Top 11 Safety Associate Certifications

Certifications for a safety associate are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience that employers look for. A safety associate certification can help an individual stand out from other applicants and demonstrates that they have the necessary skills to perform the job safely and effectively. Additionally, certifications can provide credibility and assurance to employers that the individual is well-versed in safety procedures and regulations. Certifications also show potential employers that the applicant has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on current industry standards, which is essential for success in any safety-related role.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the benefits of obtaining certifications for Safety Associates and how they can help advance their career.

What are Safety Associate Certifications?

Safety Associate Certification is a form of recognition awarded to individuals who demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in safety practices. This certification is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and is the second highest credential that the BCSP offers.

The certification process is designed to assess an individual’s ability to practice safety at a professional level and evaluate their knowledge of safety principles, policies, regulations, and best practices. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, incident investigation, hazard identification, emergency preparedness, ergonomics, environmental health and safety management systems.

Having this certification can provide many benefits to individuals in the field of safety. It demonstrates their commitment to safety excellence and serves as proof of their expertise for employers. It also provides them with greater opportunities for advancement within the industry since employers often view those with certifications as more knowledgeable than those without them. Additionally, having this certification can make an individual more marketable when applying for jobs or promotions. Finally, it allows individuals to stay up-to-date on current safety standards and regulations which can help them better protect employees from workplace hazards.

Pro Tip: When pursuing safety associate certification, make sure to research the requirements of the certifying organization and ensure that you have met all of their criteria. Additionally, be sure to read up on the latest safety regulations and trends in your industry to stay ahead of the curve and maximize your certification's value.

Related: What does a Safety Associate do?

Top 11 Safety Associate Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Safety Associates today.

1. OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification is a program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide safety training for workers in the construction industry. The certification consists of 10 hours of training on topics related to construction safety, such as hazard recognition, fall protection, scaffolding, and electrical safety. It is designed to help workers reduce their risk of injury or death while working in the construction industry.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification typically takes two days to complete and can be taken online or in person. Online courses are self-paced and can be completed at your own convenience. In-person courses are typically held at an approved training center and require attendance for both days.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification varies depending on where you take it and how you take it. Online courses usually range from $50-$100, while in-person courses typically cost between $150-$200.

In order to get your OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification, you must successfully complete the course and pass an exam at the end of it. Upon successful completion, you will receive a wallet card that serves as proof that you have completed the certification course.

2. OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification

OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification is a comprehensive safety program designed to provide workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to recognize, avoid, and prevent hazards in the workplace. It is intended for supervisors and workers in construction who want to gain an understanding of OSHA regulations and safety standards. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and interactive exercises that focus on hazard recognition, avoidance, control, and prevention.

The OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification course typically takes 30 hours to complete. This includes both online or in-person instruction as well as a final exam. During the course, students will learn about topics such as personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, scaffolding safety, fall protection systems, electrical safety, machine guarding requirements, health hazards in construction environments, accident investigation procedures, emergency action plans (EAPs), fire prevention plans (FPPs), lockout/tagout procedures (LOTO), confined space entry requirements, hearing conservation programs (HCPs), material handling safety requirements and more.

To get OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification you can take an online or in-person course at an accredited training provider. There are a variety of providers that offer this certification including OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIECs) or private companies that specialize in occupational safety training. You can also find courses through your local community college or university.

The cost of the OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification course varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $200-$500 per person.

3. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional designation awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP is a globally recognized safety certification for safety, health, and environmental practitioners. It is designed to recognize those who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to practice in the field of occupational safety and health.

It typically takes three to five years to obtain the CSP credential. To be eligible for the CSP exam, applicants must have a minimum of four years of full-time safety experience in addition to an approved degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also complete at least 45 hours of continuing education units within three years prior to applying for the exam.

To become certified as a CSP, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as hazard recognition and control, workplace safety management systems, emergency preparedness, industrial hygiene principles, legal compliance requirements, and more. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are administered over two days at BCSP testing centers throughout North America.

The cost for taking the CSP exam varies depending on when you register for it; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

4. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

The Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in safety, health, and environmental practices.

To become certified as an ASP, applicants must meet certain educational and professional requirements. Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in safety, health, or environmental disciplines from an accredited institution; or a combination of education and experience that totals four years. They must also have at least one year of full-time professional safety experience within the last five years.

The certification process takes approximately six weeks to complete. After submitting all required documentation and fees, applicants will receive their results via email within two to four weeks. The cost for the ASP certification is $350 USD.

5. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has been certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of industrial hygiene. CIHs are trained to identify and evaluate hazardous environmental conditions, develop solutions to reduce or eliminate such hazards, and monitor the effectiveness of these solutions.

To become a Certified Industrial Hygienist, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination administered by ABIH, and maintain their certification through continuing education. The educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene or a related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also have at least four years of professional experience in industrial hygiene.

The examination for the CIH consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as industrial hygiene principles, safety engineering, toxicology, occupational health, air sampling techniques, indoor air quality assessment, ventilation systems design, and noise control. The oral exam focuses on problem-solving skills and communication abilities.

The cost of becoming a Certified Industrial Hygienist varies depending on where you take the exams and how many times you need to retake them if necessary. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $500-$2,000 to become certified.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete all the requirements for becoming a CIH once you have met all the educational and experience requirements.

6. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification for individuals who are responsible for the management of hazardous materials. This certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The CHMM credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the safe management and handling of hazardous materials, including hazardous waste, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

To become a CHMM, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements as well as pass an exam administered by IHMM. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field plus two years of full-time experience in hazardous materials management or environmental protection. Alternatively, applicants may have four years of full-time experience in hazardous materials management or environmental protection without a bachelor’s degree.

