© 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Champaign, Illinois,

USA

All rights reserved.

A BCSP Publication

All or any part of this document may be freely copied and distributed with the following
restrictions: Excerpts, in any form or medium, must include a formal statement
acknowledging that the Board of Certified Safety Professionals is the owner of the
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The CSP logo is a registered mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. “CSP”,
“Certified Safety Professional”, “ASP”, and “Associate Safety Professional” are
registered certification marks and service marks issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Safety Fundamentals Examination Guide

Sixth Edition
April 2011
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 1

OVERVIEW OF THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION................................................................................ 4

SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT .............................................................................................. 5

PREPARING FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION ............................................................................ 9

Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses .................................................................................................... 9
Having and Examination Preparation Plan .................................................................................................... 9
Developing a Test-taking Strategy ................................................................................................................ 9
Using Your Authorized Calculators (including BCSP’s Calculator Rules) ................................................ 10
Obtaining Information on the Body of Knowledge ..................................................................................... 10
BCSP-published Self-assessment Examination ........................................................................................... 11
Other Review and Study Sources ................................................................................................................ 11
Examination Integrity .................................................................................................................................. 11

SELF-EVALUATION WORKSHEET FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION .................................. 12

REGISTERING FOR AND TAKING THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION ............................................ 13

General Description ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Purchasing an Examination Authorization (including rules for candidates who need
special accommodations and rules for candidates who need to use assistive devices) .................. 13
Receiving Your Examination Authorization Letter ..................................................................................... 13
Locating a Pearson VUE Test Center .......................................................................................................... 13
Scheduling an Examination Appointment ................................................................................................... 14
Taking the Examination (including test center identification and security requirements) .......................... 14
Late Arrivals and Missed Appointments ..................................................................................................... 16
Canceling and Rescheduling Appointments ................................................................................................ 16
Examination Authorization Extensions (For Candidates Testing in the U.S. and Canada Only) ................ 16
Retesting ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Other Testing Arrangements........................................................................................................................ 16

SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES (U.S. AND CANADA ONLY) .......................... 18

SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES (OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA) ........... 19

ELIGIBILITY TIME LIMIT RULES..................................................................................................................................... 20

SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS ..................................................................................... 21

ANSWERS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS ................................................... 23

SOLUTIONS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS ................................................ 23

Note: The latest edition of the Safety Fundamentals Examination Guide may be downloaded from the BCSP web site at
www.bcsp.org/csp.
 INTRODUCTION
Using This Publication
This publication, the Safety Fundamentals Examination
Guide, provides detailed information about the Safety
Fundamentals examination leading to the Certified Safety
Professional® (CSP®) credential. A companion publication
to this document, the CSP Application Guide, provides
information on the qualifications for earning the CSP
credential and the application process. You may download
both publications from the Board of Certified Safety
Professionals (BCSP) web site at www.bcsp.org/csp, or
you may contact the BCSP office to obtain free hard
copies. Note that there is a second examination leading to
the CSP credential, the Comprehensive Practice
examination. If you need information on the
Comprehensive Practice examination, be sure to obtain a
copy of the Comprehensive Practice Examination Guide.
An overview of the Safety Fundamentals examination is
presented in this publication along with its respective
examination blueprint. Sample items typical of the Safety
Fundamentals examination are presented in subsequent
sections with solutions and explanations. A section of this
publication explains how to prepare for the Safety
Fundamentals examination. There is a section describing
computer-delivered examinations and the procedures used
at the computer test centers.
The ASP Process
The process of earning the interim Associate Safety
Professional® (ASP®) designation is summarized in the
following paragraphs.
Complete and submit application materials. BCSP will
review your application materials to determine whether you
have met the academic and experience requirements and
are eligible for the Safety Fundamentals examination. If
you are eligible, BCSP will inform you of the length of
your eligibility period and the expiration date of your
eligibility.
1
Register to take the Safety Fundamentals examination
leading to the interim ASP designation. Anytime during
your eligibility period, you may register with BCSP to take
the Safety Fundamentals examination. After you register
and pay for a Safety Fundamentals examination
authorization, BCSP will (1) notify the examination
delivery service provider that you are an authorized Safety
Fundamentals examination candidate and (2) inform you
how long you have to make an appointment and to
complete the Safety Fundamentals examination. You will
not need to complete any additional applications for
continuing to the CSP as long as your do not allow your
eligibility to expire.
Make an appointment to take your examination at a test
center near you, and sit for your examination at the
scheduled time. BCSP's examination delivery service
provider has hundreds of test centers located around the
world that are open every business day (many also have
weekend and holiday hours). Your examination will be
delivered to you on a computer at the test center. You will
receive your unofficial result as soon as you log off the test
center's computer system. In most cases, BCSP will send
you your official result within three weeks after you take
your examination.
If you fail the examination, you may register and pay for
another Safety Fundamentals examination authorization as
soon as you receive your official examination result from
BCSP. However, if you fail the examination, you should
try to enhance your knowledge of the subject material
before you retake the examination in order to increase the
likelihood of passing it.
Complete all requirements for the ASP credential. After
completing all of the requirements, BCSP will award you
interim use of the Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
designation.
Pay an annual renewal fee. The interim ASP designation
is awarded on an annual basis. Those holding this
designation must pay an annual fee in order to retain the
use of this designation.
The CSP Credential
The CSP credential is awarded to ASPs who subsequently
pass the Comprehensive Practice examination and meet the
requirements to achieve and retain the credential.
Certified Safety Professionals are:
 Respected by other safety professionals.
 Honored by the safety profession.
 Preferred or required by many employers of safety
professionals.
 Required in many government and private contracts.
 Paid on the average about $24,000 more per year1 than
safety professionals without certification.
 Likely to fill more responsible management and
executive positions than those without the CSP
credential.
The CSP credential:
 Is held by about 75% of the leaders in the safety
profession.
 Is cited in federal, state, and local laws, regulations,
and standards.
 Is recognized by U.S. and foreign safety and health
organizations.
 Adds $150 million annually to the salary base of the
safety profession.
Recipients of the CSP credential receive:
 The authority to use the Certified Safety Professional
title and the CSP credential.
 A wall certificate showing their achievement.
 An annual wallet card showing their title and
qualifications.
 A personalized BCSP certification announcement.
 The BCSP Newsletter.
 The BCSP Annual Report.
 Representation for promoting and protecting the CSP
credential.
1
Source: “Title of Latest Salary Survey”, American Industrial
Hygiene Association, 2004.
2
Definitions
A safety professional is one who applies the expertise
gained from a study of safety science, principles, practices,
and other subjects and from professional safety experience
to create or develop procedures, processes, standards,
specifications, and systems to achieve optimal control or
reduction of the hazards and exposures that may harm
people, property, or the environment.
Professional safety experience, as interpreted by BCSP,
must be the primary function of a position and account for
at least 50% of the position's responsibility. Professional
safety experience involves analysis, synthesis,
investigation, evaluation, research, planning, design,
administration, and consultation to the satisfaction of peers,
employers, and clients in the prevention of harm to people,
property, and the environment. Professional safety
experience differs from nonprofessional safety experience
in the degree of responsible charge and the ability to defend
analytical approaches and recommendations for
engineering or administrative controls.
A Certified Safety Professional, or CSP, is a safety
professional who has met and continues to meet all
requirements established by BCSP and is authorized by
BCSP to use the Certified Safety Professional title and the
CSP credential.
An Associate Safety Professional, or ASP, is a temporary
designation awarded by BCSP. This designation describes
an individual who has met the academic requirements for
the CSP credential and has passed the Safety Fundamentals
examination, the first of two examinations leading to the
CSP credential.
A Graduate Safety Practitioner, or GSP, is a temporary
designation awarded by BCSP. This designation describes
an individual who has graduated from an independently
accredited academic program meeting BCSP’s standards.
About BCSP Accreditation

