AboutMike Brown CSP Retired Expertise I specialize in the professional management of occupational safety and health as well as workers` compensation to reduce losses and improve production and address related issues through a comprehensive approach by senior management using proven principals.I worked for over twenty (20) years in the management of occupational safety, health and workers` compensation and safety training (Retired from employment in 1996 due to a stroke, which prevented the extensive travel required).
Question Hello
I am considering a change in careers and am thinking about pursuing some certifications in the safety field. Could you please tell me the difference between a CSP and a licensed safety professional? I've looking at some of the courses offered online through nasp. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Answer Subject: certifications
Question: Hello, I am considering a change in careers and am thinking about pursuing some certifications in the safety field. Could you please tell me the difference between a CSP and a licensed safety professional? I've looking at some of the courses offered online through NASP. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Answer: I am not familiar with the National Association of Safety Professionals (web site: http://www.naspweb.com/) or been involved with any of their members that I am aware of. I cannot speak to the quality of the courses they offer. It would appear that the way to obtain the “Licensed Safety Professional” designation they offer is by taking their courses and exams. I am very prejudice in this matter - I have never been supportive of “for profit” organizations, societies, etc. That is strictly my personal feelings and I am sure there are many who would not (do not) agree. (Sometimes I hear from these individuals and/or groups but they waste their time for I am also a certified SOF – Stubborn Old Fool although my wife has a different term.) Would I hire someone who was a “LSP”? Maybe – but that would not carry the weight that a CSP designation or a degree from an accredited college or university would.
My recommendation would be to associate with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE – web site: http://www.asse.org/) and review the type and availability of classes and courses they sponsor. I have attended some of these over the years and would recommend them highly. The CSP certification is awarded on the basis of education and/or experience which meet the standards established by the board (Board of Certified Safety Professionals or BCSP). Certification requires passing one or more comprehensive examinations as well as qualifying experience and education. Then you must maintain the certification by a combination of experience and education. Since that is the route I chose to go it is natural that it would be my recommendation. Information on the current and/or specific requirements can be found at the web site: http://www.bcsp.org/bcsp/index.php.
At this point I would recommend that you talk to as many people working in the field of occupational safety and health and as possible and determine which of the many directions available best suits your personal goals and desires. In any case, I wish you all the best – the field of safety was something I found very interesting and rewarding and never regretted the slight change in directions my career took. (I graduated from Oregon State University as a logging engineer.)
Michael Brown, CSP Retired