The CHMM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as hazardous waste management, emergency response planning, air quality control, water quality control, and occupational health and safety. The exam is offered twice a year and typically takes three hours to complete.

The cost to take the CHMM exam is $550 for members of IHMM and $650 for non-members. Once the exam has been passed successfully, applicants will receive their certification within 8-10 weeks from the date they took the test.

7. Certified Health Physicist (CHP)

A Certified Health Physicist (CHP) is a professional who has achieved a high level of expertise in the field of radiation safety. The CHP designation is recognized by the American Board of Health Physics and requires successful completion of an examination that evaluates knowledge and understanding of radiation safety principles, practices, and regulations.

It typically takes approximately three years to become a CHP. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in health physics or equivalent education and experience. Applicants must also complete an application form, submit transcripts or other documentation verifying their qualifications, and pay a fee.

The cost to take the CHP exam varies depending on the applicant's profession. For example, physicians may be charged up to $1,000 while non-physicians may be charged up to $500.

Once applicants pass the exam, they are granted certification as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP). This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or passing a recertification exam every five years.

8. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certifications

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The NFPA offers certifications for individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of fire protection.

NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is the most widely recognized certification issued by the NFPA. It is designed for individuals who have at least five years of experience in the fire protection field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive written examination that covers topics such as fire prevention, building construction, detection systems, suppression systems, hazardous materials response and emergency planning. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of taking the CFPS exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $400 to $600 USD. In addition to taking the exam, applicants must also submit an application fee of $100 USD before they can be considered for certification.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, they will receive their CFPS credential from the NFPA. This credential is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to remain active. Renewal fees are typically around $50 USD per year.

9. American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certifications

American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certifications are certifications that demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of industrial hygiene. The ABIH is a non-profit organization that provides certification to qualified professionals who meet the requirements for certification.

It typically takes three to five years to obtain an ABIH certification, depending on the type of certification sought. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as safety management, hazardous materials management, health hazard evaluation, and environmental monitoring. Applicants must also have at least four years of professional work experience in industrial hygiene or a related field.

The cost of obtaining an ABIH certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $100-$400 for initial applications and $50-$200 for renewal applications. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with exam preparation courses and other services offered by the ABIH.

Overall, obtaining an ABIH certification is a great way to demonstrate expertise in industrial hygiene and can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries for those who hold it.

10. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Certifications

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is a professional organization that provides certifications to professionals in the field of safety engineering. ASSE certifications are designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to safety engineering.

To obtain an ASSE certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam. Depending on the certification sought, the required education and experience may vary. Generally speaking, applicants must have at least four years of relevant work experience and possess a degree in a related field such as occupational health or safety engineering.

In addition to meeting the education and experience requirements, applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASSE in order to receive their certification. The length of time it takes to prepare for the exam varies depending on the individual's background knowledge and study habits; however, most people take between three and six months to prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining an ASSE certification varies based on which type of certification is being sought. Typically, fees range from $250-$400 USD per certification. This fee covers the cost of taking the exam as well as any associated administrative costs.

Overall, obtaining an ASSE certification is a great way for professionals in the field of safety engineering to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to their profession.

11. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification is a certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond to medical emergencies. It is designed to help individuals recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies. The certification includes instruction on how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants; use an automated external defibrillator (AED); administer basic first aid; and recognize signs of heart attack, stroke, and other medical conditions.

The American Red Cross offers both online and in-person courses for First Aid/CPR/AED Certification. The online course takes approximately 4 hours to complete while the in-person course takes approximately 6 hours. Both courses include hands-on practice sessions where participants can practice their skills with an instructor.

To get certified in First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Red Cross, you must be at least 15 years old and have access to a computer or mobile device with internet access. You will also need a valid credit card or debit card for payment of the certification fee.

The cost of the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification varies depending on which type of course you take (online or in-person). The online course costs $90 while the in-person course costs $110.

Do You Really Need a Safety Associate Certificate?

Yes, you do need a safety associate certificate. While it is not required by law, it is highly recommended to have one in order to demonstrate your commitment to safety and health in the workplace.

Having this certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and give you an edge when applying for jobs. It also shows employers that you are serious about protecting the health and safety of yourself, your co-workers, and customers. This certificate can be used as proof that you understand the importance of following safety regulations and procedures, which can make employers more confident in hiring you.

In addition, having a safety associate certificate can open up new career opportunities for you. For example, many companies require their employees to be certified in safety practices before they can begin working on certain projects or tasks. Having this certification will make it easier for you to get these types of positions. Additionally, some employers may offer higher pay or better benefits to those who have received this type of certification.

Overall, having a safety associate certificate is beneficial for both job seekers and employers. It shows potential employers that you take safety seriously and gives them confidence in hiring someone who understands the importance of keeping everyone safe at work. Therefore, if you want to increase your chances of getting hired or advancing your career, obtaining a safety associate certificate is highly recommended.

Related: Safety Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Associate Certifications

1. What is a Safety Associate Certification?

Answer: A Safety Associate Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates competency in safety practices, procedures, and standards. It is attained by taking a course or exam and passing with an acceptable score.

2. Who needs a Safety Associate Certification?

Answer: Many employers require their employees to have a Safety Associate Certification as part of their job requirements. It may also be beneficial for those who are looking to work in the safety industry or advance their career in the field.

3. How long is a Safety Associate Certification valid for?

Answer: The validity of a Safety Associate Certification depends on the issuing organization, but most certifications are valid for two years from the date of issue.

4. What topics are included in a Safety Associate Certification?

Answer: Topics covered in a Safety Associate Certification typically include hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, fire safety, emergency preparedness and response, health and safety regulations, ergonomics and risk assessment.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Safety Associate?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Safety Associate Certification varies depending on the issuing organization and type of certification program chosen; however, most programs range from $200-$500 USD.