Certified Safety Professional Education Requirements and Career Info

A certified safety professional assesses potential hazards and applies countermeasures to minimize accidents that may harm people, property and the environment. They are educated in various physical, biological and chemical dangers. Knowledge in math, engineering concepts, behavioral sciences, construction, manufacturing and business are essential to a career in safety. Being certified as a safety professional ensures that an individual has met specified educational and experience standards.

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Education Requirements for Certified Safety Professionals

The minimum educational requirement to become a certified safety professional is a 2-year college degree in safety and health; however, many employers require a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety or a closely related field. Master's degrees related to occupational safety are also available.

Those seeking specialization in a particular safety field may pursue additional education in the form of on-the-job training or classroom instruction. Common safety courses include topics such as occupational safety and health standards, risk analysis, safety technology, safety inspections, accident investigations and safety laws.

Earning Safety Professional Certification

To receive the credential of Certified Safety Professional (CSP), an individual must meet an educational requirement, have at least three years of experience working as a safety professional and pass two comprehensive exams. The required exams test an individual's knowledge of safety fundamentals and practical applications. This nationally accredited certification is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (www.bcsp.org).

Following the certification process, individuals must pay an annual fee and meet various continuing education requirements to maintain their status as certified safety professionals. Recertification is typically required every five years.

Certified Safety Professional Career Info

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for occupational health and safety specialists were expected to increase by 11% between 2008-2018. Safety professionals earned a median annual wage of $62,250 as of May 2008 (www.bls.gov).

Individuals with broad educational backgrounds or graduate degrees may have expanded career prospects. In addition, certified safety professionals are required to be detail-oriented and responsible so that they can quickly note potential hazards and prepare to resolve them. Good communication skills are also necessary to excel and advance in this career.

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3 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 18 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Distance Learning Programs

    • Non-Degree
        • AS in Engineering Technology

    What is your highest level of education?

  • School locations:
    • Florida (6 campuses)
    • Idaho (1 campus)
    • Indiana (1)
    • Louisiana (2)
    • Michigan (5)
    • Oregon (1)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    • Bachelor
        • Bachelor in Industrial Automation Engineering Technology
    • Associate
        • Associate in Industrial Engineering Technology

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Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
        • Occupational Safety Technologies
      • Math
  • School locations:
    • Connecticut (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Connecticut include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Biomedical and Medical Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Engineering Physics
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
        • Occupational Safety Technologies
      • Materials Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Metallurgical Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Texas (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at The University of Texas include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
        • Occupational Safety Technologies
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Louisiana (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Southeastern Louisiana University include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
        • Occupational Safety Technologies
      • Math
  • School locations:
    • Pennsylvania (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Indiana University of Pennsylvania include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
        • Occupational Safety Technologies
      • Math
  • School locations:
    • New York (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Rochester Institute of Technology include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Drafting and Design Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
        • Occupational Safety Technologies
      • Materials Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Metallurgical Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Oklahoma (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Central Oklahoma include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Non-Degree: Diploma
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Biomedical and Medical Engineering
      • Engineering Physics
      • Manufacturing Engineering
        • Industrial Safety Technologies
        • Occupational Safety Technologies
      • Math

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics