ASP vs CSP: what is the difference?
Short answerThe ASP (Associate Safety Professional) and CSP (Certified Safety Professional) are both BCSP credentials. The ASP needs one year of safety experience and a 5-hour exam on core knowledge. The CSP needs four years of experience, a bachelor's degree and a qualified credential such as the ASP, then a 5.5-hour exam on applied practice.
How the two credentials fit together
Think of the ASP and CSP as two steps on the same ladder. Both are awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The ASP tests the technical knowledge a safety practitioner needs, and holding it meets the qualified credential requirement for the CSP. The CSP then tests how you apply that knowledge to programmes, risk and decisions.
ASP vs CSP at a glance
These figures come from BCSP's ASP, CSP and Credentials At-A-Glance pages. Check bcsp.org for any changes before you apply.
- Education: ASP needs a bachelor's degree in any field or an associate degree in safety, health or the environment (with at least 12 semester hours in blueprint domains). CSP needs at least a bachelor's degree.
- Experience: ASP needs one year of SH&E experience. CSP needs four years. For both, at least 50% must be preventative, professional-level work.
- Qualified credential: not needed for the ASP. Required for the CSP; the ASP, GSP and several other credentials qualify.
- Exam time: ASP 5 hours. CSP 5.5 hours. Both are computer-based at Pearson VUE test centres.
- Blueprint: ASP has nine domains. CSP has seven.
- Fees: $160 application and $350 exam for each. Renewal is $170 for the ASP and $180 for the CSP.
- Recertification: 25 points per five-year cycle for each.
What each exam covers
Per BCSP's published ASP11 blueprint, the ASP covers Mathematical Calculations (10%), Safety Programs and Concepts (25%), Ergonomics (8%), Fire Prevention and Protection (12%), Emergency Preparedness and Response (10%), Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health (12%), Environmental Management (7%), Training, Education, and Communication (11%) and Legal (5%).
Per BCSP's published CSP11 blueprint, the CSP covers Advanced Application of Safety Principles (25%), Program Management (25%), Risk Management (15%), Emergency Management (9%), Environmental Management (6%), Occupational Health and Applied Science (10%) and Training (10%).
The difference in emphasis is clear. The ASP has a dedicated calculations domain and many 'understand' and 'identify' tasks. The CSP puts half its weight on applying safety principles and managing programmes, with tasks such as evaluating hazards, budgeting, leading and lagging indicators and management of change.
Which one should you take?
If you have at least one year of qualifying experience and no qualified credential, the ASP is usually the next step. It is a recognised credential in its own right, and it opens the door to the CSP.
If you already hold a qualified credential, such as the GSP from a Qualified Academic Program or another credential on BCSP's list, and you meet the four-year experience rule, you may be able to go straight to the CSP. GSP holders must pass the CSP within six years of the GSP being awarded.
Preparing for either exam with HSE HUB
HSE HUB has separate ASP and CSP practice banks, organised by exam domain and weighted to BCSP's published blueprint, with a full explanation for every answer. Ten practice questions a day are open to everyone with no account. HSE HUB Pro adds unlimited practice, domain drills, a full 200-question mock exam scored by domain, short animated lessons and ASP and CSP study guides.
Important note
HSE HUB is an unofficial study tool and is not affiliated with BCSP. ASP and CSP are BCSP trademarks.
Questions people ask
Is the ASP easier than the CSP?
They test different things. The ASP focuses on core technical knowledge, including a calculations domain. The CSP focuses on applying that knowledge to programme management, risk management and complex hazards, and it requires four years of experience. Many candidates find the CSP's scenario-style judgement harder, while others find the ASP's breadth of calculations the bigger challenge.
Can I go straight to the CSP without the ASP?
Yes, if you already hold another BCSP qualified credential, such as the GSP or a recognised credential on BCSP's list, and meet the degree and four-year experience requirements. Without a qualified credential, the ASP is the usual route, because holding it satisfies that requirement.
How much experience do I need for the ASP and the CSP?
BCSP requires one year of safety, health and environmental experience for the ASP and four years for the CSP. For both, at least half of that experience must be preventative, professional-level work rather than purely administrative or reactive duties. Non-US degrees are evaluated for US equivalency.
Do the ASP and CSP exams have the same domains?
No. Per BCSP's published blueprints, the ASP has nine domains, led by Safety Programs and Concepts at 25%. The CSP has seven, led by Advanced Application of Safety Principles and Program Management at 25% each. Some topics, such as environmental management and emergencies, appear in both.
Do I keep the ASP after I earn the CSP?
That depends on BCSP's current rules for credential holders, which can change, so check your BCSP profile or contact BCSP directly. Whichever credentials you hold, each one has its own renewal fee and recertification requirements, and both the ASP and CSP need 25 points per five-year cycle.
Does HSE HUB cover both exams?
Yes. HSE HUB has separate ASP and CSP practice questions organised by domain and weighted to BCSP's published blueprints, with a full explanation for every answer. Anyone can try 10 a day with no account. HSE HUB is an unofficial study tool and is not affiliated with BCSP.