How Do I Become a Certified Safety Specialist?

Before you pursue a career as a certified safety specialist, you must first determine which governing body governs the certification process in your area. You can find out about certification at your company or on a government website; in the United States, for example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines workplace safety regulations, so you’ll need to research these guidelines to become a certified safety specialist. Private companies may require certification from third parties, so be sure to check ahead of time to see what requirements are in place.

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals is another governing body that can assist you in becoming a certified safety specialist (BCSP). Because the BCSP and OSHA have formed an alliance, many of the requirements of the two organizations may overlap. Other countries have similar regulatory bodies; the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) in Europe, for example, regulates certification. You’ll need an associate’s degree in health or safety, though you might also need a bachelor’s degree in some cases. After earning this degree, you’ll need to gain experience in the health and safety field; you can do so taking an entry-level position in the field and learning as much as you can about safety and health planning administration.

To become a certified safety specialist, you must pass certification exams after completing your job training or experience. Studying for such an exam will be a wise decision; an experienced safety specialist can advise you on how to prepare for such exams. Make sure you know how many times you can take the exam in order to pass; once you’ve taken it once, you may have to wait a certain amount of time between examination periods.

If you work in the field of safety or health, your employer may be able to assist you in becoming a certified safety specialist providing on-the-job training and even paying for additional training or studies. The employer may also provide you with the opportunity to take the exam while covering any associated costs. Although not every employer will do so, you can inquire about any assistance that may be available. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay for your studies on your own; it’s a good idea to look into different fees ahead of time so you can budget for your certification and preparations.