Board of Certified Safety Professionals

What Board of Certified Safety Professionals does

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is a 501(c)-style non-profit professional certification organization founded in 1969 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. BCSP administers an ANAB-accredited (ISO 17024) portfolio of safety, health, and environmental credentials, including the flagship Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Safety Management Professional (SMP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST), Safety Trained Supervisor (STS/STSC), Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT), Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), and Transitional Safety Practitioner (TSP). Since founding, BCSP has awarded over 100,000 credentials and recognizes 150+ organizations as Certification Champions. Its certifications are mapped to 700+ U.S. military occupations and are funded through the DoD COOL program across all service branches.

BCSP operates a digital-first technology platform including the My Profile self-service portal, a publicly searchable Credential Holder Directory, a Group Management platform for enterprise credential tracking, examCORE (online and in-person exam preparation), recertPRO (online recertification learning modules), the BCSP Mentor Program, the Career Center job board, and the SHIFT Safety Journal. Exam delivery is handled through Pearson VUE testing centers globally and Onsite Exam Delivery (OED) at U.S. employer locations for groups of 5-30 candidates.

The business model combines one-time certification application and exam fees (e.g., CSP at $525 for members, $675 for non-members), recurring annual renewal fees structured around 5-year recertification cycles, enterprise exam preparation (examCORE In-Person at $405-$605 per participant), event registrations (Summer Workshops at $99, Global Learning Summit, biennial R&I Summit), Onsite Exam Delivery administration fees, and partnerships (notably Dale Carnegie leadership training). Customer segments include individual safety professionals (B2C self-serve), corporate employers (B2B enterprise sales-assisted for Group Management, examCORE, OED, and Dale Carnegie courses), U.S. military service members via DoD COOL, and academic institutions via the Qualified Academic Programs (QAP) and Qualified Equivalent Programs (QEP) pipeline.

Name

Board of Certified Safety Professionals

Legal name

Board of Certified Safety Professionals

Website

https://bcsp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is a non-profit, ANAB-accredited certification body founded in 1969 that administers professional safety credentials (CSP, ASP, CHST, etc.) to individuals and enterprises, serving over 100,000 certificants and 150+ Certification Champion organizations globally through Pearson VUE, DoD COOL, and direct digital channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Safety Certification

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental, Health & Safety / Sustainability (EHS, Environmental Compliance CE) (EDAAALAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH)

Keywords

• Safety professional certification
• Occupational health credentials
• Professional credentialing programs
• Exam preparation services
• Workplace safety training

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification Application and Exam Fees: BCSP charges fees for certification applications and exam registrations. Individual candidates apply online, pay application fees, purchase exam authorizations (single attempt or bundle with two attempts and Self-Assessment), and schedule exams at Pearson VUE testing centers or via Onsite Exam Delivery. Specific prices vary by certification (CSP: $525 member / $675 non-member), with bundled options including application, two exam attempts, and Self-Assessment.
2. Annual Renewal / Recertification Fees: All BCSP credential holders pay annual renewal fees to maintain their certification. Recertification cycles run five years (July 1 through June 30 of the fifth year), with worksheets submitted by July 31. Certificants earn points through recertification activities including recertPRO modules worth up to 2 points each.
3. examCORE In-Person Prep Courses: BCSP generates revenue through multi-day, in-person exam preparation courses delivered by Certified Instructional Trainers at employer locations. Two-day courses (STS, STSC) cost $405 per participant; three-day courses (CSP, ASP, CHST) cost $605 per participant. Minimum 10 and maximum 20 participants per session. Includes access to Guided Notebook and Self-Assessment for 45 days.
4. recertPRO Online Learning Modules: Online recertification learning platform offering modules worth up to two recertification points each. Six months of access per module. Discounted pricing available when purchasing four modules in the same transaction, with extended 12-month access. Certificants can also earn points through journal quizzes, challenge tests, and podcast quizzes.
5. Summer Workshop Series Registrations: BCSP offers virtual 3-hour workshops led by Certified Instructional Trainers at $99 per workshop. Limited to small groups for interactive learning. Workshops earn recertification points and cover topics including Occupational Noise & Hearing Conservation, Chemical Safety Essentials, Fall Protection Fundamentals, Excavation & Trenching Competency, Emergency Preparedness, and Practical Risk Management.
6. Global Learning Summit and R&I Summit Registrations: Annual virtual Global Learning Summit (May 2026) providing professional development and networking for safety professionals. Biennial in-person Research & Innovation Summit in Indianapolis for leaders, practitioners, researchers, and students to share safety research with practical implications.
7. Onsite Exam Delivery Administration: BCSP charges an administration fee plus proctor expenses for delivering exams at employer locations to groups of 5-30 candidates. Organizations must schedule at least 60 days in advance and provide an appropriate testing room and internet access. BCSP can provide laptops for an additional fee.
8. Self-Assessment Purchases: Individual candidates purchase Self-Assessments through My Profile to evaluate their knowledge in each subject area of a certification exam. Self-Assessments are half the length of the corresponding exam, include references and calculations, provide score history, and offer six months of online access. Also available bundled with exam authorization.
9. Dale Carnegie Leadership Course Revenue: BCSP partners with Dale Carnegie to deliver safety-specific leadership training in virtual (8-week, 3-hour weekly sessions) and in-person (3-day, 8-hour daily) formats. Minimum 15 and maximum 30 participants. BCSP coordinates Business Advancement Meetings and facilitates course delivery by Dale Carnegie facilitators. Pricing and revenue sharing not publicly disclosed.
10. Group Management Platform and Champion Program: Organizations pay application and exam fees for linked employees. Once five or more credentials are linked to an organization, it achieves Certification Champion status with digital badges, certificates, and recognition in BCSP media. The platform itself is free to access.
11. Affinity Products: BCSP partners with Queensboro for apparel merchandise, Framing Success for credential framing, and Richards & Stehman for embossing seals and self-inking stamps. Revenue may flow through referral arrangements. BCSP credential holders also receive a 20% discount on first-year financial planning fees through the Financial Planning Association partnership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels19 records

