Table of Contents

General Information and Qualifications ....................................................................................................... 1

Examination Information .............................................................................................................................. 6

Program Fees and Policies ............................................................................................................................. 7

Application Instructions ............................................................................................................................... 10

Tear-Out Forms

• Application Form

• Professional Safety Experience Form

• Reference Form

1

The Certified Safety Professional

The Certified Safety Professional® or CSP®1 is a designationawarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).More information about the CSP and BCSP can be found on ourwebsite at www.bcsp.org.

Certified Safety Professionals are:• Respected by other safety professionals.• Honored by the safety profession.• Preferred or required by most employers of safety professionals.• Required in many government and private contracts.• Paid on average about $15,000 more per year than safety

professionals without certification.• Paid on average $300,000 or more than safety professionals

without certification over the span of a career.

The CSP designation:• Is cited in many federal, state and local laws, regulations and

standards.• Is recognized by U.S. and foreign safety and health organizations.• Is held by 75% or more of the leaders in the safety profession.• Adds $150 million to pay for safety professionals annually.

Safety professionals may use the Certified Safety Professionaltitle when they meet all requirements established by BCSP andare authorized by BCSP to use the CSP designation. A safetyprofessional is one who applies the expertise gained from astudy of safety science, principles, practices, and other subjectsand from professional safety experience to create or developprocedures, processes, standards, specifications, plans, andsystems to achieve optimal control or reduction of the hazardsand exposures which may harm people, property, and/or theenvironment.

The Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a temporarydesignation awarded by BCSP. It means that an individual hasmet the academic requirement for the CSP and has passed theSafety Fundamentals examination—the first of twoexaminations leading to the CSP. You only submit oneapplication for both the ASP and CSP designation.

The Certified Safety Professional designation meets the highestnational and international standards for certifications and isaccredited by the Council of Engineering and ScientificSpecialty Boards (CESB)2 and the National Commission for

General Information and Qualifications

Certifying Agencies (NCCA)3. In 2003, the CSP became one ofthe first five certifications anywhere in any field to achieveaccreditation under ANSI/ISO/IEC 170244. It is also recognizedby the National Skill Standards Board (NSSB)5.

In summary, the process of becoming a CSP includes thefollowing:

• Complete and submit application materials. BCSP willreview your application materials to determine if you meetthe academic and experience requirements and are eligiblefor the Safety Fundamentals or the ComprehensivePractice examination. If eligible, BCSP will tell you howlong you are eligible and when your eligibility willexpire.

• Register for, pay for, and pass the examination(s) leadingto the CSP designation. You may register with BCSP foran examination at any time, as long as you are eligible.BCSP will notify our examination delivery serviceprovider that you are an eligible candidate, and BCSP willalso inform you how long you have to make anappointment and complete your examination.

• Make an appointment to take your examination at atesting center near you and sit for your examination atthe scheduled time. Testing centers are open everybusiness day around the world and many have eveningand weekend hours. You will take your examination bycomputer and receive pass/fail results as soon as you logoff the computer system. If you fail an examination andare still eligible, you may register again as soon as youreceive post-examination information from BCSP.

• Complete all requirements for the CSP designation. Aftercompleting all requirements for the CSP, BCSP will awardyou use of the CSP designation on an annual basis as longas you pay an annual renewal fee and meet Continuanceof Certification (COC) requirements every five years.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Certified Safety Professional title you must:• Be of good moral character.• Apply to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.• Meet an academic requirement.• Meet a professional safety experience requirement.• Pass the Safety Fundamentals examination (or be granted

a waiver of the Safety Fundamentals examination) and theComprehensive Practice examination.

1Certified Safety Professional®, CSP®, and the CSP logo areregistered certification marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

2Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards, P.O. Box1448, Annapolis, MD 21404, Phone: 410-266-3766, Web: www.cesb.org.

3National Commission for Certifying Agencies, 2025 M Street, NW,Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036, Phone: 202-367-1165, Web: www.noca.org/ncca/ncca.htm.

4U.S. Administrator: American National Standards Institute,Personnel Certification Accreditation, 1819 L Street, NW, 6th Floor,Washington, DC 20036, Phone: 202-293-8020, Web: www.ansi.org.

5National Skill Standards Board Institute, Web: www.nssb.org.

2

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat is the difference between the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and the Certified Safety Professional (CSP)? Do Ihave to fill out an application for both ASP and CSP?

The ASP is just a temporary designation to show that you have passed the first examination leading to the CSPdesignation—the Safety Fundamentals examination. The CSP application is the only application you need tocomplete. See page 1 for additional details.

Do I need to have a degree even if I have many years of safety experience?

Yes. The minimum education accepted is an associate degree in safety and health or a bachelor’s degree in any fieldfrom an accredited school. The degree must be earned during the period of accreditation. The U.S. Department ofEducation (www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org) bothmaintain websites that can help you find an accredited school. See page 3 for additional details.

What happens if my degree is not from the U.S.?

BCSP evaluates all degrees earned outside the U.S. for equivalency to U.S. educational standards. All non-U.S. degreesare evaluated by BCSP’s independent international degree evaluation expert for a $100 fee. You must submit officialdocuments for evaluation. See page 3 for additional details.

How much does it cost for the certification?

