Top 10 Safety Professional Certifications

Certifications for safety professionals are important in the job market because they demonstrate a professional’s commitment to their profession and to their knowledge of safety regulations. Certification shows employers that a safety professional has taken the time to gain expertise in the field, which can give them an edge over other applicants. It also serves as a validation of a safety professional’s skills and abilities, and is often seen as a mark of excellence. Certifications can also provide access to higher paying jobs and career advancement opportunities, as well as help with networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Safety Professionals and explains how they can contribute to a safety professional's career growth.

What are Safety Professional Certifications?

Safety Professional Certification is a type of certification program designed to ensure that individuals who work in the field of safety are properly trained and qualified to perform their duties. This type of certification is often required by employers, especially in industries where safety is a major concern. For example, many industrial and manufacturing settings require safety professionals to have this certification before they can be hired or promoted.

Safety Professional Certification typically consists of courses that cover important topics such as risk assessment, hazard control, accident investigation, legal issues, and emergency preparedness. The courses also include hands-on activities that help participants gain practical experience in the field. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate that verifies their knowledge and skills in the area of safety management.

Having a Safety Professional Certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the field of safety management. It also demonstrates an individual's commitment to learning more about the industry and staying up-to-date on current trends and best practices. Additionally, having this certification may open up opportunities for advancement within the company or organization since employers often want employees with specialized expertise in safety management. Finally, having this certification can be beneficial in terms of career development since it shows potential employers that an individual has taken initiative to further their knowledge and skillset related to safety management.

Pro Tip: When considering a safety professional certification, make sure to research both the institution offering the certification and the industry standards for safety certifications. Additionally, it's important to look for accreditation from a reputable organization, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the International Association of Safety Professionals (IASP). This will ensure that your certification is recognized by employers and meets all relevant industry standards.

Related: What does a Safety Professional do?

Top 10 Safety Professional Certifications

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

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) to recognize individuals who demonstrate competency in the practice of safety and health. The CSP certification is designed to help employers identify qualified safety professionals, and it also helps safety professionals advance their careers through recognition of their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

To obtain the CSP certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any field plus four years of professional-level safety work experience. Alternatively, applicants may have an associate's degree plus six years of professional-level safety work experience. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by BCSP.

The cost for obtaining the CSP certification varies depending on whether you are already a BCSP member or not. For non-members, the total cost is $595 USD; this includes both the application fee ($250 USD) and exam fee ($345 USD). For members, the total cost is $495 USD; this includes both the application fee ($150 USD) and exam fee ($345 USD).

The amount of time it takes to get your CSP certification depends on how quickly you can complete all of the required steps: submitting your application, meeting all eligibility requirements, passing the exam, and completing any additional paperwork that may be required by BCSP. Generally speaking, it can take several months to complete all of these steps due to processing times associated with applications and exams.

2. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a certification issued by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize the basic competencies required for entry-level safety professionals. The ASP certification is intended for those who have less than four years of experience in the safety field, and it provides a foundation for further professional development.

To become an ASP, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, which vary depending on your background. Generally, applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety or health, or at least two years of documented full-time safety work experience. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by BCSP.

The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazard identification and control, workplace safety management systems, emergency preparedness and response, and occupational health and environmental protection. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of taking the ASP exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $250-$400 USD. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee to maintain your certification status with BCSP. This fee is currently $50 USD per year.

3. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technologists (OHST) are professionals who specialize in the prevention of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses. They work with employers to develop safety policies and procedures, inspect workplaces for potential hazards, and train employees on how to safely perform their jobs. OHSTs also investigate accidents to determine the cause and recommend corrective action.

A bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field is typically required to become an OHST. Depending on the program, it can take up to four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states may require certification or licensure for OHSTs; these requirements vary by state.

In order to become certified as an OHST, you must pass the Certified Occupational Health & Safety Technician (COHST) exam administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety management systems, hazardous materials management, environmental protection standards, industrial hygiene principles, ergonomics principles, accident investigation techniques, fire protection principles, and more. The cost of taking the COHST exam is $450 USD.

Once certified as an OHST you will be qualified to work in a variety of industries including manufacturing plants; healthcare facilities; construction sites; educational institutions; government agencies; chemical plants; nuclear power plants; oil refineries; transportation companies; mining operations; military bases; airports; amusement parks; and more.

4. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional designation awarded by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). CIHs are experts in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that can cause injury or illness. They use their knowledge of engineering, chemistry, toxicology, and other sciences to identify and assess potential health risks in the workplace.

To become a CIH, an individual must have at least a bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene or a related field and must pass the comprehensive CIH exam administered by ABIH. The exam consists of four parts: Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene; Hazard Recognition and Evaluation; Control Strategies; and Professional Practice.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between 6-12 months depending on the individual's experience level. To get started, individuals must first submit an application to ABIH along with documentation verifying their education and/or experience in industrial hygiene or a related field. Upon approval of the application, individuals will be allowed to register for the exam. Once registered for the exam, individuals should begin studying for the test using study materials provided by ABIH.

The cost to become certified varies based on whether you are an existing member of ABIH or not. For non-members, it costs $750 plus applicable taxes to take the exam while members pay $600 plus applicable taxes. Additionally, there is an annual fee for maintaining certification which is currently set at $150 per year for members and $200 per year for non-members.

5. Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM)

Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The CHCM certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who manage hazardous materials in the workplace. It is intended for individuals who are responsible for managing hazardous materials and/or supervising personnel that handle or work with hazardous materials.

