About the ASP
The Associate Safety Professional® (ASP®) certification is a widely recognized form of professional recognition by industry and government in the United States. This certification is awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the safety profession through quality certification. BCSP develops and administers occupational safety and health certification programs, including the ASP, to validate the knowledge and competency of qualified safety professionals. Earning the ASP confirms a practitioner’s foundational safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) expertise and serves as a key stepping stone toward achieving the Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®) credential.
About the CSP
The Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®) certification is a widely accepted form of recognition by industry and government in the United States. This certification is given by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) profession through quality certification. Founded in 1969, BCSP is committed to strengthening safety practice and validating professional competency through globally accredited credentials. BCSP administers occupational safety and health certification examinations and certifies qualified safety professionals, including those who meet the requirements for the CSP credential.
How to be a great CSP and ASP test taker
We’ve talked a lot about planning so far and how to approach scheduling. However, the key point which is foundational to success is being realistic with yourself. No matter how detailed or specific your plan is, if it isn’t realistic and reflective of your circumstances, then it will not work. Individuals and companies who do not have expectations that reflect the reality of their circumstances always end up with a result that falls short or is not what they were aiming for. Not only that, but it also often creates unnecessary stress and losses.
How to choose the right ASP exam date
So you’ve applied and gotten approved by BCSP to take the Associate Safety Professional® (ASP®) exam. Congratulations! Now, you need to pick an exam date. But which one?
Overall, it could be said that you have one (1) year from the approval of your application to sit for any purchased ASP examination authorization. This means you’ll want to plan your first attempt carefully—especially if you intend to use more than one attempt.
BCSP also offers an exam bundle option that includes two exam attempts, and you may purchase your exam either during the application process or after your application has been approved. If you wait too long and your eligibility period is close to ending, BCSP notes that if less than six weeks remain and you fail an exam, you may not be able to retake it within your eligibility period unless you purchase an eligibility extension (which is available in the final portion of the eligibility window and is valid for one additional year).
How to choose the right CSP exam date
So you’ve applied and gotten approved by BCSP to take the Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®) exam. Congratulations! Now, you need to pick an exam date. But which one?
Overall, it could be said that you have one (1) year from the approval of your application to sit for any purchased CSP examination authorizations. This means you’ll want to schedule your first exam attempt carefully—especially if you’re planning for a possible retake.
BCSP allows candidates to purchase the CSP exam either during the application process (as a combined application and exam option) or after the application has been approved through the candidate’s online profile. BCSP also offers an Exam Bundle, which includes two exam attempts (if needed) and a self-assessment. However, BCSP notes that you must have at least 13 weeks remaining in your eligibility period to purchase the Exam Bundle.
If your eligibility period is nearing its end, BCSP offers a one-time exam eligibility extension, which is available when you are within 60 days of your eligibility deadline. This extension provides one additional year to schedule and pass the exam.
How to make a CSP exam preparation strategy that works for you
There’s more to successfully passing the CSP exam than just studying and memorizing textbook materials. As a future candidate, it’s not enough to simply have memorized the various concepts and terminologies to get a good mark. You MUST be able to bridge the gap between what you have learned and its real-world applications. Let’s review some proven methodologies to implement into your preparation which will ensure your success in both the CRSP and in your future career.
How to make a ASP exam preparation strategy that works for you
There’s more to successfully passing the ASP exam than just studying and memorizing textbook materials. As a future candidate, it’s not enough to simply have memorized the various concepts and terminologies to get a good mark. You MUST be able to bridge the gap between what you have learned and its real-world applications. Let’s review some proven methodologies to implement into your preparation which will ensure your success in both the CRSP and in your future career.
What’s the difference between the CSP and ASP?
According to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), Associate Safety Professionals® (ASPs®) are safety practitioners who have proven knowledge of safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) fundamentals. Earning the ASP shows others you are serious about safety, confirms your foundational knowledge and skills, and supports professional development—while also serving as a key step toward the CSP.
According to BCSP, Certified Safety Professionals® (CSPs®) demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of safety practice and the skills required for practical implementation. The CSP is widely regarded as the gold standard of SH&E credentials and represents a higher-level certification for professionals who apply advanced safety expertise in real-world organizational settings.