation techniques 
• Training effectiveness 

Ethics and law 

Safety professionals are required to know how laws and ethics apply in the context of their work. Crucial topics include:  

• handling and protection of confidential information 
• legal issues in safety 

With such a diverse and in-depth array of topics covered, the CSP exam can give candidates the critical skills and knowledge for an effective safety practice. Equipped with the knowledge of these core topics, an individual can ensure the safety of individuals and organizations across various industries.  

Preparing for the CSP exam: tips and resources 

As part of your certified safety professional exam preparation, it would be wise to create and follow a structured study plan and use the available resources and tools to practice for the test.  

Tips for studying 

Organize and structure your study time. Focusing on study will adequately prepare you for the test, overcome any pre-test jitters and perform at your best. Clear your schedule and list which topics you will study. Don’t forget to allocate a set time for each topic to cover more ground.  

You can also do a quick online search to find a variety of free certified safety professional practice tests to gauge your knowledge. After seeing the results of these practice tests, go back and review the topics that you find challenging or complex.  

Practice tests can help you hone your knowledge and skills and develop your confidence in passing the test. Remember also that a practice test can help you manage your time effectively. This ensures that you do not dwell too long on a single aspect of the exam and avoid running out of time.  

Recommended resources for studying 

To help you prepare for the certified safety professional test, you can use these online guides and courses:  

1. Online courses 

Partner institutions like Columbia University offer online courses meant for the CSP exam. This can be a helpful resource, since the course focuses on key concepts, math calculations, emergency preparedness, and risk management.  

2. Study guides 

You can purchase study guides for the CSP online. One such guide can be very useful is the "CSP Study Guide 2024: All-in-One Certified Safety Professional." This guide offers practice scenarios and helpful tips on different aspects of the exams. 

3. Interactive online learning courses 

ClickSafety and ISSM Safety are study platforms that offer interactive learning via online courses. With these platforms, candidates can access quizzes, lectures, and take mock tests. The biggest benefit of using these platforms is you can study at your own pace while covering the essentials.  

4. The CSP ExamCORE platform 

Offered by the BCSP itself, the ExamCORE includes self-paced courses that thoroughly cover the CSP exam content. Candidates can access over 20 hours’ worth of video training, learning exercises, and practice questions.  

How to take the Certified Safety Professional test and get certified 

The process for taking the CSP exam and obtaining your CSP certification is straightforward. You can take the test and receive the results online. These are the steps:  

Step 1. Meet the educational requirements

Make sure to obtain a college degree. You will then have to obtain a BCSP-approved credential before you are deemed eligible to take the CSP exam.  

Step 2. Fulfill the work experience requirement 

The CSP title requires that you have at least four years of experience in a safety profession. Half of that should be in a preventative role.  

Step 3. Apply online 

Create your account in the My Profile page to start your application. After successfully completing your profile, the Certification Services Department of the BCSP will review your application. You will be notified later once your application is approved.  

Step 4. Purchase the exam 

If your application is approved, log onto your BCSP profile and choose “Purchase exam” from the menu. You will be given one year from application approval to buy, schedule, and take the CSP exam. During this period, you may purchase any exam or exam bundle online.  

Step 5. Take the exam 

Once a candidate purchases the exam, they receive an examination authorization notice. This is used to schedule the exam via Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam will be delivered to the candidate’s computer. As soon as they finish and submit their exam, they can see the exam results.  

Step 6. Meet the re-certification requirements 

The BCSP will award you with the CSP certification once you pass the exam. To maintain your title, you must pay an annual fee and earn re-certification credits every five years. This is also meant to keep CSP holders stay up to date with industry changes and ensure their continuing professional development.  

Is the CSP designation worth it? 

The Certified Safety Professional designation has been around since 1976. This reflects its long-standing relevance and contribution to occupational health and safety in Canada. Recently, a report was commissioned to confirm the CSPs’ contribution to workplace safety by reducing injury rates and improving safety regulations compliance.  

For employers, having safety professionals onboard that have the CSP designation is a valuable investment as they enhance their organization’s safety standards.  

For the individual safety professional, the CSP designation can be an invaluable tool for better career prospects and higher compensation. 

Will you consider taking the certified safety professional test and become a CSP? Share your thoughts in the comments.