Fees within the United States and Canada are:

• Application: $125 ONE TIME• Examinations (Safety Fundamentals and Comprehensive Practice) $275 EACH INSTANCE• ASP annual renewal $105• CSP annual renewal $115

All fees are nonrefundable and subject to change at any time without notice. See page 7 for additional fees.

Do I have to take the Safety Fundamentals examination?

Mostly likely, yes. Only, candidates who passed certain other certification and licensing examinations, and currentlyhold such certifications or licenses, may be granted a waiver of the Safety Fundamentals examination. BCSP onlyaccepts the following certifications or licenses: P.E., CIH, CHP, CRSP, NEBOSH National Diploma, SISO, or SafetyManagement Specialty Credential from ABOHN. See page 6 for additional details.

My references mailed their forms instead of giving them back to me. Is that ok?

Yes. We can match up references and official transcripts with your application. Contact BCSP if your transcript isbeing sent under a different name (e.g. maiden name). See page 10 for additional details.

How do I get points besides using my degree or advanced degree?

You earn one point per month for professional safety work experience acceptable to BCSP. You can also earn 12points if you hold the OHST or CHST certification. See page 4 for additional details.

What if I don’t have 96 points at application?

If you have 48 points and meet the minimum education requirement, you are eligible to take the Safety Fundamentalsexamination. You can hold the ASP designation while you earn more experience.

BCSP will contact you when we estimate you should have 96 points. At that time, you will need to complete anexperience update form. If you earn an additional degree, or if you earn the OHST or CHST certification afterapplying for the CSP, contact BCSP to determine your points achieved. See page 5 for additional details.

Can I email or fax my application?

No. Your signature has to be notarized and your transcripts must be official. See page 12 for additional details.

Can I take a computer-delivered examination outside the United States and Canada?

BCSP will begin offering computer-delivered examinations outside the U.S. and Canada at many testingcenters starting the second quarter of 2005. Please refer to www.bcsp.org for the latest information.

3

The Academic Requirement

Minimum Education

A CSP candidate must meet one of the following minimumeducational qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field; or• An associate degree in safety and health

There is no waiver of the academic requirement and you mustprovide proof that you were awarded the minimum qualifyingdegree.

For U.S. degrees, BCSP requires that the educational institutionhold institutional accreditation from an accreditation body withinstitutional accrediting authority recognized by the Councilfor Higher Education Accreditation6 (CHEA) and/or the U.S.Department of Education7.

The degree must be awarded during the period of accreditation.Check with your school, CHEA (www.chea.org), or theDepartment of Education (www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation) todetermine whether your school was accredited when you earnedyour degree.

Associate Degree Evaluation

BCSP has a broad view on the practice of safety and uses thatview to determine what associate degrees meet the minimumeducational requirement. BCSP considers fields closely relatedto safety and health to be part of the safety and health domain.For example, associate degrees in safety, industrial hygiene,occupational safety and health, environment, health physics, fireprotection, or fire prevention are likely to qualify as a “safetyand health” associate degree. Associate degrees in other fieldsare not considered part of the safety and health domain.

BCSP reviews courses within safety and health (or closelyrelated fields) associate degrees to determine which degrees areacceptable. The following standard applies:

The associate degree must include at least four courses(with at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours) ofstudy in safety and health for the degree to meet theminimum educational requirement for the CSP.

Course titles will be evaluated to ensure that the four coursesand 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of study includesubject matter from the following list:

• General safety• Safety management• Safety compliance• Safety technology• Occupational safety• Safety relating to a particular industry (e.g. construction,

manufacturing, transportation, or health care)• Safety and health communication and/or training

If you have an associate degree in safety and health, or a closelyrelated field of study that does not meet this standard, you havethe following options to resolve the deficiency:

• Acquire another associate degree which meets thestandard.

• Acquire a bachelor’s degree in any field.• Complete appropriate safety courses at any acceptable

school that will satisfy the course deficiencies in thesafety and health associate degree. Visit www.bcsp.org forthe BCSP Database of Safety and Related AcademicPrograms in the United States.

International Degree Evaluation

BCSP evaluates all degrees from colleges and universitiesoutside the United States for U.S. equivalency. BCSP onlyaccepts official transcripts (mark sheets) and diplomas. BCSPcannot evaluate copies. The fee for evaluating these degrees is$100 and you must pay this fee prior to the evaluation. All feesare payable in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. If necessary,you are responsible for providing certified English translations.BCSP sends a copy of the independent evaluator’s report andthe original documents back to you via an expedited courier.

BCSP Point System

BCSP uses a point system to determine eligibility forexaminations. You must have 48 points to sit for the SafetyFundamentals examination and 96 points to sit for theComprehensive Practice examination.

You can earn points through education, experience, and certainother certifications. Table 1 on page 4 lists points awarded forvarious degrees. You may use only one undergraduate and onegraduate degree for credit. If you hold more than oneundergraduate or graduate degree, only the degree yielding thehighest point value will be accepted. Continuing educationcourses, seminars, and certificate programs are not asubstitute for, and do not receive credit toward, the academicrequirement.6Council for Higher Education Accreditation, One Dupont

Circle NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20036-1135, Phone: 202-955-6126,Web: www.chea.org.

7U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW,Washington, DC 20202, Phone: 800-USA-LEARN, Web: www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

Degree/ Program Major ABET Associate Bachelor’s Master’s Ph.D.Accredited?

