GSP
An Alternate Path
A Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) is a designation available to safety degree graduates from degree programs which meet BCSP Qualified Academic Program (QAP) standards. The GSP program is an alternate path to the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and does not replace other paths. Those in the GSP path are not eligible for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) designation since GSP's receive a waiver of and do not sit for the Safety Fundamentals Examination. The ASP denotes someone who has taken a different path to the CSP certification by passing the Safety Fundamentals Examination. Neither the ASP or GSP are certifications.
Benefits of Becoming a GSP
There are numerous benefits for obtaining the GSP designation, including:
• Recognition for being in a path toward the CSP certification.
• Recognition for the level of preparation for professional safety practice.
• A waiver of the application fee.
• A waiver of the Safety Fundamentals examination.
• A certificate awarding the GSP designation.
Qualified Academic Program
A Qualified Academic Program (QAP) is an academic degree program in safety which meets BCSP standards for participation in the GSP program. Currently, BCSP defines a QAP as a bachelor's or master's degree program holding program accreditation as a safety or safety-related program by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET (ABET-ASAC) or the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
Applying for the GSP
If you are a just about to graduate, you submit the GSP Application through your program’s QAP Coordinator. If you graduated within the program's ABET accredited period, you submit the GSP Retroactivity Application forms and official transcripts directly to BCSP. There is no fee to apply. BCSP will then send you a GSP package indicating you have been awarded the GSP designation.
GSP Retroactivity Program
The GSP Retroactivity Program is for individuals who have graduated within the program's ABET accredited period from a current QAP that held ABET accreditation at the time they graduated. Similarly to the GSP path, the GSP Retroactivity path allows applicants a waiver of the application fee and of the Safety Fundamentals exam.
GSP Time Limit
GSPs must sit for and pass the Comprehensive Practice examination within three years of the date on which you become eligible. GSPs may pursue up to two, one-year eligibility extensions.
Recently, the BCSP Board of Directors eliminated the Graduate Safety Practitioner 10-Year Rule which stated GSPs had to take the Comprehensive Practice exam within 10 years of their graduation date.
After you become a GSP
All GSPs pay an annual renewal fee to maintain their designation, just like ASPs and CSPs. If you are eligible to take the Comprehensive Practice exam, good luck! If you are not yet eligible, keep working in the safety field to accumulate experience points toward your eligibility.
Photo by Will Hale
