About the Examinations
Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
The ASP (often called CSP Safety Fundamentals exam) is the first test required in the two-test process of becoming a CSP. The five hour computer delivered test consists of 200 questions designed to measure the academic knowledge expected of the entry-level safety professional.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
The CSP Exam is the second-level examination required in the two test process. This five and one-half hour computer delivered examination consists of 200 questions that examine the candidate's applied knowledge and the application of experience gained through professional practice. Both the ASP and the CSP are administered by the BCSP.
The criteria for designation as a Certified Safety Professional is extremely high. Applicants must have a college degree and four years of professional safety experience. However, the failure rate on the ASP (Safety Fundamentals) Exam has historically been about 50%!
We believe the reason for the high failure rate is because examinees have failed to understand the scope and complexity of the test and have relied on incomplete and misleading study material, plus they generally use a shotgun approach in preparing for the exam. Our workbooks/CDs and workshops offer a focused approach instead of the shotgun approach.
Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) & Certified Loss Control Specialist (CLCS)
The OHST/CLCS is jointly sponsored by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, though the CCHEST, and provides an excellent combination technical credential. This certification does not require a college degree. The required 200 question test is equally divided between safety and health.
Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
The CHST is a relatively new certification dealing with construction safety principles and practices. The CHST is also jointly sponsored by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, though the CCHEST. It is designed for practitioners who fill job site safety positions on construction projects. This certification does not require a college degree. A single 200 question examination is required.
Eligibility for the Examinations
Your first step toward certification is to determine your eligibility for certification.
Please contact the Board of Certified Safety Professionals at 217.359.9263 or www.bcsp.org or Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists CCHEST at 217.359.2686 www.cchest.org to determine your eligibility.
| ASP | CSP | OHST/CLCS | CHST | |
| Associate Degree | In Safety and Health from a limited number of colleges | Not required | Not required | |
| Baccalaureate Degree | Yes, in any field | Not required | Not required | |
| Work Experience in Safety & Health | Typically four years or more | 5 year minimum (may substitute work experience or academics) | 1-3 years | |
| Maintenance Required | Yes, report every 5 years | Yes, report every 5 years | Yes, report every 5 years | |
| Prerequisites | ASP Exam | None | None | |
| Examination Required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
* The ASP is a temporary designation awarded after passing the ASP examination. It is a prerequisite to taking the CSP examination.