It typically takes 8-12 months to complete the requirements for CHCM certification. To become certified, applicants must complete an approved training program in hazardous materials management, pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as health and safety regulations, environmental protection regulations, risk assessment, emergency response planning, and other related areas. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with hazardous materials in order to be eligible.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the type of training program chosen and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

6. Certified Environmental, Health & Safety Trainer (CET)

Certified Environmental, Health & Safety Trainer (CET) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the areas of environmental, health and safety training. The CET certification is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

To become certified as a CET, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least two years of professional experience in environmental, health and safety training.
• Pass a comprehensive written examination that covers topics such as hazard recognition and control, risk assessment, legal compliance, and training methods.
• Submit documentation of continuing education credits related to environmental, health and safety topics.
• Maintain current membership with BCSP.
• Abide by BCSP’s Code of Ethics.
• Satisfy recertification requirements every three years.

The CET exam is available twice per year through Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States. The cost for the exam is $425 for BCSP members or $525 for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their certification.

7. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

The Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional designation offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in fire protection engineering, fire prevention, and life safety systems. The CFPS credential is designed for individuals who are involved in the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and inspection of fire protection systems.

To become a CFPS, you must have at least four years of experience in the field of fire protection engineering or related disciplines. You must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by the NFPA to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as fire dynamics, building construction, codes and standards, system design and installation, inspection and testing procedures, and fire protection system maintenance. The practical portion includes hands-on activities such as inspecting and testing equipment.

The cost of obtaining the CFPS credential varies depending on the type of training program you choose to take. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with registering for the exam and any continuing education courses required to maintain your certification status.

In terms of time commitment to obtain the CFPS credential, it typically takes about six months to complete all requirements including passing the exam. However this timeline can vary depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam each week.

8. Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)

Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in construction safety. The CHST certification is administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

The CHST certification requires completion of an application process that includes passing a written exam. Candidates must have at least four years of full-time safety experience in the construction industry and must have completed at least 24 hours of safety-related training within the last five years.

The cost for the CHST exam is $350 USD. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Candidates will receive their results immediately after completing the exam. If a candidate passes the exam, they will receive their official certificate from BCSP within 4-6 weeks.

In order to maintain their CHST certification, candidates must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every three years.

9. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional certification for individuals who manage risk in the financial services industry. It is offered by the International Association of Professional Risk Managers (IAPRM). The CRM designation is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the field of risk management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become certified, depending on the individual's background and experience. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, risk management strategies, financial regulations, and capital markets.

The cost of obtaining the CRM designation varies depending on the country or region where you are taking the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

10. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of healthcare quality professionals. The CPHQ certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

The CPHQ certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience in healthcare quality management, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of healthcare quality principles, processes, and practices.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CPHQ exam, depending on how much time you are able to devote to studying. You can prepare for the exam by taking courses offered by NAHQ or other organizations, reading books or articles related to healthcare quality management, attending conferences and seminars, or taking practice exams.

The cost of the CPHQ exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it costs $450 for NAHQ members and $550 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with online proctoring services if you choose to take the exam remotely.

Once you have passed the CPHQ exam, you will receive your certificate from NAHQ and will be recognized as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

Do You Really Need a Safety Professional Certificate?

Safety professionals are responsible for ensuring the safety of employees and customers in a wide variety of industries. They must be knowledgeable about relevant safety regulations, procedures, and best practices. As the importance of workplace safety has become increasingly recognized, many employers now require their safety professionals to have a Safety Professional Certificate.

The Safety Professional Certificate is a certification program offered by the National Safety Council that requires applicants to pass an exam and complete a coursework component. The coursework focuses on topics such as occupational health and safety management systems, accident investigation, emergency preparedness, hazard control, and more. The certification provides assurance that the holder is sufficiently qualified to manage safety-related tasks within their organization.

Whether or not you need a Safety Professional Certificate depends largely on your career goals and current job responsibilities. If you are already employed as a safety professional or if you aspire to become one, then obtaining this certification can be beneficial because it demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to workplace safety standards. It also serves as proof that you have met certain industry requirements for performing various tasks related to workplace safety.

On the other hand, if you are employed in another field but interested in learning more about workplace safety standards or expanding your skillset beyond your current role, then obtaining a Safety Professional Certificate may not be necessary for you at this time. In this case, it’s important to ask yourself what value it would add to your current job or future career aspirations before committing to taking the exam and completing the coursework associated with the certification program.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Safety Professional Certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances. However, if you decide that obtaining this certification is right for you, it can provide valuable evidence of your knowledge in this area as well as open up new opportunities for career advancement.

Related: Safety Professional Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Professional Certifications

Q1. What is a safety professional certification?

A1. A safety professional certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills to work in the field of safety and health. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or governing body after successful completion of an examination.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a safety professional certification?

A2. Having a safety professional certification can help you stand out from other job applicants, demonstrate your commitment to safety, and increase your earning potential. It can also help employers ensure their employees have the necessary skills to protect themselves and others from workplace hazards.

Q3. How do I get certified as a safety professional?

A3. You must meet certain criteria set by the certifying organization or governing body before you can become certified as a safety professional. Generally this includes completing educational requirements, passing an exam, and submitting proof of experience in the field.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. The time it takes to become certified depends on factors such as the type of certification you’re seeking, how much experience you have in the field, and whether you need additional education or training to qualify for the certification. In most cases it will take several months up to one year to complete all requirements for becoming certified as a safety professional.

Q5. How often do I need to renew my safety professional certification?

A5: Renewal requirements vary by certifying organization or governing body, but typically involve completing continuing education credits or retaking an exam every few years in order to maintain your credential status.