BCSP's acquisition of the CET/CIT certifications, which were formerly owned by the National Environmental, Safety and Health Training Association (NESHTA), is an event that impacts many people. Thomas Adams, BCSP Executive Director, volunteered to answer a few important questions which should give everyone a better idea of what this event means.

Has BCSP acquired the CET/CIT certifications?

ADAMS: Not yet. We have signed a memorandum of understanding with National Environmental, Safety and Health Training Association (NESHTA) that says it is our intention to acquire the certification and NESHTA’s desire to let BCSP make the acquisition. From now until January 2012 we are in a due diligence period where we are working out the details of how the certifications will function once they are part of the BCSP family of certifications.

Does that mean the acquisition will happen by December 31st of this year?

ADAMS: Yes, barring something unforeseen. The plan is for NESHTA to operate the certifications through June 30, 2012, although BCSP will assume governance responsibility on January 1, 2012.

If I am thinking of taking the CET or CIT exams, should I wait until BCSP is in control of the exam?

ADAMS: Do what is best for your career. At this time, our goal is for there to be a seamless transition in ownership. The application to take the CET/CIT can be found on the NESHTA website at www.neshta.org.

If I have the CET or CIT currently, to whom do I pay my renewal fee?

ADAMS: You should pay the fee to the organization that sends you the invoice. Any unaccrued fees will be paid by NESHTA to BCSP at the time of the acquisition. You will not be invoiced twice.

All other BCSP certifications are accredited by NCCA or in the case of CSP by ANSI. The CET/CIT exams are accredited by CESB. Do you expect that to change after the acquisition is complete?

ADAMS: Yes, it is BCSP’s intention to have the new certifications accredited by NCCA as quickly as the rules will allow.

You have mentioned BCSP and NESHTA’s programs being accredited several times. Why is that important?

ADAMS: There are lots of certificating bodies in the SH&E field, over 300 in fact. What most of those have in common is that they are not accredited. An accredited certification program meets high, recognized standards set nationally (NCCA) or internationally (ANSI) that assure the public that the certifying bodies standards meet or exceed established norms. That accreditation assures employers and the general public that its certifications are of the highest quality available.

Will there be an ongoing relationship between NESHTA and BCSP?

ADAMS: Yes, NESHTA will become the 8th sponsoring organization of BCSP.

Why did BCSP decide to acquire the certification?

ADAMS: The BCSP Board, after conducting due diligence and after 3 years of discussions, concluded that there is a great need for these certifications than the current numbers of certificants would indicate. BCSP’s ability to market the certifications both to its’ current certificants and others is much greater than NESHTA alone. Lastly, BCSP feels that the CET and CIT are high quality certifications and will make a good fit for the BCSP family of certifications.

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