Top 11 Safety Specialist Certifications

Certifications for safety specialists are extremely important in the job market. They demonstrate to employers that the safety specialist has obtained necessary knowledge and skills to work in the field, and they also provide employers with assurance that the specialist is knowledgeable and qualified. Certifications also show employers that the safety specialist is committed to their profession and willing to take additional steps to stay current on best practices and regulations. Additionally, certifications can help a safety specialist stand out from other applicants, as they indicate a higher level of expertise than those without certifications.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Safety Specialists and explains how they can help advance career opportunities in the field.

What are Safety Specialist Certifications?

Safety specialist certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in safety and health management. It is designed to help employers identify qualified safety professionals and to provide safety professionals with recognition for their advanced knowledge of safety practices.

The certification process typically involves passing a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge of various safety topics such as risk assessment, hazard analysis, workplace inspections, accident investigation, health and environmental protection, emergency preparedness, and more. Passing the exam indicates that the individual has demonstrated a mastery of the material covered in the exam and has earned the title of “Safety Specialist.”

Having a Safety Specialist certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, it provides assurance that they are employing qualified individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of key safety principles. This can help ensure that their workplace meets all applicable regulations and standards as well as promote employee morale by providing employees with additional training opportunities. For employees, having this certification may make them more attractive to potential employers and can help further their career advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering a safety specialist certification, make sure to research the certification requirements and ensure that they meet the minimum standards set by your local regulatory body. Additionally, look for certifications that offer continuing education credits to stay up-to-date on the latest safety trends and regulations.

Related: What does a Safety Specialist do?

Top 11 Safety Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional designation awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is an internationally recognized certification for safety, health and environmental practitioners. The CSP credential indicates that the individual has demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of safety, health and environmental management.

It typically takes 3-5 years to obtain the CSP certification. To become certified, individuals must meet education, experience, and examination requirements set forth by BCSP. Education requirements include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in safety or related field from an accredited college or university. Experience requirements include at least four years of professional level safety work experience within the last ten years prior to application. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive written exam administered by BCSP.

The cost to apply for the CSP certification varies depending on whether you are an initial applicant or a recertification applicant. Initial applicants pay $395 USD while recertification applicants pay $295 USD. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake any portion of the exam or if you require extra time on the exam.

2. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has demonstrated expertise in the science of industrial hygiene. Industrial hygiene is the practice of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers’ injury or illness. CIHs are employed by companies to identify and control hazardous environmental factors such as chemicals, noise, radiation, and biological agents.

It typically takes between three and five years to become a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). During this time, individuals must complete an accredited bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene or a related field such as public health or safety engineering; pass the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) certification exam; and obtain at least four years of experience in industrial hygiene.

To become a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), you must first meet the eligibility requirements established by the ABIH. These include having a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in industrial hygiene or a related field; passing the ABIH certification exam; and obtaining at least four years of experience in industrial hygiene. Once these requirements have been met, you can apply for certification through the ABIH website.

The cost to become a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) varies depending on your individual circumstances. The application fee for the ABIH certification exam is $395 USD, plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at an approved testing center. Additionally, some employers may require applicants to pay for their own continuing education courses or other training programs related to their job duties as an industrial hygienist.

3. Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM)

Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM) is a professional certification program designed to help safety professionals demonstrate their expertise in hazard control and risk management. The CHCM certification is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), an independent, non-profit organization that provides certifications for safety, health, and environmental practitioners.

The CHCM certification is intended for safety professionals who have at least five years of experience in hazard control and risk management. It requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as hazard identification and evaluation, hazard control strategies, incident investigation, emergency response planning, regulatory compliance, and more.

In order to apply for the CHCM certification exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of five years of experience in hazard control and risk management;
• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
• Be currently employed as a safety professional;
• Pass a criminal background check;
• Submit two letters of recommendation from current or former employers.

The CHCM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The cost of the exam is $395 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CHCM certification within four to six weeks.

4. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a professional certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and abilities of entry-level safety professionals. The ASP credential is intended to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a basic level of competency in safety management practices, and can provide value to employers in the area of workplace safety.

The ASP credential requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard identification and control, safety program management, occupational health and ergonomics, emergency preparedness, and environmental health. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

To obtain the ASP credential, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements set by BCSP. These include having a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university; at least four years of experience working in safety; or completion of BCSP’s Safety Fundamentals Certificate Program (SFCP). In addition, applicants must pass the ASP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the ASP exam varies depending on whether you are a BCSP member or non-member. For members, the cost is $295 USD; for non-members it is $395 USD. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake the exam or if you need to transfer your application from one jurisdiction to another.

5. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) is a professional designation for individuals who are knowledgeable in the field of occupational health and safety. OHSTs have the ability to identify, evaluate, and control occupational hazards in order to protect workers from injury or illness. They also work to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to workplace safety.

It typically takes two years of study to become an OHST. The first year involves completing an associate's degree in occupational health and safety or a related field such as industrial hygiene or environmental science. After completing the degree program, students must then pass the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Certified Occupational Health Technician (COHT) certification exam. This exam covers topics such as workplace safety regulations, hazard recognition and control methods, emergency response planning, and medical surveillance programs.

The cost of becoming an OHST varies depending on the institution offering the program but can range from $2,000-$20,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the COHT certification exam which can range from $100-$500 USD depending on where it is taken.

Overall becoming an OHST requires dedication and commitment but can provide a rewarding career path for those interested in protecting worker health and safety.

6. Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)

A Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) is a professional who has been trained to identify, evaluate, and control safety hazards in the construction industry. A CHST is knowledgeable about applicable safety regulations and standards, as well as the principles of industrial hygiene.

In order to become a CHST, an individual must complete a rigorous training program that includes coursework in topics such as accident investigation, hazard recognition and evaluation, hazard control methods and techniques, and safety management systems. The program typically takes between one to two years to complete.

To become certified as a CHST, individuals must pass an examination administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The cost of the exam varies depending on the state where it is taken but generally ranges from $200 - $400.

7. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and understanding of fire protection systems, principles, and practices. The CFPS credential is widely recognized as an industry standard for those working in the fire protection field.

The CFPS program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as fire codes, standards, design criteria, installation requirements, inspection procedures, and testing methods. The oral exam focuses on problem-solving skills and the ability to apply technical knowledge in real-world situations.

To become certified as a CFPS, you must first meet eligibility requirements set by NFPA. This includes having at least five years of experience in the fire protection field or having completed an accredited degree program in fire protection engineering or technology. After meeting these requirements, you can register for the written and oral exams through the NFPA website.

The cost of the CFPS certification varies depending on how you choose to take it. If you take both exams at once, it will cost $1,200 plus any applicable taxes. If you choose to take them separately, each exam will cost $600 plus any applicable taxes.

8. Certified Environmental Trainer (CET)

A Certified Environmental Trainer (CET) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in environmental training. The CET designation is awarded by the International Association of Environmental Trainers (IAET) and is recognized as an industry standard for environmental training professionals.

The certification process includes completing an application, passing a written exam, and participating in an interview. The written exam covers topics such as environmental regulations, safety procedures, hazardous materials management, and emergency response. The interview focuses on the applicant’s experience in environmental training and their ability to effectively communicate with clients.

The certification process typically takes about two months to complete. Applicants must submit their completed application along with a fee of $250 USD to IAET for processing. Upon successful completion of the certification process, applicants will receive a certificate from IAET recognizing them as a Certified Environmental Trainer.

The cost of becoming a Certified Environmental Trainer varies depending on the individual's experience level and whether or not they require additional training courses prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 - $1,500 USD to become certified depending on these factors.

9. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risk in their organizations. The CRM certification program focuses on developing an understanding of risk management principles, processes, and techniques. It provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to risk management.

To obtain the CRM designation, individuals must successfully complete a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as risk identification, assessment, control, monitoring, reporting, and communication. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CRM designation, applicants must have at least five years of experience in a related field or two years of experience in risk management. Applicants must also have completed at least 40 hours of approved training courses related to risk management prior to taking the exam.

The cost for taking the exam is $495 USD. This fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as one attempt at the actual exam. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you will need to pay an additional fee for each subsequent attempt.

10. Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in emergency management and who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession. The CEM credential is recognized as the premier certification for emergency managers worldwide.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become certified, depending on an individual’s prior experience and education. To be eligible for the CEM credential, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including: having at least three years of full-time emergency management experience; completing a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in emergency management; passing an examination; and submitting two letters of reference from professional colleagues.

The cost to apply for the CEM credential is $400 USD for IAEM members and $600 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of exam administration, processing fees, and other related expenses. Additionally, applicants may need to pay additional fees if they require additional testing or review services.

11. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQA certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in auditing quality systems.

The CQA certification requires that applicants have a minimum of eight years of work experience in quality assurance or related fields, with at least three years of auditing experience. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality principles, audit techniques, and management systems.

The CQA certification process typically takes six to nine months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete an application form, submit proof of their work experience, and register for the exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the exam at a local ASQ testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost of the CQA certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with ASQ. For non-members, the cost is $519; for members it is $419; and for students it is $319. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or proctor fees if you choose to take it online.

Do You Really Need a Safety Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not you need a safety specialist certificate is ultimately up to you and your goals. If you’re looking to advance in the safety field, then having a certification can be beneficial. It shows that you have taken the time to learn about safety procedures and are committed to working towards creating a safe work environment.

The certification also demonstrates that you understand the importance of following safety protocols and can effectively implement them in a workplace setting. Having this knowledge can make employers more likely to hire or promote you, as it proves that you possess the skills needed for the job. Additionally, if your job involves making decisions related to safety, having a certification may give employers greater confidence in your abilities.

That said, it’s important to note that earning a safety specialist certificate isn’t always necessary for success in this field. Depending on the industry or organization, some employers may not require additional credentials beyond basic qualifications such as education and experience. For these jobs, having a certificate may not be necessary, but it could still give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue getting certified is up to you and should depend on what kind of career path you want to take in the safety field. If certification is something that appeals to you and would help further your professional development goals, then going for it may be worth considering.

Related: Safety Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Safety Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Safety Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in safety management, hazard prevention, and occupational health and safety principles. It is typically earned through successful completion of education courses or examinations.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Safety Professional (CSP)?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a CSP include greater job opportunities, higher salaries, improved credibility and recognition as an expert in the field, increased networking opportunities, and access to exclusive resources such as publications and conferences.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

Answer: The exact qualifications to become certified vary depending on the certification program you choose to pursue. In general, most programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in safety related field or equivalent experience in the field, plus passing scores on required examinations.

4. How long does it take to earn a Safety Specialist Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to earn a Safety Specialist Certification depends on which program you choose as well as how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for exams and completing coursework. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within one year if you are able to devote enough time and effort into studying for exams and completing coursework on schedule.

5. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the program you choose but generally range from $500-$2000 USD including exam fees, application fees, membership dues (if applicable), etc.