Core offering

BCSP is a non-profit professional certification body that develops, administers, and maintains ANAB-accredited (ISO 17024) safety, health, and environmental credentials for the global workforce. Its core products are ten professional certifications (CSP, ASP, SMP, OHST, CHST, STS, STSC, CIT, GSP, TSP) supported by an ecosystem of exam preparation (examCORE), recertification (recertPRO), group management, and leadership training services.

Product overview

BCSP operates as a certification body offering a comprehensive portfolio of professional safety certifications and related services. The core offerings include nine certifications (CSP, ASP, SMP, OHST, CHST, STS, STSC, CIT, GSP, TSP) and one designation (GSP), along with exam preparation tools (examCORE In-Person, Self-Assessments), a recertification platform (recertPRO), a mentor program, and organizational solutions (Group Management Platform, Onsite Exam Delivery). The company also provides professional development through the Dale Carnegie Leadership Course partnership, Summer Workshop Series, Podcasts, and an annual Global Learning Summit conference. BCSP primarily operates through its website platform (bcsp.org), certification portal (certification.bcsp.org), and partner platforms for exam delivery, career services, and group management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• examCORE: Exam preparation program developed by subject matter experts to review fundamentals required for BCSP certification exams. Available in-person and online formats.
• recertPRO
• Certification Champions
• Group Management
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Course
• SHIFT Safety Journal
• QAP (Qualified Academic Programs)
• BCSP Ambassadors