BCSP was organized in 1969 as a peer certification board. The Certified Safety Professional credential meets or
Its purpose is to certify practitioners in the safety exceeds the highest national accreditation and personnel
profession. The specific functions of the Board are to: certification standards for certification bodies.

 Evaluate the academic and professional experience

qualifications of safety professionals. National Accreditation
 Administer examinations.  National Commission for Certifying Agencies2
 Issue certifications to those professionals who meet the
Board's criteria and successfully pass required
examinations.

In 1968, the American Society of Safety Engineers studied

the issue of certification for safety professionals and
recommended the formation of a professional certification
program. This recommendation led to establishing BCSP
in July 1969. The BCSP governing Board consists of 17
directors who represent the breadth and depth of safety,
health, and environmental practice, as well as the public.
Some of the directors are nominated to a pool by
professional membership organizations affiliated with
BCSP. The professional membership organizations
currently affiliated with BCSP are the following.

 American Industrial Hygiene Association

 American Society of Safety Engineers
 Institute of Industrial Engineers
 National Fire Protection Association
 National Safety Council
 Society of Fire Protection Engineers
 System Safety Society

BCSP has issued the CSP credential to over 20,000 people,

and over 12,000 currently maintain their CSP certification.

2
National Commission for Certifying Agencies, 2025 M Street
NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20036; Phone: 202-367-1165; Web:
www.credentialingexcellence.org

3
 OVERVIEW OF THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION
General Description of BCSP Examinations
There are two examinations leading to the CSP credential:
Safety Fundamentals and Comprehensive Practice. Some
candidates receive a waiver of the Safety Fundamentals
examination if they were rigorously examined through
another allied certification or licensing process approved by
BCSP or if they graduated from a qualified academic
program and BCSP awarded them temporary use of the
Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. All
candidates for the CSP credential must pass the
Comprehensive Practice examination.
The Safety Fundamentals examination contains 200
multiple-choice items with four possible answers. Only
one answer is correct. Each item is independent and does
not rely on the correct answer to any other item. Data
necessary to answer items are included in the item or in a
scenario shared by several items. Your score is based on
the number of scored items you correctly answer.
How BCSP Examinations Are Developed
Periodically, BCSP validates the content of its
examinations to help ensure that the examinations reflect
what is important, relevant, and critical in professional
safety practice. The process for validating professional
certification examinations against current practices
produces examination blueprints.
Examination Content Development and Revision
BCSP updates examinations continuously. Most items
come from safety professionals in practice. Before items
are accepted into item banks, they go through rigorous
technical, psychometric, and grammatical editing. In
addition, practicing safety professionals with expertise in
4
the subject area of the item review edited items on several
criteria, including importance in and relevance to
professional safety. Also, 10–15% of the items on BCSP
examinations are experimental, and do not contribute to a
candidate's pass/fail decision. BCSP analyzes the
performance of these experimental items before deciding to
include them in the official item bank. Items that
successfully complete this quality process are placed in the
item bank for potential use in examinations.
Throughout item development, examination development,
examination revision, and examination administration,
BCSP consults with experienced testing specialists
(psychometricians) to ensure that BCSP examinations and
the entire testing and certification process conform to
acceptable practices and accreditation standards.
How BCSP Establishes the Minimum Passing Score
BCSP uses a criterion-referenced procedure (the Angoff-
modified technique) to establish minimum passing scores
for examinations. This procedure ensures that your score is
independent of scores for other candidates sitting for the
examination and involves having a panel of experts rate
each examination item with respect to the candidate who
would just meet the minimum requirements to sit for the
examination and should know the correct answer. The
minimum passing score is calculated from results across all
raters and across all examination items. The ratings reflect
such things as the difficulty of items and the degree to
which items are common for all areas of professional
practice. As examinations are modified on a regular basis,
the minimum passing score is adjusted for the difficulty of
items on the examination. Item performance is also
evaluated regularly to ensure that BCSP examinations
maintain the highest testing standards.
 SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT

BCSP examination blueprints are based on surveys of what safety professionals do in practice. The Safety
Fundamentals examination is required for candidates to demonstrate knowledge of professional safety practice at the
Associate Safety Professional (ASP) level. The table beginning below and continuing on the next several pages
describes the subject matter covered by the Safety Fundamentals examination.

The top four levels, called domains, represent major areas of practice that safety professionals at the ASP level must
understand. Within each domain are knowledge topics. For most knowledge topics, there is a list of knowledge
areas.

Each domain heading in this table is accompanied by a percentage label. This percentage represents the proportion of
the actual Safety Fundamentals examination devoted to that domain.