Safety and Safety Related Yes 24 48 12 24Environmental Engineering No 18 36 9 18Environmental HealthFire ProtectionFire Protection EngineeringHealth PhysicsIndustrial HygieneIndustrial SafetyLoss ControlOccupational Safety andHealthRisk ControlSafety EngineeringSafety Sciences

Engineering Yes N/A 42 11 21Chemical EngineeringCivil EngineeringElectrical EngineeringEngineering MechanicsEngineering ScienceIndustrial EngineeringMechanical Engineering

Engineering Technology Yes N/A 30 8 15No N/A 24 6 12

Natural and Physical N/A N/A 30 8 15SciencesAgriculture MicrobiologyArchitecture NursingAstronomy OccupationalAviation HealthBiochemistry PhysicsBiology Public HealthBotany ToxicologyChemistry ZoologyComputer ScienceEarth ScienceElecto-OpticsEntomologyEnvironmental ManagementEnvironmental ScienceForestryGeneral ScienceGeologyMathematicsWaste Management

Industrial Technology N/A N/A 24 6 12

Industrial Education N/A N/A 18 5 9Industrial ArtsIndustrial Arts EducationIndustrial Education

Business N/A N/A 18 5 9AccountingAdministrationAviation ManagementBusiness ManagementEngineering ManagementIndustrial ManagementLoss Control ManagementManagementSecurity ManagementUrban Planning

Psychology N/A N/A 18 5 9Educational PsychologyPsychology

Other N/A N/A 12 3 6Applied Art HumanitiesArt JournalismCommunication Liberal ArtsCriminal Justice PoliticalEducation ScienceGeneral Studies Social WorkGeography SociologyHistory

Table 1. Degree Credit

4

The model educational background for a candidate for the CSPdesignation is a bachelor’s degree in safety from a programaccredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering andTechnology8 (ABET)—earning the maximum 48 points.Contact ABET for accreditation standards and a listing ofaccredited degree programs.

Because many people enter the safety profession from othereducational backgrounds and their degrees are worth less than48 points, they may use advanced degrees and/or professionalsafety experience to earn additional points.

In addition to degrees and experience, candidates earn points forholding the Occupational Health and Safety Technologist®

(OHST) or Construction Health and Safety Technician® (CHST)certifications from the Council on Certification of Health,Environmental and Safety Technologists9 (CCHEST). If youhold the OHST or CHST at the time of application, you areawarded 12 experience points. If both certifications are held,the maximum number of experience points awarded is still 12.

Total points are the sum of academic points and experiencepoints.

The Experience Requirement

In addition to the academic requirement, CSP candidates musthave professional safety experience. The exact number of yearsdepends on their degree(s) and if they hold OHST or CHSTcertification. BCSP has a broad definition of safety.Professional-level work experience in safety, health,environmental protection, fire protection, radiation protection,and industrial hygiene is considered professional safetyexperience.

All professional safety experience must meet all of the fivefollowing criteria to be acceptable to BCSP:

• Professional safety must be the primary function of theposition. Collateral duties in safety are not considered theprimary function.

• The position’s primary responsibility must be theprevention of harm to people, property, and theenvironment, rather than responsibility for responding toharmful events.

• Professional safety functions must be at least 50% of theposition duties. BCSP defines full-time as at least 35hours per week. Part-time safety experience is allowedinstead of full-time safety experience if the applicant hasthe equivalent of at least 900 hours of professional safety

8Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, Phone: 410-347-7700,Web: www.abet.org.

9Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and SafetyTechnologists, 208 Burwash Ave., Savoy, IL 61874, Phone: 217-359-2686,Fax:217-359-0055, Email: cchest@cchest.org, Web:www.cchest.org.

5

work during any year (75 hours per month or 18 hoursper week) for which experience credit is sought.

• The position must be at the professional level. This isdetermined by evaluating the degree of responsiblecharge and reliance of employers or clients on theperson’s ability to defend analytical approaches used inprofessional practice. This also encompasses theirrecommending how to control hazards throughengineering and/or administrative approaches.

• The position must have breadth of professional safetyduties. This is determined by evaluating the variety ofhazards about which the candidate must advise and therange of skills involved in recognizing, evaluating, andcontrolling hazards. Examples of skills are analyzing,synthesizing, designing, investigating, planning,administrating, and communicating.

Each month of acceptable professional safety experienceearns one point. Please note that there is no partial oradditional credit for experience.

Experience Updates

At the time of application, many candidates have enough pointsto sit for the Safety Fundamentals examination (48), but do nothave the points required for the Comprehensive Practiceexamination (96). In this instance, BCSP estimates when youwill achieve 96 points assuming you remain employed in aposition that meets professional safety practice requirements.Near that estimated date, BCSP sends a Professional SafetyExperience Update Form. You have 30 days to complete andreturn the form to BCSP. There is no fee involved.

If 96 points are not met after the candidate’s work experience isupdated, BCSP estimates a new eligibility date. Candidates willbe dropped from the CSP process if they fail to provideupdated information when requested, or have not meteligibility requirements at the end of the third year from theoriginal projected eligibility date.

Candidate Eligibility Time Limits

Candidates for the CSP credential have specific time limits totake and/or successfully pass examinations. A candidate for theSafety Fundamentals examination must sit for the examinationonce every three years once they are eligible. A candidate forthe Comprehensive Practice examination must pass theexamination within three years of becoming eligible.