Products and services

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) ANAB-accredited flagship professional certification for safety practitioners, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge across safety, health, and environmental practice. Validated through psychometrically sound examinations refreshed every five years via Job and Task Analyses. Recognized as the gold standard in U.S. safety certification, mapped to 700+ U.S. military occupations and adopted by 150 Certification Champion organizations.
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) ANAB-accredited entry-level certification demonstrating foundational knowledge in safety principles and practices. Serves as a pathway credential toward the CSP for early- and mid-career practitioners and is funded for service members under the DoD COOL program.
• Safety Management Professional (SMP) ANAB-accredited advanced certification focused on safety management systems and leadership. Designed for safety professionals advancing into management roles who require validated competency in system-based safety leadership.
• Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) ANAB-accredited dual certification for technicians demonstrating competence in both occupational hygiene and safety. Targeted at practicing technicians who need a single credential covering both disciplines.
• Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) ANAB-accredited certification for construction safety professionals demonstrating specialized knowledge in construction health and safety. Funded by DoD COOL for service members and adopted by 150 Certification Champion construction and engineering organizations.
• Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) ANAB-accredited certification for supervisors demonstrating safety knowledge in general industry settings. Targeted at front-line supervisors who direct safety practices in non-construction workplaces.
• Safety Trained Supervisor Construction (STSC) ANAB-accredited certification for construction supervisors demonstrating specialized safety knowledge tailored for construction environments.
• Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT) ANAB-accredited certification for trainers demonstrating competence in instructional design and delivery for safety training. Qualifies individuals to deliver BCSP-recognized safety education, including examCORE In-Person courses.
• Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) Designation for graduates of BCSP Qualified Academic Programs, providing a recognized bridge from EHS academic programs into BCSP certification. Holders are positioned to pursue the CSP credential.
• Transitional Safety Practitioner (TSP) Designation for graduates of Qualified Equivalent Programs (QEPs) that substantially matches the ASP examination blueprint. Meets the Qualified Credential requirement allowing holders to sit for the CSP exam. Available to Army graduates with the Professional Certificate in Safety and Occupational Health from ACRC.
• examCORE In-Person Multi-day in-person exam preparation courses delivered by BCSP Certified Instructional Trainers at employer locations. Two-day courses for STS and STSC at $405 per participant; three-day courses for CSP, ASP, and CHST at $605 per participant. Minimum 10 and maximum 20 participants per session. Includes Guided Notebook and Self-Assessment access for 45 days. Available in the U.S.
• recertPRO Online learning platform for BCSP certificants to earn recertification points through journal quizzes, KSA Quests, challenge tests, and podcast quizzes. Each module worth up to two recertification points with six months of access. Discounted pricing when four or more modules are purchased together, providing twelve-month access.
• Onsite Exam Delivery (OED) BCSP delivers and proctors certification exams at employer locations to groups of 5 to 30 candidates using Pearson Browser Lock technology. Scheduling requires 60 days' advance notice; organization provides testing room and internet access. BCSP can provide laptops for an additional fee. Results are available immediately after the exam. Available only in the U.S.
• BCSP Group Management Platform Organizational platform enabling companies to manage employee certifications, track credential status, organize group exam applicants, process payments, and renew credential holder memberships. Free to access; organizations reaching 5 or more linked credentials achieve Certification Champion status (Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond tiers).
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Course BCSP-Dale Carnegie partnership delivering safety-specific leadership training based on 'Effective Communications & Human Relations' with safety-related examples. Virtual format: 8 weeks of 3-hour weekly sessions. In-person format: 3 days at 8 hours per day. Minimum 15 and maximum 30 participants per cohort. Pricing coordinated through 90-minute Business Advancement Meetings.
• BCSP Self-Assessments Online practice assessments available for purchase through My Profile to evaluate knowledge in each subject area of a BCSP certification exam. Half the length of the corresponding exam, including references and calculations. Provides score history and six months of online access. Available individually or bundled with exam authorization.
• BCSP Mentor Program Online platform at mentor.bcsp.org matching aspiring safety professionals (mentees) with experienced BCSP credential holders (mentors) for professional development. Both roles require application and approval. Operated through BCSP's Connect platform.
• Summer Workshop Series Virtual three-hour workshops led by BCSP Certified Instructional Trainers at $99 per workshop. Topics include Occupational Noise & Hearing Conservation, Chemical Safety Essentials, Fall Protection Fundamentals, Excavation & Trenching Competency, Emergency Preparedness, and Practical Risk Management. Limited small-group participation for interactive learning; participants earn recertification points.
• Global Learning Summit (GLS) Annual virtual three-day professional development summit providing networking and learning for safety professionals globally. Next edition scheduled for May 5-7, 2026. Earns recertification points.