Safety Fundamentals Examination

Domain 1
Recognizing Safety, Health, and Environmental Hazards
35.4%

Topic 1
Biological Hazards
Topic 2
Chemical Hazards
Topic 3
Electrical Hazards
Topic 4
Natural Hazards
Topic 5 Knowledge Areas
Radiation Hazards 1. Ionizing radiation
2. Nonionizing radiation
Topic 6
Structural and Mechanical Hazards
Topic 7
Hazards Related to Fires and Explosions
Topic 8 Knowledge Areas
Hazards Related to Human Factors and 1. Fitness for duty
Ergonomics 2. Manual materials handling
3. Organizational, behavioral, and psychological influences
4. Physical and mental stressors
5. Repetitive activities
6. Workplace violence

5
 Safety Fundamentals Examination
Domain 2
Measuring, Evaluating, and Controlling Safety, Health, and Environmental Hazards
30.9%

Topic 1 Knowledge Areas

Measurement and Monitoring
Topic 2
Engineering Controls
Topic 3
Administrative Controls
Topic 4
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Methods and techniques for measurement, sampling, and analysis
2. Uses and limitations of monitoring equipment
Knowledge Areas
1. Dust control
2. Equipment and material handling
3. Excavation shoring
4. Facility physical security
5. Fall protection
6. Fire prevention, protection, and suppression
7. Hazardous energy control
8. Human factors and ergonomic design
9. Mechanical and machine guarding
10. Segregation and separation
11. Substitution and selection of alternative design strategies
12. Ventilation
Knowledge Areas
1. Accountability
2. Behavior modification
3. Decontamination processes
4. Exposure limitation
5. Fitness for duty
6. Housekeeping
7. Labels
8. Material safety data sheets
9. Safe work permits
10. Training and education
11. Warnings and signs
12. Work zone establishment
13. Written plans, procedures, and work practices
Knowledge Areas
1. Assessment of need for personal protective equipment
2. Selection and testing of personal protective equipment
3. Usage of personal protective equipment
4. Maintenance of personal protective equipment

6
 Safety Fundamentals Examination
Domain 3
Safety, Health, and Environmental Training and Management
20.6%

Topic 1 Knowledge Areas

Training and Communication Methods 1. Adult learning techniques
2. ANSI/ASSE Z490.1 (American National Standard: Criteria for Accepted
Practices in Safety, Health, and Environmental Training)
3. Behavior modification
4. Methods of training delivery
5. Methods of training evaluation
6. Presentation tools
Topic 2 Knowledge Areas
Management Processes 1. Emergency/crisis/disaster planning and response
2. Identification of expert resources
3. Incident data collection and analysis
4. Techniques for performing incident investigation and root cause analysis
Topic 3 Knowledge Areas
1. Elements of an inspection and auditing program
Inspections and Auditing
2. Reasons to perform inspections and audits
3. Purpose and objective of ISO 19011 (Guidelines for quality and/or
environmental management systems auditing)
Topic 4 Knowledge Areas
1. Conflict resolution
Group Dynamics
2. Methods of facilitating teams
3. Multidisciplinary teamwork
4. Negotiation procedures
Topic 5 Knowledge Areas
Project Management 1. Evaluation of cost, schedule, performance, and risk
2. Project management terminology
3. Review of specifications and designs against requirements
Topic 6 Knowledge Areas
Risk Management 1. The risk management process
2. Risk analysis methods (e.g., job safety analysis, hazard and operability
analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, fault tree analysis, what-
if/checklist analysis, change analysis)
Topic 7 Knowledge Areas
Safety, Health, and Environmental 1. Purpose and objective of ANSI/AIHA Z10 (American National Standard
Management Systems for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems)
2. Purpose and objective of the ISO 14000 series of environmental
management system standards
3. Purpose and objective of the OHSAS 18000 series of occupational health
and safety management system standards
4. Purpose and objective of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration Voluntary Protection Programs

7
 Safety Fundamentals Examination
Domain 4
Business Principles, Practices, and Metrics in Safety, Health, and Environmental Practice
13.1%

Topic 1 Knowledge Areas

Basic Financial Principles
Topic 2
Probability and Statistics
Topic 3
Performance Metrics and Indicators
1. Cost benefit analysis (e.g., calculating, evaluating, and selecting the best
alternative)
2. Definition and use of life cycle cost
3. Definition and use of net present value
4. Definition and use of return on investment
Knowledge Areas
1. Concepts of probability
2. Normal (Gaussian) distribution: description, calculations, and
interpretations
3. Poisson distribution: description, calculations, and interpretations
4. Descriptive statistics: description, calculations, and interpretations (e.g.,
mean, mode, median, standard deviation, standard error of measurement,
variance)
5. Inferential statistics: description, calculations, and interpretations (e.g., t-
test, z-test, chi-square test, Pearson product-moment correlation,
Spearman’s rank correlation, linear regression techniques, confidence
intervals, control limits)
Knowledge Areas
1. Lagging indicators (e.g., incidence rates, lost time, direct costs of
incidents)
2. Leading indicators (e.g., inspection frequency, number of safety
interventions, employee performance evaluations, training frequency, near
miss/near hit reporting)
3. Economic effects of losses (e.g., cost per incident)
4. Relationship between cost of losses and the effect on profitability

8
 PREPARING FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION

You may use various approaches to prepare for the Safety you are likely to get few items correct for another subject,
Fundamentals examination: you have a better opportunity to gain points by studying
that subject.
 Perform individual study.
 Participate in informal study groups. Convert your subject strengths and weaknesses into a study
 Attend formal review courses. plan that is likely to increase your overall examination
 Complete practice examinations. score. You will want to refresh your knowledge in all
subjects. It is also a good idea to study subjects that offer
Some keys to success include: the greatest opportunity to increase your overall score.

 Knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Make a chart of subjects. List for yourself how you will
 Having an examination preparation plan. prepare for each subject. You may want to identify study
 Developing a test-taking strategy. hours for each, create a study schedule, or even chart out
how you plan to prepare for each subject (reading,
 Understanding how to use your calculator.
practicing working calculations, attending a study group or
refresher course).
Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Note that knowledge and understanding are essential in
A self-evaluation will help you determine how well you
passing the examinations. Relying only on simulated
know various subjects included on the Safety
examination items is not the best way to increase
Fundamentals examination. Simply rate yourself on each
knowledge and understanding. Use simulated items to
major and minor subject area included on the examination.
provide insight into the areas in which you should engage
Focus especially on the specific knowledge areas. The
in additional study.
safety discipline requires knowledge in many different
subjects. A rating form to help you evaluate your
Developing a Test-taking Strategy
knowledge appears at the end of this section. It is essential
for you to compare your knowledge against that contained
Knowing how to take examinations will help improve your
in the examination blueprint.
score. The Safety Fundamentals examination uses
multiple-choice items. Each item has one correct answer
Having an Examination Preparation Plan
and three incorrect answers. Remember, the goal is to get
as many items correct as possible. There is no penalty on
You can use your ratings to help establish a study plan. The
the Safety Fundamentals examination for selecting an
examination blueprint shows how the items on an
incorrect answer. However, only correct answers count
examination are distributed across domains and topics.
toward reaching the passing score.
While the exact number of items devoted to each
responsibility may vary on the actual examination, one can
Understand item construction. A four-choice, objectively
estimate about how many items may be devoted to each
scored examination item contains an item stem and four
particular subject by assuming a uniform distribution
possible answers. The premise, or lead-in statement or
within a domain.
question, is called the stem. One of the choices is correct,
and three are not.
The total number of scored items that you get correct on the
examination determines whether you pass. Scoring well in
Guess intelligently. If you do not know the answer to an
one subject area can compensate for a weaker score in
item or are not sure about it, you should guess intelligently.
another subject area. However, there may not be enough
Look for choices that you know are incorrect or do not
items in your strong areas to achieve a passing score. You
appear as plausible as others. Choose your answer from
will have to get items correct in your moderate and weak
among the remaining choices. This increases your chance
areas to pass.
of selecting a correct answer.
Use this information to form a preparation strategy. If you
Read the items carefully. Read each item carefully.
know a subject well and are likely to get most items for that
Consider the item from the viewpoint of an examination
subject correct on the examination, you have few additional
item writer. Look for the item focus. Each item evaluates
opportunities to increase your score within that subject. If

9
some subject or kernel of knowledge. Try to identify what
knowledge the item is trying to test. Avoid reading things
into an item. The item can only test on the information
actually included. Recognize that the stems for some items
may include information that is not needed for correctly
answering them.
Consider the context. Often an item is framed around a
particular industry or situation. Even if you do not work in
that industry or have not experienced a particular situation,
the item may be testing knowledge that you have. Avoid
dismissing an item because of the context or the industry in
which it is framed.
Use examination time wisely. When taking your
examination, complete those items first that you know or
can answer quickly. Then go back to items that were
difficult for you or required considerable time to read,
analyze, or compute. This approach allows you to build
your score as quickly as possible. You may want to go
back over skipped or marked items several times.
Complete skipped items. After you have gone through the
examination once or if you are running out of time, look for
items that you have not answered. Select an answer for any
skipped or incomplete item. By chance alone, you can get
one of every four correct. There is no penalty for selecting
an incorrect answer.
Go back to troublesome items. It is a good idea to mark
items that you are not sure about or items that are difficult
for you. After you have worked through the entire
examination, go back to marked items. Reread the items
and study the choices again. You may recall some
knowledge or information that you had not considered
earlier and be able to answer the item correctly. You may
also be able to eliminate a choice that is not correct and
increase your chance of guessing the correct answer.
Using Your Authorized Calculators
Some items on the Safety Fundamentals examination
require computations to obtain the correct answer. You
may bring as many as two of your own calculators, but
your calculators must comply with the BCSP calculator
rules (see Box, next column). Make sure you know how to
use your calculators to avoid wasting valuable time trying
to understand how to use your calculators once the
examination clock starts. You could also make
computational errors if you have not practiced using your
calculators. It is a good idea to practice working solutions
to computational problems to be able to recall the correct
calculator procedures.
Solutions to computational items usually are rounded to
10
two or three significant figures. You should select the
answer closest to the computed value.
You may not bring in calculator operational instructions or
other written materials to assist you with using your
authorized calculators. Your calculators will be thoroughly
inspected before you will be allowed to bring them into the
secure testing room.
NOTE: You also may use the online scientific calculator
available on your computer testing workstation.
BCSP Calculator Rules
The following are the only makes and models of calculators
permitted. Any version of these makes and models may be
used. For example, a Hewlett-Packard hp 30s is permitted,
as is a Texas Instruments TI-30Xa.
 Casio models FX-115, FX-250, FX-260, FX-300
 Hewlett-Packard models hp 9, hp 10, hp 12, hp 30
 Texas Instruments models TI-30, TI-34, TI-35, TI-36
Obtaining Information on the Body of Knowledge
Draw on your experience and on professional and study
references in your own library, a company, or a public
library. BCSP maintains an online comprehensive list of
published references that provide reasonable coverage on
the subject matter associated with BCSP examination
blueprints and safety, health, and environmental practice.
Examination items are not necessarily taken directly from
these sources, and you may have access to previous or later
editions of these or other references that also present
acceptable coverage on the subject matter. However,
BCSP believes that the references on the online list
represent the breadth and depth of coverage of safety,
health, and environmental practice.
BCSP maintains an online list of published references.
This list provides acceptable coverage of the subject matter
associated with professional safety practice at the ASP
level.
www.bcsp.org/safetypracticelibrary
BCSP-published Self-assessment Examination
BCSP publishes a self-assessment examination for the
Safety Fundamentals examination. Many candidates find it
helpful in examination preparation. The self-assessment
examination can help diagnose how well you know the
body of knowledge as well as to help refresh your test-
taking skills.
The self-assessment examination is based on the blueprint
described in this document and is half the length of a full
examination. The self-assessment examination booklet
includes a scoring sheet and a chart of correct answers. It
also includes solutions to computational items and
explanations for correct answers, along with detailed
references.
To order a self-assessment examination, please download
the order form from the BCSP web site at www.bcsp.org,
or by calling BCSP.
Other Review and Study Sources
A number of professional membership organizations, trade
organizations, colleges and universities, and private
companies offer study courses, software, and materials to
assist candidates with preparing for BCSP examinations.
Candidates often ask where to locate review courses and
materials, BCSP maintains an online list strictly as a
courtesy.
Beyond the written materials BCSP publishes (and
which are available to anyone), BCSP has no
involvement whatsoever in the development, content, or
distribution of any courses or materials associated with
preparing for BCSP examinations. BCSP neither
endorses the providers shown on the online list nor
evaluates the providers or the providers’ materials for
consistency with BCSP examination blueprints or with
any aspect of any BCSP examination.
Candidates must contact the sources directly about
materials, course schedules, fees, or matters related to
satisfaction with their products or services.
BCSP maintains the following online list of third-party
review and examination preparation service providers.
This list is maintained strictly as a courtesy and is neither
intended to be exhaustive nor is it updated regularly.
www.bcsp.org/sources
11
Examination Integrity
A key to a successful and respected credentialing program
is examination security. Without it, a peer-operated
credentialing program has little value. BCSP relies on the
ethical behavior of candidates and certificants to maintain
the security of BCSP examinations.
BCSP publishes brochures and technical documents
derived strictly from the examination blueprints. These
brochures and technical documents are available to anyone.
BCSP neither publishes nor releases any other information
or material related to the Safety Fundamentals examination.
In addition, BCSP does not provide access to any
examination or other examination-related materials to
anyone except authorized Safety Fundamentals
examination candidates.
When those who hold the CSP credential or those who are
pursuing the CSP credential reveal information about the
content of BCSP examinations (other than that which is
described in documents published by BCSP), they violate
the agreement all candidates accept when they apply for
certification and when they take an examination.
Applicants, examination candidates, or certificants who
reveal confidential information about the content of BCSP
examinations through any means also violate the BCSP
Bylaws and the BCSP Code of Ethics and Professional
Conduct.
BCSP has taken action and will continue to take action
against individuals who violate this trust. Penalties include
permanently barring individuals from pursuing the CSP
credential and revoking the certifications and designations
of those who have status with BCSP, in addition to other
legal remedies.
In addition, BCSP will pursue legal actions against
organizations, individuals not seeking certification, and
individuals who fraudulently claim or misrepresent their
intent to seek certification, who reveal information about
the content of BCSP examinations (other than information
that is described in documents published by BCSP).
 SELF-EVALUATION WORKSHEET FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION

Rate your level of knowledge on each domain and topic included on the Safety Fundamentals examination by marking each
area as H = High, M = Medium, or L = Low. Use the ratings to help establish a preparation plan for taking the
examination. Refer to the examination blueprint on pages 5 through 8.

Self
DOMAIN/Topic Area Rating
DOMAIN 1. RECOGNIZING SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Topic 1. Biological Hazards
Topic 2. Chemical Hazards
Topic 3. Electrical Hazards
Topic 4. Natural Hazards
Topic 5. Radiation Hazards
Topic 6. Structural and Mechanical Hazards
Topic 7. Hazards Related to Fires and Explosions
Topic 8. Hazards Related to Human Factors and Ergonomics

DOMAIN 2. MEASURING, EVALUATING, AND CONTROLLING SAFETY, HEALTH, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Topic 1. Measurement and Monitoring
Topic 2. Engineering Controls
Topic 3. Administrative Controls
Topic 4. Personal Protective Equipment

DOMAIN 3. SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT

Topic 1. Training and Communication Methods
Topic 2. Management Processes
Topic 3. Inspections and Auditing
Topic 4. Group Dynamics.
Topic 5. Project Management
Topic 6. Risk Management
Topic 7. Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Systems

DOMAIN 4. BUSINESS PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND METRICS IN SAFETY, HEALTH, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE
Topic 1. Basic Financial Principles
Topic 2. Probability and Statistics
Topic 3. Performance Metrics and Indicators