BCSP allows candidates to extend time limits twice during theireligibility period for each examination. The fee for the firsteligibility extension is $100 and the fee for the secondeligibility extension is $200. Each extension is valid for oneyear. All fees are subject to change without notice. Those who 10Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals,

6519-B Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5N 1A6 CANADA, Phone: 905-567-7198, Web: www.bcrsp.org.

do not meet these time limits or purchase the eligibilityextensions must reapply as a new candidate. A detailed outlineof eligibility and other time limits and eligibility extensionoptions is provided once an application has been approved.Note: Eligibility time limits are independent of examinationauthorization time limits. Examination time limits are definedin the CSP Examination Guide.

Student Applicants

Students in ABET-accredited safety or safety-related degreeprograms at the bachelor’s and master’s level may sit for theSafety Fundamentals examination during the last semester (orquarter) of their academic program. A list of schools withABET-accredited safety and related degrees can be found atwww.bcsp.org (under “The Safety Profession”). Like othercandidates, they must follow application instructions asoutlined on page 10. However, in place of a supervisor theymust use a current faculty member of the degree program as areference. The faculty reference must verify on the referenceform that the student applicant is expected to graduate at theend of the current semester (or quarter).

CRSP Applications

BCSP has a reciprocal agreement with the Board of CanadianRegistered Safety Professionals10 (BCRSP). If you hold theCRSP certification, please use the BCSP/BCRSP ReciprocalAgreement Application Form. You can find one on theDownloads page at www.bcsp.org or contact BCSP.

6

Examination Information

BCSP offers a companion publication, the CSP ExaminationGuide, which provides important information about BCSPexamination content, preparing for examinations, studymaterials offered by other organizations, and examinationprocedures. It is essential to obtain the CSP Examination Guidewhen preparing for examinations. View and print thispublication at no cost from the Downloads page on the BCSPweb site at www.bcsp.org or contact BCSP to obtain a printedcopy.

To help identify your weak areas and become familiar with thestyle of the Safety Fundamentals and Comprehensive Practiceexaminations, BCSP sells self-assessment examinations. Theself-assessment examinations, $95 each, are about 60% of thelength of a full examination. They contain items that are similarin depth and style to the actual examination. A self-assessmentexamination order form is on the Downloads page atwww.bcsp.org or on page 14.

Examination Security and Integrity

One key to a successful and respected certification program isexamination security. BCSP relies on the ethical behavior ofcandidates and certificants to maintain the security of BCSPexaminations. The CSP Application Guide, CSP ExaminationGuide, and CSP Self-Assessment Examinations are available toanyone. When those who hold the CSP credential, or those whoare pursuing the CSP credential, reveal information about thecontent of BCSP examinations (other than that which ispublished by BCSP), they violate the agreement all candidatesaccept when they apply for certification and take anexamination. They also violate the BCSP Bylaws and the BCSPCode of Ethics and Professional Conduct. BCSP has takenaction and will continue to take action against individuals whoviolate this trust. Penalties may include permanently barringindividuals from pursuing the CSP credential and revoking thecertificates of those holding the ASP or CSP designation, inaddition to other legal remedies.

BCSP will also pursue legal action against organizations orindividuals not seeking certification who reveal informationabout the content of BCSP examinations (other than that whichis published by BCSP).

BCSP examinations are closed book, except for your authorizedcalculator(s), the Examination Reference, and the materialsprovided by examination management staff. Once yourexamination clock starts, you may not access any materialsbeyond those given to you by the examination managementstaff until you formally submit your examination for scoring.During self-scheduled breaks, you are not permitted to access

any written or electronic materials or have contact with anyoneother than staff. BCSP will invalidate your examination andpursue disciplinary charges in accordance with BCSP’s Bylawsif you access prohibited materials, have contact with anyoneexcept examination management staff, leave the building whileyour examination clock is running, or engage in unethical,disruptive, or unprofessional conduct at a testing center.

Waivers of the Safety Fundamentals Examination

All candidates must pass the Comprehensive Practiceexamination. The first examination, Safety Fundamentals,covers basic knowledge appropriate to professional safetypractice. Candidates who meet the academic standard andachieve 48 points through their degree and/or experience can sitfor the Safety Fundamentals examination. Upon passing theSafety Fundamentals examination, candidates receive thetemporary ASP designation to denote their progress toward theCSP.

Some candidates who have been examined through otheracceptable certification and licensing programs, and currentlyhold such certifications or licenses, may be granted a waiver ofthe Safety Fundamentals examination. BCSP only accepts thefollowing certifications or licenses for waiver of the SafetyFundamentals examination:

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) from the AmericanBoard of Industrial Hygiene.

• Certified Health Physicist (CHP) from the AmericanBoard of Health Physics.

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) from the engineeringregistration board of any U.S. state or territory.

• Chartered Engineer (CE) from the Engineering Council(United Kingdom).

• National Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health bythe British National Examination Board for OccupationalSafety and Health (NEBOSH).

• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) fromthe Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.

• Member, Singapore Institute of Safety Officers (SISO).• Safety Management Credential from the American Board

for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN)11.

Those who receive a waiver of the Safety Fundamentalsexamination do not receive and cannot use the ASP title.Candidates who have passed the Safety Fundamentalsexamination (or been granted a waiver of it) and have earned 96points are eligible for the Comprehensive Practice examination.

