Recognizing Safety Leaders

Starting March 3, 2025, the Safety Management Specialist® (SMS®) was renamed the Safety Management Professional (SMP).

Why the update?
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) made the change to better emphasize credential holders’ level of practice, proven through the certification’s rigorous exam and its requirement of at least a decade of safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) experience.

The BCSP Board of Directors conducted research into whether the SMS name truly reflects the level of experience and expertise associated with this certification. After thoughtful analysis, we are pleased to announce this new name that more accurately embodies credential holders’ achievement.

The SMP name also more clearly aligns with the types of job titles for which the certification should be recommended.

When will the change occur?
On March 3, 2025, the Safety Management Specialist® (SMS®) was renamed Safety Management Professional (SMP).

Will the certification or exam requirements change?
The certification’s requirements will be unchanged and the exam will remain the same (subject to regular, periodic updates as part of BCSP’s exam revalidation process). Those in the process of achieving the certification are unaffected.

How do I get my new certificate/badge/pin?
Each certification holder will be notified that they can access their new SMP digital badge and wall certificate in their online profile. This information was sent via email. A new lapel pin will mailed to each person following the change as well, and should arrive no later than May, 2025.

How long do I have to make the update?
While there is no set deadline to change your signatures, business cards, and other items on which you may list the SMS, we ask that you plan to update them on March 3, 2025, or as soon after as possible.

Will the certification’s accreditation be affected by this change?
The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) has been notified of the change and the certification’s accreditation will be unaffected. ANAB will update their accreditation directory and BCSP’s certificate of accreditation the day the name change is effective.