12
 REGISTERING FOR AND TAKING THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION
General Description
BCSP uses computer delivered examinations at test centers
operated by Pearson VUE. You do not need computer
skills. Once BCSP makes you eligible for the Safety
Fundamentals examination, and you are ready to take the
examination, you need to take the following actions.
 Purchase an Examination Authorization
 Receive your Examination Authorization Letter
 Locate a Pearson VUE test center
 Schedule an examination appointment
 Take the examination
After you take an examination, BCSP will mail your
official examination result and related materials to you.
Purchasing an Examination Authorization
After BCSP sends you a notice indicating that you are
eligible to sit for the Safety Fundamentals examination,
you may register with BCSP to take the examination at any
time within your eligibility time limit rules (see page 20).
Follow the instructions on your eligibility letter for
registering and purchasing your examination authorization.
Pay special attention to your eligibility expiration date.
Examinations for Candidates Requiring Special
Accommodations. If you require special examination
facilities or arrangements because of one or more
documented disabilities (consistent with the Americans
with Disabilities Act), you must inform BCSP of these
needs at the time you purchase an examination
authorization. You will be asked to provide official
medical documentation describing the nature of your
disabilities, the precise special accommodation(s)
recommended for you, and the name, address, phone
number, and qualifications of the licensed healthcare
professional validating your request. Pearson VUE can
accommodate almost all requests for special
accommodations. However, if special accommodations are
not available through a Pearson VUE test center, BCSP
will make other arrangements to ensure that your needs are
met. If, at the time you purchase your examination
authorization, you fail to inform BCSP of your need for
one or more special accommodations, you will not
receive them when you arrive for your examination.
Your special accommodations will not be granted until
BCSP receives and reviews your official medical
documentation and approves your request.
13
Once BCSP approves your request for special
accommodations, BCSP will notify you and provide you
with additional instructions describing how you will need
to schedule your examination appointment. Note: Be
prepared to send BCSP your medical documentation as
soon as you purchase your examination authorization.
Your 120-day examination authorization clock starts on the
day you purchase your examination authorization even if
you are requesting one or more special accommodations.
Examinations for Candidates Using Assistive Devices. If
you use (or expect to use) external assistive devices or
equipment such as crutches, a wheelchair, a cane, an
optical prosthetic, a portable oxygen system, or one or
more hearing aids, you must inform BCSP of your need to
use these external assistive devices in the secure testing
room at the time you purchase an examination
authorization. BCSP will inform Pearson VUE of your
need to use one or more external assistive devices so the
Pearson VUE test center staff can be prepared to perform
appropriate security inspections on these assistive devices
when you arrive. If you fail to inform BCSP of your need
to use one or more external assistive devices, you will not
be permitted to use your assistive devices in the secure
testing room. If you do not permit reasonable inspection,
you will forfeit your examination authorization fee.
Receiving Your Examination Authorization Letter
After you pay for an examination authorization, BCSP will
mail or email you an Examination Authorization Letter. In
it are detailed instructions for scheduling an examination
appointment at a Pearson VUE test center. Have this letter
available when you create your Pearson VUE online Web
account to schedule your appointment, or when you make
your appointment by phone.
Locating a Pearson VUE Test Center
To ensure that a Pearson VUE test center is suitably
convenient to you, visit the Pearson VUE website at
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP. Click on the "Locate a test
center" link. All test centers are open during normal
(customary) weekday business hours, and some have
weekend and holiday hours. If you do not have Internet
access, contact BCSP for assistance in locating a nearby
test center.
Scheduling an Examination Appointment
After you receive your Examination Authorization Letter,
you must schedule an examination appointment directly
with Pearson VUE. A brochure sent with your
Examination Authorization Letter will have additional
details for scheduling and rescheduling (if necessary) your
examination appointment.
BCSP examinations are available at Pearson VUE test
centers around the world. Visit the Pearson VUE website
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP to locate a test center near
you and to schedule your appointment.
Make your appointment as soon as possible after you
receive your Examination Authorization Letter since
available appointment times at Pearson VUE test
centers are reserved early. BCSP strongly recommends
making your appointment eight or more weeks in
advance. If you wait too long and find that you are
unable to make an appointment to take your
examination within your examination authorization
period, you will forfeit your examination authorization
fee, and you will have to purchase a new examination
authorization to sit for the examination, if you are still
eligible.
When you make your appointment, Pearson VUE will send
you a confirmation letter by email or mail containing your
examination appointment details along with driving
instructions and other information. After scheduling your
appointment, BCSP suggests that you confirm your
appointment location, date, and time online at
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.
Taking the Examination
Arrival and Preliminary Procedures. Plan to arrive at the
Pearson VUE test center at least 30 minutes before your
appointment starting time to help ensure your sign-in
procedure goes smoothly and to account for traffic delays.
The Pearson VUE test center staff will tell you where to
secure your coat, and other personal belongings, and show
you the location of the restrooms. If you arrive 15 minutes
or more after your appointment starting time, you will be
refused admission, and you will forfeit your examination
authorization fee.
Presenting Your Identification. The test center staff will
ask you to present acceptable identification and ask you to
sign your name in a logbook. Depending on where you are
scheduled to take your examination, the test center staff
also may take your picture and obtain electronic biometric
data to confirm your identity.
14
You must bring a valid, unexpired government-issued
identification document bearing both your picture and
signature. Your name on this identification document
must exactly match the name you used when you
applied for certification with BCSP.
If you are not a citizen of the country in which you are
testing, the only acceptable identification document is
your valid, unexpired passport.
Examples of acceptable identification for testing within the
country of your citizenship include your valid, unexpired
passport or your valid, unexpired, non-temporary North
American state or provincial driver’s license/identification
card, military identification card, national identification
card, European Identity card, or permanent resident card.
If the identification document you present is expired,
invalid, or does not have both your picture and
signature, you will be refused admission, and you will
forfeit your examination authorization fee.
There are additional identification requirements for foreign
nationals testing in the People's Republic of China and
Hong Kong, and for citizens of countries against which the
U.S. is enforcing economic and trade sanctions. If you are
in one of these situations, or if you have questions related
to the presentation of acceptable identification, contact
BCSP before scheduling your examination appointment.
Final Sign-in Procedures. The test center staff will then
provide you with materials for working out calculations by
hand. If you intend to take one or two calculators with you
into the secure testing room, the test center staff will
inspect each calculator and verify that each calculator
complies with the published BCSP calculator rules in effect
when you sit for the examination.
Examination Security. After the sign-in procedure is
completed, the test center staff will escort you into the
secure testing room and seat you at your computer testing
workstation. Other than the materials provided by the test
center staff for working out calculations and your
authorized calculators, you cannot take any notes, books,
papers, purses, hats, coats, jackets, pagers, mobile
telephones, or other materials or electronic devices into the
secure testing room. In addition, no food, drinks, snacks,
or tobacco products are permitted in the secure testing
room at any time. All such items must be stored outside
the secure testing room. You may access only your stored
food, drinks, snacks, medicine, or tobacco products (when
permitted by local law) during self-scheduled breaks you
take outside the secure testing room. You may not access
your other personal belongings at all until you complete
your examination. During breaks, you are not permitted to
have contact with anyone other than the test center staff.
Therefore, for the duration of the examination (i.e., while
your examination clock is running, including during self-
scheduled breaks), you shall not:
 Consult verbally, electronically, or in writing with
any person other than with test center staff
 Consult any written or electronic reference other
than your authorized calculator(s) and the
materials for working out calculations provided by
the test center staff
 Leave your computer testing workstation, except
to take a self-scheduled break within the building
(or part of the building) controlled by Pearson
VUE
 Leave the building (or part of the building)
controlled by Pearson VUE.
Due to the length of the examination, and because it is
likely that there will be no food or drink available in the
test center, BCSP strongly recommends that you bring your
own food, drink, or snacks and secure them for use during
your self-scheduled breaks. Also, remember to bring any
medicine you require.
Several security procedures are in place at Pearson VUE
test centers. Pearson VUE formally documents all
irregularities, and BCSP evaluates these irregularities to
determine appropriate action. Depending on the
irregularity, BCSP may invalidate your examination and
take additional disciplinary actions in accordance with
BCSP's Bylaws if you access prohibited materials, have
contact with anyone except test center staff, leave the test
center while your examination clock is running, engage in
unethical, disruptive, or unprofessional conduct, or violate
any other BCSP or Pearson VUE security procedures.
Examination Tutorial. When you are ready to begin your
examination, you will log on as instructed by the test center
staff. There will be several introductory screens, including
a screen where you will have to accept BCSP's Security
and Confidentiality Agreement prior to actually viewing
any examination content. Once you accept BCSP's
Security and Confidentiality Agreement, you will be able to
complete a brief tutorial to become familiar with the
features of the examination delivery software before
beginning the examination. BCSP strongly recommends
that you complete this tutorial. The time you spend on this
tutorial does not count toward your actual testing time.
15
Examination Duration. Once you finish the online
tutorial, your examination clock will actually begin. You
will have five hours to complete the Safety Fundamentals
examination. At the end of your examination, you will be
asked to complete a post-examination survey.
Your time remaining will appear on the computer screen.
If you leave your computer testing workstation for any
reason during the examination, your clock will continue
to run.
Examination Format. One item will appear on the screen
at a time. You may answer the item, flag the item for later
review, or skip the item completely. If you flag an item
because you intend to review the item later, BCSP
recommends that you select an answer anyway in case you
run out of time and are unable to return to review the
flagged item.
After you have seen all of the examination items, you will
be presented with a review screen that presents a list of all
items. This list will also show whether you skipped any
items or flagged any for review. You then may review
items you have flagged or skipped. Once you return to the
item, you may change your answer selection, if desired,
and return to the review screen.
Examination Environment. You may find that the
examination room is too cool or too warm or that the
computer testing workstation is not ergonomically designed
for you. In addition, you may be distracted during an
examination by noises such as mouse clicks and typing by
other examinees in the room. BCSP does everything
possible to help make your examination experience a
positive one, and many of these distractions affect people
differently. Therefore, you may want to plan for them. For
example, you should consider wearing clothing that will
allow you to remain comfortable in either a cool or warm
environment, and consider having earplugs to block as
much environmental noise as possible. You should contact
the test center staff if the environmental conditions in the
secure testing room are unreasonable.
Completing the Examination and Getting Your Unofficial
Result. Once you have completed your examination, you
will be asked to complete a brief post-examination survey.
Please complete this survey to help BCSP understand your
certification and testing experience and help us address any
problems you encountered. After submitting your survey
responses, you will be shown your unofficial result on the
screen. After you view your unofficial result, you should
log off, leave your computer testing workstation, and find a
member of the test center staff to check out.
During the check out procedure, you will have to return any
materials given to you by the test center staff. The test
center staff will then give you a printed copy of your
unofficial examination result. In most cases, BCSP will
mail your official result and score report to you within
three weeks.
Late Arrivals and Missed Appointments
If you fail to keep your scheduled examination
appointment, if you arrive more than 15 minutes beyond
the starting time of your scheduled appointment, or if you
fail to present acceptable identification to the test center
staff when you arrive for your scheduled appointment, you
will be refused admission, and you will forfeit your
examination authorization fee. To sit for the examination
after having been refused admission, you must pay a new
examination authorization fee, if you are still eligible.
Cancelling and Rescheduling Examination
Appointments
If you need to cancel and reschedule an examination
appointment, there must be one or more full business days
remaining before the date of your scheduled appointment.
Appointments cannot be canceled and rescheduled if there
is less than one full business day before the date of your
scheduled examination appointment. To reschedule an
examination appointment, a Pearson VUE test center must
have an appointment time available within the remaining
time in your examination authorization period.
If you have to cancel and reschedule your examination
appointment toward the end of your 120-day examination
authorization period, you should consider purchasing a
one-time, 60-day examination authorization extension from
BCSP.
Examination Authorization Extensions
After registering and paying for an examination
authorization, you will have 120 days to take the
examination. If you need to extend the 120-day
examination authorization period, BCSP allows you to
purchase a one-time, 60-day extension for a nonrefundable
fee. If you are eligible for this one-time examination
authorization extension, BCSP must receive and
acknowledge your payment for the extension at least two
full business days before the date your current 120-day
examination authorization period expires.
If you have an exam scheduled, contact Pearson VUE to
cancel the examination prior to calling BCSP for an
examination extension. If you fail to cancel and
16
reschedule your current appointment, you will forfeit
both your examination authorization fee and the
extension fees you paid.
BCSP cannot make, cancel, or reschedule your
examination appointment regardless of where you are
taking your examination.
Retesting
If you fail your examination, you may register and pay to
retake the examination after you receive your official result
and score report from BCSP. There is no limit to the
number of times you can register for and retake the
examination, as long as you remain eligible. You do not
have to reapply for the CSP credential after failing an
examination unless your overall eligibility has expired.
Eligibility time limit rules are described in the CSP
Application Guide.
Other Testing Arrangements
If there is not a Pearson VUE test center near you and if
you are not planning to travel to a city with a Pearson VUE
test center, BCSP can make special arrangements to deliver
a BCSP examination by special administration (including
for U.S. military personnel in DANTES facilities). Taking
a BCSP examination by special administration is
considerably more expensive than taking a computer-
delivered BCSP examination at a Pearson VUE test center.
If you believe that you will need a special examination
administration, please contact BCSP five or more months
prior to your desired examination date so we can research
providing a special administration for you. Once we
understand your special administration situation, BCSP
will contact you to explain the special administration rules
and procedures for your case and provide you with the
specific examination authorization fee and the exact
examination date and location.
17
 SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES
(Testing Within the United States and Canada)