11Only those individuals holding the Certified Occupational HealthNurse (COHN) or Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S)certification may earn the Safety Management Credential from the AmericanBoard for Occupational Health Nurses, 201 East Ogden Road, Suite 114,Hinsdale, IL 60521-3652, Phone: 630-789-5799, Web: www.abohn.org.

Program Fees and Policies

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals charges thefollowing fees:

Application Fee $125

Foreign Degree Evaluation Fee (only for degrees earned $100outside the U.S.)

Examination Fees (for computer-delivered examinations tobe taken inside the US or Canada)

Safety Fundamentals $275Comprehensive Practice $275

Examination Fees (for computer-delivered examinations tobe taken outside the US or Canada)

Safety Fundamentals $375Comprehensive Practice $375

Examination Fees (for examinations to be taken bypencil-and-paper at special locations)*

Safety Fundamentals (U.S. military DANTES sites) $995Comprehensive Practice (U.S. military DANTES sites) $995Safety Fundamentals (other special locations) $1,495Comprehensive Practice (other special locations) $1,495

Optional 60-day Examination Authorization Extension Fee $50

Overall Eligibility Extension FeesFirst Additional Year (for pursuing either the ASP or CSP) $100Second Additional Year (for pursuing either the ASP or CSP) $200

Annual Renewal Fees**CSP $115ASP $105CSP (Retired) $20Late Annual Renewal Payment Fee*** $25

Reinstatement Fee varies with situation

* Partial refunds are possible for examinations scheduled at speciallocations that are canceled 30 or more days prior to theexamination date.

** When you first achieve the ASP or CSP designation, your annualrenewal fee for the first year is prorated for the remainder of thatfirst year.

*** When an ASP or CSP annual renewal fee is not paid by the duedate, a late fee is added to the annual renewal fee.

Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Checks andmoney orders must be payable to BCSP. All fees are payablein U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Fees are subject tochange at any time without notice.

Non-sufficient fund (NSF) checks will stop action on theapplication/examination process for any candidate covered bythe check and the check originator will be billed for any relatedNSF fees.

Other fees may apply upon achieving the ASP or CSPdesignation. For example, individuals who pay their annualrenewal fee late may incur a late charge or a reinstatement fee ifBCSP has acted to terminate certification. For those with North

7

Carolina business residential addresses, BCSP invoices ASPsand CSPs to reimburse BCSP for fees required by the NorthCarolina Safety Professional Act to maintain a registry of ASPsand CSPs in North Carolina.

Unemployed certificate holders may request a one-year waiverof the annual renewal fee in writing only once during theirhistory with BCSP.

Non-Discrimination

BCSP evaluates all candidates seeking the CSP designationwithout regard to religion, ethnicity, gender, age, nationalorigin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Eligibility Appeals

If you disagree with the results of your eligibility evaluation,you have one year from the receipt of the evaluation results tofile an appeal. You must identify the reasons for the appeal andprovide any additional information not previously included thatclarifies the information in dispute or assist evaluators inunderstanding your appeal. All appeals must be in writing andsubmitted to the Executive Director.

Initial Appeal and Request for Re-Evaluation. You may disagreewith the results of the initial evaluation. The disagreement mayinvolve academic credit or experience credit used to determineeligibility dates. You may request a re-evaluation of yourapplication information.

Second Appeal and Request for Adjudication. If, after a re-evaluation, you still disagree with the results, a second and finalappeal is possible. You may request a review by theAdjudication Committee. Three senior members of the Board ofDirectors make up this Committee. Rulings by the AdjudicationCommittee on eligibility of candidates are final and binding.

Appeals of Examination Scoring

If you believe that an error may have been made in scoring, youmay request in writing that your examination be rescored. Therequest must state the basis for believing that an error in scoringwas made. If you seek rescoring, you may be required to pay arescoring fee.

You may also petition BCSP in writing to reconsider your scoreon an examination relative to the passing score. The requestmust explain why a passing score change is justified for you.These appeals are considered at semiannual Board of Directorsmeetings only. Appeals of examination scoring must be madewithin one year of the examination date.

8

Other Appeals

Applicants and candidates who achieve qualifications after theinitial application can submit them at any time to determinewhether they affect the certification process. Applicants andcandidates for the CSP have the right to appeal decisionsrelating to BCSP policies other than eligibility and examinationscores. Appeals must be in writing and addressed to theExecutive Director. An appeal should provide any informationor documentation that assists in evaluating the appeal. TheBCSP Board considers appeals relating to its policies at semi-annual meetings.

Retaining the ASP

Because the ASP is an interim designation showing progresstoward the CSP, you may continue to hold the interim ASP titleif you:

• Meet all time limit rules.• Pay the annual renewal fee.• Pay all applicable late payments or other fees.

Retaining the CSP

If you achieve the CSP designation, you may continue to use itif you:

• Meet Continuance of Certification (COC) requirements.• Pay the annual renewal fee.• Pay all applicable late payments or other fees.

Annual renewal fees are due on January 1 each year and apply topersons holding the ASP, CSP, and CSP-Retired designations.Your designation becomes invalid if you fail to pay your annualrenewal fee. You may reinstate an invalid designation withinBCSP-established time limits by submitting a written request forreinstatement, paying applicable late fees, a reinstatement fee,and complying with COC and other applicable requirements.

