How to Get Started as a Safety Manager
Benefits of becoming certified as a safety manager
There are numerous safety manager certification programs available, each with their own distinct advantages and uses. The following are some broad advantages of obtaining a safety manager certification:
What is a safety manager certification?
A safety manager certification is a legal document that attests to your technical know-how and leadership abilities in the field of safety. While there are many certifications available, the majority demonstrate to potential employers, regulators, and clients that you are capable of working independently on safety projects. A certification could help you become more knowledgeable in the field and enhance your capacity for managing programs, creating regulations, and putting safety policies into practice.
College-track certifications
A bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field may be required for some certifications. Many candidates seeking additional professional recognition have obtained degrees or are close to doing so. Here are some degree-based certifications you can pursue if this describes you:
Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
Those with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an associate’s degree in health, safety, or the environment are eligible for the ASP certification. There is also a minimum one year work requirement. To be eligible, candidates must have at least 50% of their professional work experience focused on workplace safety. As long as the experience provided varied and in-depth experience in the field, this could entail working in a preventative or active safety role. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) demands that candidates pass their computer-based proctored exam in order to receive an ASP certification.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
For safety professionals who have obtained their ASP certification or another comparable BCSP qualified credential, the BCSP offers an extended certification. A bachelor’s degree and four years of professional safety experience are also prerequisites for the certification. Candidates must pass the exam in order to obtain their CSP certification, and there is one for this certification as well.
Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP)
This certification, which is additionally provided by BCSP, is for safety professionals who want to pursue their CSP certification within six years of receiving their GSP credentials. It eliminates the examination requirement for credentials like the ASP in order to assist managers in gaining expertise and knowledge prior to pursuing more advanced certifications. Although maintaining the certificate has an annual fee, it enables applicants to submit an application to become a CSP once they fulfill the certification requirements.
Non-degree based certifications
There are options available to safety professionals outside the college track, even though many safety management careers and certifications call for a pertinent degree in health or safety. Here are some options of certifications with no degree requirements:
Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
This certification is available from the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) with no prerequisites. However, having some prior industry experience may be beneficial. The program’s objective is to assist safety professionals in reducing the risk of on-site injuries, enhancing workplace morale, comprehending laws and regulations, and reducing potential liabilities. NASP places a strong emphasis on appropriate safety training and equips safety managers with the resources they need to do their jobs well.
Safety Management Specialist (SMS)
Risk management, emergency planning, incident analysis, and creating safety management models are just a few of the crucial management skills that safety management specialists are skilled in. Although a degree is not necessary for this certification, the BCSP expects applicants to have at least 10 years of professional work experience, with at least 35% of their duties directly related to safety management.
Safety Trained Supervisor (STS)
The STS certification offered by BCSP might be of interest to you if you’re looking for a more general certification that doesn’t call for any degree or work experience related to safety. Candidates must have 30 hours of safety, health, and environmental training in addition to four years of general work experience or two years of supervisory experience to be eligible. This certification gives everyone in the workplace access to crucial information about safety and best practices, regardless of professional focus.
Licensed Safety Professional (LSP)
As a manager or supervisor, becoming a certified licensed safety professional through NASP can be a great way to advance your skills. The program certifies LSPs to design and implement comprehensive safety programs as the most prestigious professional designation NASP offers. Before attempting to become an LSP, think about earning your CSM certification. LSPs implement risk management procedures to protect other workers’ health and safety. NASP offers a six-month, self-paced course with roughly 330 hours of materials to help you earn your certificate and prepare you for any safety-related situations you may run into in the field.
To become certified as an LSP, candidates must achieve a passing score of 80% on the exam.
Specialized certifications
There might be a more specialized course that is relevant to your objectives for professional development if you are interested in expanding your role in a specific industry. Here are a few credentials that might be more applicable to your area of expertise:
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
Professional industrial hygienists can obtain this certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. Two prerequisites for this certification are a bachelor’s degree and four years of industrial hygiene experience.
Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
The CHST can be a worthwhile certification to pursue if you work in construction, especially if you are interested in higher-level certifications like the CSP certification. Candidates for the BCSP must have three years of construction experience, with 35% of their responsibilities directly related to health and safety.
Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM)
Those with an interest in safety as it relates to business management may find this certification appealing. The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) offers this certification to working professionals with a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience. The certification program emphasizes working relationships, product safety, hazard and accident analysis, environmental regulations, and workers’ compensation insurance.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
FAQ
What are the best safety certifications to have?
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) .
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), American Board of Industrial Hygiene (AIBH) .
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM)
What certifications does a manager need?
- PMP® Project Management Professional. …
- Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) …
- CBPA® Certified Business Process Associate, Professional, or Leader. …
- AIPMM Certified Brand Manager. …
- AMA® Certificate in Analytical Skills.
How do I become CSP certified?
The Licensed Safety Professional title is the highest one offered by the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP). The LSP certification denotes expertise in creating and implementing comprehensive safety programs.