When making plans to take a BCSP examination in the United States, its territories, or Canada, consider the following rules
for computer-delivered examinations. Current examination fees available at www.bcsp.org. All fees are subject to change.

Once you register and pay for an examination authorization, you have 120 days from your registration date to schedule an
appointment with Pearson VUE and take the BCSP examination. If you need additional time beyond 120 days, you may
purchase a one-time, 60-day extension of your examination authorization. Therefore, a maximum of 180 days is available
for you to take your examination after you register and pay for your examination authorization. No additional extensions to
your examination authorization are permitted beyond the one-time, 60-day extension.

To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly recommends
that you visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP and register online. You may also call the Pearson VUE North American
registration center at 1-866-717-3653 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. weekdays U.S. Eastern Time, closed on U.S. holidays). You
cannot schedule a new appointment or cancel/reschedule an existing appointment directly with a local Pearson VUE test
center or directly with BCSP. When you make or change your appointment with Pearson VUE, have your Examination
Authorization Letter available. After scheduling or rescheduling your examination appointment, confirm your appointment
location, date, and time online at www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.

There must be one or more full business days remaining prior to the date of your existing examination appointment for you
to cancel/reschedule the appointment. Even if you properly cancel an existing examination appointment, to reschedule it,
there must be a test center with an available appointment during the time remaining in your examination authorization
period.

If you have already made an examination appointment within the original 120-day examination authorization period, but you
decide to purchase the one-time, 60-day extension to your examination authorization, you remain responsible for canceling
and rescheduling your existing appointment.