Once you achieve the CSP, you must meet COC requirementsevery five years. The COC program helps ensure that CSPs staycurrent in the safety profession. Your CSP designation becomesinvalid if you fail to meet COC requirements. The CSPContinuance of Certification Guide explains these requirementsin greater detail. Visit the Downloads page at www.bcsp.org toobtain a copy or contact BCSP.

Protecting the ASP and CSP Designation

BCSP acts to challenge those who use the ASP and CSPdesignations without authority from BCSP. Penalties mayinclude being barred from pursuing the certifications andpublishing the names of violators. A directory of those holdingcertification from BCSP appears at www.bcsp.org.

Disciplinary Action

According to the BCSP Bylaws (Article XIV) the Board shallhave the power to reject or suspend the application of anyapplicant, to terminate or suspend the eligibility of anycandidate, to reprimand a certificate holder, suspend, refuse torenew or revoke the certificate of any certificate holder and toterminate or suspend the status with BCSP held by anyone whois found guilty of one or more of the following:

A. Obtaining or seeking to obtain a certificate or a renewalof a certificate through the use of fraud or deceit. Themaking of any fraudulent, misleading or untruthfulstatements in any application or documentationsubmitted to the Board by any applicant, candidate orcertification holder, or person holding any status withBCSP in an effort to obtain, retain or renew certification;or

B. Violation of one or more of the provisions in the BCSPCode of Ethics and Professional Conduct; or

C. A criminal conviction of a felony; orD. Any other criminal conviction for acts done in

connection with activities for which the certificate wasissued or considered by BCSP to encumber those whorely on the certifications issued by BCSP, whether theconviction arises by a finding of guilty by a judge orjury, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere; or

E. Unauthorized or illegal use of a certificate issued by theBCSP or the unauthorized or illegal use of a certificateor license issued by another certification or licensingorganization; or

F. Unauthorized or illegal use of any BCSP document; orG. Unauthorized possession, distribution or use of any

BCSP testing or examination materials including but notlimited to, copying and/or reproduction of any BCSPexamination questions or test related items; or disclosingto others any examination question or test related item.

H. Unauthorized or illegal use of any registered certificationmark or logo owned by the BCSP.

Disciplinary actions may include any of the following:• Reject or suspend an application;• Terminate or suspend a candidate’s eligibility;• Issue a reprimand;• Suspend, refuse to renew or revoke the ASP or CSP; or• Terminate or suspend any status with BCSP.

The BCSP Bylaws (located on the Downloads page of the website) provide detailed procedures for bringing charges and forhearings related to disciplinary charges.

BCSP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

When applying for the CSP designation, you agree to abide bythe BCSP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct on page 9.

9

Board of Certified Safety Professionals

CODE OF ETHICS ANDPROFESSIONALCONDUCT

This code sets forth the code of ethics and professional standards to be observed by holders of documents ofcertification conferred by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Certificants shall, in their professionalsafety activities, sustain and advance the integrity, honor, and prestige of the safety profession by adherence tothese standards.

Standards

1. Hold paramount the safety and health of people, the protection of the environment andprotection of property in the performance of professional duties and exercise their obligation toadvise employers, clients, employees, the public, and appropriate authorities of danger andunacceptable risks to people, the environment, or property.

2. Be honest, fair, and impartial; act with responsibility and integrity. Adhere to high standards ofethical conduct with balanced care for the interests of the public, employers, clients, employees,colleagues and the profession. Avoid all conduct or practice that is likely to discredit theprofession or deceive the public.

3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner and only when founded uponknowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.

4. Undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technicalfields involved. Accept responsibility for their continued professional development by acquiringand maintaining competence through continuing education, experience and professionaltraining.

5. Avoid deceptive acts that falsify or misrepresent their academic or professional qualifications.Not misrepresent or exaggerate their degree of responsibility in or for the subject matter of priorassignments. Presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresentpertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, or past accomplishments withthe intent and purpose of enhancing their qualifications and their work.

6. Conduct their professional relations by the highest standards of integrity and avoid compromiseof their professional judgment by conflicts of interest.

7. Act in a manner free of bias with regard to religion, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or disability.

8. Seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic affairs and work for the advancement ofthe safety, health and well-being of their community and their profession by sharing theirknowledge and skills.

Approved by the BCSP Board of Directors, October 2002.

Application Instructions

General

Individuals who wish to pursue the CSP must submit a completeapplication. Candidates for the CSP apply only once, providedthey follow all policies and stay within their time limits.

BCSP can act only on the information you include in theapplication. Complete and well-written information will helpevaluators to determine eligibility. All applications must bemailed.

All necessary forms are at the end of this guide. You can alsoview, edit, and print forms from the Downloads page atwww.bcsp.org. All forms must be typed or legibly printed. If wecannot read your forms, we cannot evaluate your application.

You should prepare a draft copy first and then prepare and mail afinal copy. Do not send resumes, professional papers,continuing education course certificates, or any other itemthat is not specifically requested in these instructions.

Applicant Personal Data

• Check Mr. or Ms. Use your legal, given name as itappears on your government-issued identification. Do notuse nicknames. You must notify BCSP about anysubsequent name changes, and we require a copy of thelegal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.)creating the change.

• Provide your social security number if you have one. It willbecome your identifying number. BCSP does not release it.

• Provide your home address. You must notify BCSPabout any address changes.