Quantifiable outcome

• Each additional BCSP certification held by construction safety personnel is associated with a 1.910 decrease in Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dale CarnegiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCSP and Dale Carnegie have partnered to deliver leadership training designed specifically for safety professionals. The collaboration combines BCSP's industry expertise with Dale Carnegie's globally recognized approach to leadership and communication. The program is based on 'Effective Communications & Human Relations' and is tailored with safety-related examples and leadership challenges. Delivered in virtual (8-week, 3-hour weekly) and in-person (3-day, 8-hour daily) formats with 15-30 participants. BCSP coordinates Business Advancement Meetings and Dale Carnegie delivers the training.
• QueensborominorOthersBCSP partners with Queensboro to make high-quality BCSP-branded apparel available to credential holders. Ships to continental U.S. only. Queensboro is an apparel fulfillment partner providing BCSP merchandise to the credential holder community.
• Framing SuccessminorOthersBCSP has partnered with Framing Success to provide official credential framing options for BCSP credential holders to proudly display their certifications.
• Richards & Stehman, LLCminorOthersBCSP partners with Richards & Stehman, LLC to provide official custom embossing seals and self-inking rubber stamps for BCSP credential holders to create official documents.
• Financial Planning Association (FPA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBCSP has partnered with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to provide BCSP credential holders with a 20% discount on their first-year financial planning fees when working with FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals. Available through FPA PlannerSearch. This affinity benefit is exclusive to BCSP certification holders.
• Pearson VUEcoreTechnology or IntegrationPearson VUE is BCSP's primary exam delivery partner, providing the testing center network and technology platform (including Pearson Browser Lock) for administering BCSP certification exams globally. Pearson VUE also operates testing centers on U.S. military bases around the world, enabling service members to take BCSP exams conveniently. Candidates schedule exams at Pearson VUE centers after applying through BCSP's My Profile portal.
• recertPROcoreTechnology or IntegrationrecertPRO is BCSP's online recertification learning platform operated at recertpro.com. It provides modules, journal quizzes, KSA Quests, challenge tests, and podcast quizzes that award up to 2 recertification points per module. BCSP promotes recertPRO as the convenient pathway to meeting ongoing certification requirements. Select 4+ modules for discounted pricing with 12-month access.
• examCOREcoreTechnology or IntegrationexamCORE is BCSP's exam preparation platform developed by subject matter experts independent from BCSP's certification examination development process (ensuring impartiality). Available in online self-paced format, live online instructor-led format, and in-person format at employer locations. Products include MathCore (math review), Guided Notebooks, and Self-Assessments. Available for all BCSP certifications in online versions.
• BCSP Mentor ProgramcoreOthersBCSP operates its own Mentor Program (mentor.bcsp.org) connecting mentor and mentee credential holders. Aspiring safety professionals (mentees) seek guidance from experienced certificants (mentors) for professional development. Both roles require application and approval. Available through BCSP's Connect platform at connect.bcsp.org.
• SHIFT Safety JournalcoreTechnology or IntegrationSHIFT (shiftr2p.com) is BCSP's academic journal publishing peer-reviewed research on safety, health, and environmental practice. Provides evidence-based research that supports BCSP's market positioning and demonstrates the quantifiable value of BCSP certifications (e.g., TRIR reduction per certification). Available as a content and thought leadership platform.
• U.S. Department of Defense (COOL Programs)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe DoD Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program across all military services provides funding for BCSP certification exams, examCORE study materials, and renewal fees. BCSP certifications (ASP, CSP, CHST) are listed as 'In Demand' by COOL. COOL programs exist for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and DoD civil service. This partnership significantly expands BCSP's reach into the military market.
• ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCSP administers $5,000 grants for safety programs seeking ABET accreditation or re-accreditation through ABET's Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANAST). Programs must be BCSP Qualified Academic Programs (QAPs). This supports the academic pipeline of qualified safety professionals and aligns BCSP's QEP program with ABET standards.
• BCSP Ambassadors (30+ individuals)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBCSP's Ambassador Program engages 30+ credentialed volunteers worldwide to represent BCSP at conferences, career fairs, college campuses, and other official events. Ambassadors are trained and available for speaking engagements. They raise awareness about the value of accredited safety certifications and mentor aspiring safety professionals. Located in the U.S., Canada, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, UAE, China, Australia, Hong Kong, Trinidad & Tobago, and other countries.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH): ABIH is the closest direct peer — a non-profit certifying body issuing the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential in the adjacent occupational hygiene domain. Both target EHS professionals with ANAB-accredited personnel certifications, overlapping customer bases and exam-delivery models.
• Project Management Institute (PMI): PMI is a non-profit professional membership and certification organization offering the PMP and related credentials. It shares BCSP's operating model of credential fees, recurring renewal cycles, exam prep products, and a global member community — making it a strong structural comparable.
• (ISC)²: (ISC)² is a non-profit issuing the CISSP and related cybersecurity credentials. It mirrors BCSP's model of ANAB-aligned personnel certification, recurring CPE/recertification requirements, exam prep ecosystems, and corporate enterprise programs — a relevant cross-vertical certification body comparable.
• National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES): NCEES is a non-profit that develops and administers professional licensing exams (FE, PE) for engineers and surveyors. It is a structural peer in non-profit, ANAB-aligned personnel credentialing with a Pearson VUE-aligned delivery model and continuing education requirements.
• Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI): HRCI is a non-profit credentialing body for HR professionals (PHR, SPHR, GPHR). It is directly comparable as an ANAB-accredited personnel certifier with recurring recertification fees, exam prep products, and enterprise group programs targeting individual practitioners and corporate buyers.
• NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies): NICET is a non-profit certification body issuing technician-level credentials in engineering technologies with recurring recertification. It is structurally similar to BCSP in operating model and target audience (technical practitioners requiring periodic renewal).
• American Welding Society (AWS): AWS operates a non-profit personnel and inspection certification program (CWI, CWE) widely adopted across industrial employers. It mirrors BCSP's model of accredited individual credentials plus corporate enterprise programs targeting construction and manufacturing safety-adjacent roles.

Others

• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP): ASSP is a professional membership society serving EHS practitioners — overlapping audience with BCSP certificants but focused on community, training, and advocacy rather than credentialing. It is an ecosystem participant that complements BCSP certifications rather than competing directly.
• National Safety Council (NSC): NSC is a non-profit safety organization delivering training, advocacy, and content (e.g., First Aid/CPR, Defensive Driving) to EHS professionals and employers. It is a complementary ecosystem peer — overlapping audience but selling training rather than personnel certifications.

Emerging players

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA is a non-profit that issues codes/standards and several professional certifications (CFPS, NICET-adjacent) relevant to fire and life safety. It overlaps BCSP in safety-adjacent credentialing for EHS and construction professionals, with partial rather than full overlap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bcsp
• Facebookfacebook.com/BoardofCertifiedSafetyProfessionals
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/board-of-certified-safety-professionals

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Board of Certified Safety Professionals