You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:

 Fail to take the examination during the 120-day examination authorization period and you did not purchase a one-
time, 60-day examination authorization extension during the 120-day period; or
 Fail to take the examination during the 60-day extension of the 120-day examination authorization period even if
you purchased the one-time, 60-day extension; or
 Fail to show up for any scheduled examination appointment (even if you purchased an extension); or
 Are more than 15 minutes late for any scheduled examination appointment; or
 Fail to present acceptable identification to the Pearson VUE staff; or
 Fail to follow BCSP's or Pearson VUE's security and administrative procedures at the test center.

If you forfeit your examination authorization fee, you must register and pay for a new 120-day examination authorization to
take the examination, if you are still eligible.

18
 SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES
(Testing Outside the United States and Canada)

When making plans to take a BCSP examination outside the United States or Canada, consider the following rules for
computer-delivered examinations. Current examination fees available at www.bcsp.org. All fees are subject to change.

Once you register and pay for an examination authorization, you have 120 days from your registration date to schedule an
appointment with Pearson VUE and take the BCSP examination. If you need additional time beyond 120 days, you may
purchase a one-time, 60-day extension of your examination authorization. Therefore, a maximum of 180 days is available for
you to take your examination after you register and pay for your examination authorization. No additional extensions to your
examination authorization are permitted beyond the one-time, 60-day extension.

To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly recommends
that you visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP and register online. You may also call the appropriate Pearson VUE regional
registration center at one of the phone numbers shown below. You cannot schedule a new appointment or
cancel/reschedule an existing appointment directly with a local Pearson VUE test center or directly with BCSP. When you
make or change your appointment with Pearson VUE, have your Examination Authorization Letter available. After
scheduling or rescheduling your examination appointment, confirm your appointment location, date, and time online at
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.

Regional Registration Centers Outside the United States and Canada

Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean (Except U.S. Territories)
1-952-681-3872; 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. weekdays U.S. Eastern Time (closed on U.S. holidays)
Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands (Except U.S. Territories)
60-3-83191085; 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. weekdays Australian Eastern Time (closed on Malaysian holidays)
Europe, Middle East, Africa
44-161-855-7455; 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. weekdays Central European Time (closed on UK holidays)

There must be one or more full business days remaining prior to the date of your existing examination appointment for you to
cancel/reschedule the appointment. Even if you properly cancel an existing examination appointment, to reschedule it, there
must be a test center with an available appointment during the time remaining in your examination authorization period.

If you have already made an examination appointment within the original 120-day examination authorization period, but you
decide to purchase the one-time, 60-day extension to your examination authorization, you remain responsible for canceling
and rescheduling your existing appointment.

You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:

 Fail to take the examination during the 120-day examination authorization period and you did not purchase a one-
time, 60-day examination authorization extension during the 120-day period; or
 Fail to take the examination during the 60-day extension of the 120-day examination authorization period even if
you purchased the one-time, 60-day extension; or
 Fail to show up for any scheduled examination appointment (even if you purchased an extension); or
 Are more than 15 minutes late for any scheduled examination appointment; or
 Fail to present acceptable identification to the Pearson VUE staff; or
 Fail to follow BCSP's or Pearson VUE's security and administrative procedures at the test center.

If you forfeit your examination authorization, you must register and pay for a new 120-day examination authorization to take
the examination, if you are still eligible.

19
 ELIGIBILITY TIME LIMIT RULES

Three-year Rules
Three-year time limits apply to several steps in the CSP candidate process.

ASP Candidates
If you are eligible for the Safety Fundamentals examination, you must sit for the examination at least once every three
years. The three years are computed from the date you become eligible or from the date you last took the examination and
failed to achieve a passing score.
If you are eligible for the Safety Fundamentals examination and cannot sit for the examination before the expiration of your
three-year time limit, you may pay a fee and obtain a one-year extension to your time limit. If necessary, you may
purchase a second and final one-year extension at the end of the first extension for an additional fee. You may purchase
a Safety Fundamentals examination only during your period of eligibility.

CSP Candidates
If you are eligible for the Comprehensive Practice examination, you must pass the examination and earn your CSP
credential within three years of becoming eligible.
The Comprehensive Practice examination eligibility date occurs when you reach 96 points through education and
professional safety experience and have either passed or received a waiver of the Safety Fundamentals examination.
If you are eligible for the Comprehensive Practice examination and cannot achieve the CSP credential before your three-
year time limit expires, you may pay a fee and obtain a one-year extension to your time limit. If necessary, you may
purchase a second and final one-year extension at the end of the first extension for an additional fee. You may purchase
a Comprehensive Practice examination only during your period of eligibility.

Application and In-process Time Limits

ASP Candidates
All ASP candidates who need additional experience to achieve eligibility to sit for the Safety Fundamentals examination
must submit experience update information within 60 days after receiving an update request from BCSP. Your application
may be terminated if you fail to submit an experience update form within the time limit.

CSP Candidates
All CSP candidates who need additional experience to achieve eligibility to sit for the Comprehensive Practice examination
must submit experience update information within 60 days after receiving an update request from BCSP. Your application
may be terminated if you fail to submit an experience update form within the time limit. Candidates must show progress
toward fulfilling the safety experience eligibility requirement by the end of the second year after the original projected
eligibility.

Failure to meet these time limits will result in a terminated application.

Upon termination, your records will be destroyed and you will have to reapply and restart the application process.

Examination Authorization Time Limits

Once you purchase an examination authorization, you have 120 days from the purchase date to make an appointment and
sit for the examination. If you do not sit for the examination within 120 days (or purchase a 60-day extension), your
examination authorization will expire, and you must purchase another examination authorization to sit for the examination.
Once you purchase an examination authorization, make your appointment as soon as possible (eight or more weeks in
advance) since test center availability is very limited. If you have already scheduled an appointment, you must cancel it
BEFORE you purchase a 60-day extension.

20
24
 Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Advancing the Safety, Health, and Environmental Professional
Since 1969

National Accreditation
National Commission for Certifying Agencies

Membership Organizations
American Industrial Hygiene Association
American Society of Safety Engineers
Institute of Industrial Engineers
National Fire Protection Association
National Safety Council
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
System Safety Society