• Provide your date of birth.• Select one North American Industry Classification

System (NAICS) code from the table of NAICS codes(Table 2 on page 11) which best fits your currentposition. If your employer has multiple functions, youmay add a second NAICS code on the application.NAICS has replaced the U.S. Standard IndustrialClassification (SIC) system.

• Provide your home, work, mobile, and fax phone numbers.For numbers outside the U.S. and Canada, please includethe country and city codes.

• Provide your email address(es).

College Education

For each degree:• List the college name(s), city, and state.• List the graduation date.

• List your major or program of study title as it appears onyour transcript.

• List the degree(s) earned.• Check one appropriate box to indicate whether your

transcripts are enclosed or the schools are sending them.It is strongly recommended that you obtainyour original official transcripts and include them withthe application materials. This may avoid delays inprocessing your application.

For each degree for which you are seeking credit, you mustprovide an official transcript. An official transcript is onofficial school paper and has the school registrar’s stamp or seal.The degree and the date the degree was awarded must appear onthe transcript. You can only earn credit for one undergraduatedegree and one graduate degree. You should send the transcriptfor the degree(s) which earn the highest number of points. Donot send photocopies.

Summary of Professional Safety Experience

List each full-time position (for which you are seeking credit) inreverse chronological order (i.e. most recent first). Also accountfor any discontinuity in employment, such as being a full-timestudent or unemployment. Each position must cover a separateand distinct time period and positions should not overlap.

• List each professional title of the position.• List the employer for each position.• List the month and year for each start and end date.• List the number of months in each position.

You must enclose a Professional Safety Experience Form foreach position for which you are seeking credit. You should notcomplete an experience form for any time as a student or for anyposition which does not meet all of the qualifications listed onpage 4. See the section entitled “Completing ProfessionalSafety Experience Forms” on page 12 for more details.

Professional References

Professional references are people who can attest to yourprofessional safety experience. You must submit at least twoReference Forms.

One Reference Form must be from a current supervisor. If you areself-employed, use a client as a reference. If you are a student inan ABET accredited safety program, you must use a currentfaculty mentor from your degree program. The other referencemust be another professional who is familiar with yourprofessional safety experience.

10

11

Table 2. NAICS Codes

At least one reference must hold one of the followingcertifications or licenses: Certified Safety Professional (CSP),Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Health Physicist(CHP) or Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the United States,NEBOSH National Diploma, Canadian Registered SafetyProfessional (CRSP), or Member of the Singapore Institute ofSafety Officers (SISO). Verify that your reference currently holdsthe designation and is in good standing or BCSP may rejectyour reference. If you absolutely cannot locate a reference withone of these credentials, you may submit three referencesinstead of two. However, one reference must still be a currentsupervisor. For further information on reference requirements see“Completing and Submitting Reference Forms” on page 13.

Current Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

Of the ones listed, mark all licenses, registrations, andcertifications that you currently hold. You must enclose a copyof the license, certificate, etc. BCSP will also verify the statuswith the issuing organization.

Professional Society Memberships

Of the ones listed, check all professional health and safetysocieties of which you are a current member.

Primary Safety Specialty

Check only one specialty that best describes your overallqualifications.

Validation

Complete this section before a notary public and have thenotary sign and seal their witness. Your signature means thatyou agree with the statements printed above the signature block.BCSP will return applications that are not signed, dated, andnotarized.

BCSP requires applicants to disclose any criminal convictionsissued by a court to the applicant. BCSP uses its policy relatingto criminal convictions to determine whether the applicationcan proceed or whether it is terminated. In some cases, theBCSP attorney must contact the applicant to clarify informationabout the conviction. A copy of the BCSP criminal convictionpolicy appears on the BCSP web site at www.bcsp.org.

BCSP also requires applicants to disclose any disciplinaryactions or denial of certifications or licenses taken against theapplicant by a certification board or agency issuing professionallicenses or registrations. BCSP determines whether the actionshould be considered in the CSP application process.

Application Payment Information

• Please indicate how you are paying your $125application fee. The application fee is not refundable ortransferable.

• If you pay by check or money order, fees must be inU.S. dollars and all checks must be drawn on a U.S.bank. Make checks or money orders payable to theBoard of Certified Safety Professionals or BCSP. Attachthe check or money order to the front of the ApplicationForm.

• If you pay by credit card, please record the type ofcard, credit card number and expiration date, sign yourname, and enter the date.

Professional Advancement Mentor Program

Over the years, many CSPs encouraged, assisted, or requiredfellow safety professionals to pursue certification to advancetheir careers. In the past, BCSP did not have a way to recognizethese contributions. A small step in that direction is a programthat traces the role CSPs play in assisting aspiring CSP’s careerdevelopment and then recognizing their contributions.Applicants and mentors can participate in this program bycompleting a Professional Advancement Mentor Program Formand submitting it with the candidate’s application. Forms canbe found on the Downloads page at www.bcsp.org.

Completing Professional Safety Experience Forms

Beginning with your current position, complete a separateProfessional Safety Experience Form for each position in whichyou are seeking credit. If you held more than one position withan employer, you must complete a separate Professional SafetyExperience Form for each position.

All sections must be completed. Please refer to page 4 for anexplanation of acceptable safety experience before completingyour forms. In the SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES section write ineach space the percent of time that you devoted to each oftwelve major areas of professional safety practice. All functionsmust total 100%. Refer to Table 3 on page 13 for a descriptionof each category.

One of the most important items included with your applicationis the Professional Safety Experience Form. Provide a completedescription of your three primary position functions that dealwith areas A through K. Do NOT provide a description for area L(Functions that are not Safety, Health, or Environmental).Evaluators can only consider the information provided. Ifinformation does not clearly define job functions in detail, orgive specific examples of work activity, evaluators cannotaward credit for the work experience.

12

BCSP may request additional information to decide on credit fora position, and such requests may delay the evaluation process.Do not submit formal job descriptions or resumes.

Completing and Submitting Reference Forms

Professional references provide important information indetermining your eligibility. The Reference Forms submittedmust be from the references listed on your Application Form. Incertain cases, the Board may request additional references. Thereferences must meet the criteria described on page 10.Reference Forms must be completed by the reference, not theapplicant.

Submitting Your Application

A complete application must include:qA current CSP Application Form (signed and notarized).qA $125 application fee.qAn official transcript for each degree for which credit is

sought. BCSP only accepts and evaluates officialtranscripts. BCSP cannot evaluate copies.qA Professional Safety Experience Form covering each

period of professional safety experience for which creditis sought.qReference Forms from at least two people.

Make a copy of all application materials for your records. Paperclip all materials together with the check or money order (ifused) on top. Do not bind your materials or place them in afolder.

Send materials to:ApplicationsBoard of Certified Safety Professionals208 Burwash AvenueSavoy, IL 61874

Hazard Identification: All activity related to the identification/verification ofconditions, methods, or processes having the potential to cause damage orinjury to people or property. Examples of tasks: visual inspections, reviewof documentation, interviews or inquiries, literature searches, applicationof hazard analysis methods or system safety analyses.

Hazard Evaluation: The review of recognized hazards associated withconditions, methods and processes or the comparing of existing hazardlevels to standards. Examples: safety testing of equipment or processes,industrial hygiene sampling and analysis, and making computations to establishthe level of hazard or risk.

Hazard Control Design: Developing or proposing new methods, devices,equipment or processes that will reduce the level of hazard exposure by anacceptable amount. Examples: literature searches and consultations withexperts, managers or others to identify potential hazard controls and theirintegration into existing designs or actually designing controls.

Hazard Control Verification: All activity carried out to ensure that existinghazard control measures are performing as designed. Examples:conducting physical audits and tests of methods, devices, equipment andprocesses and determining if hazard controls are in place and functioningproperly.

Safety/Health Program Design: The planning, preparation and proposal ofwritten policies and programmatic descriptions explaining systematic methodsand procedures and assigning responsibilities for reducing the risk of personalinjury, death or property damage. Examples: consultations and discussionswith managers and officials about new or modified safety and health programsdirectly related to hazard control efforts.

Safety/Health Program Evaluation: The review of existing safety and healthprograms in order to determine if program objectives are achieved. Examples:auditing of program activities, statistical analysis of program performance,and recommending modifications to existing programs.

Safety/Health Communication: The development of audio, audiovisual,printed materials and other communication media based on identified problems,solutions and implementations which are directed at employees, supervision,management and external audiences to assist in abating accidents, injuries,or illnesses or to inform of safety and health problems and progress (notalready included under the above categories).

Investigation and Statistical Reporting: The inquiry into complaints, claimedor real exposures, review of accidents, incidents, injuries and illnesses thathave occurred along with the review of resource literature and related standards.The determination of possible causal factors and remedial measures. Thisactivity may include the compilation of data and preparation of reports.

Safety Training/Education: The selection and packaging of hazard-relatedinformation to assist various audiences in accepting, understanding andapplying knowledge to their respective activities, duties and responsibilities. Theaudiences may include employees, supervisors, managers,professional and technical people, and the public.

Supervision of Other Safety Personnel: The direction of subordinate safetyand health personnel in order to support hazard control programs. This mayinclude routine supervision, technical guidance and evaluation of professionalperformance.

Environmental Protection: All activity carried out in order to characterize andcontrol potentially harmful agents, wastes and other effluents in order tominimize their damage to the environment and ecological systems.

Neither Safety/Health Nor Environmental Functions: All activities whichdo not fall within any of the above eleven categories.

Table 3. Professional Safety Job Functions

13

BCSP SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAMINATIONORDER FORM

Quantity: Safety Fundamentals ______Comprehensive Practice ______

Total number of copies ______ @ $95.00 each

Total order: $ __________

Illinois residents add 6.5% sales tax ($6.18) per copy: $ __________

Total payment enclosed/charged: $ __________

Ship to: Name (print) __________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________ State ___________________

ZIP Code/Postal Code _____________________ Country ______________________

Phone _________________________________

Payment method: q Personal check q Company checkq Money order q Credit/debit card

(Checks and money orders must be payable in U.S. dollars and made payableto the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Foreign checks must be drawnon a U.S. bank. Purchase orders are not accepted.)

q American Express q MasterCardq Discover/Novus q Visa

Credit/debit card number ________________________________ Expiration date __________

Signature ___________________________________________________________________

Name as appearing on card _____________________________________________________

Mail, phone, or fax your orders to:

Self-assessment Examination OrdersBoard of Certified Safety Professionals208 Burwash AvenueSavoy, IL 61874

Phone: 217-359-9263Fax: 217-359-0055

14

Fax and phone orders must use a credit or debit card.