What is the Value of the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) Designation?

If you are attending or have a degree from a safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) college program, you may have heard about the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

But what is it? And how do you get it?

The GSP is a designation that puts you on the path to attaining the Certified Safety Practitioner (CSP)—BCSP’s premiere safety certification. It demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to professional development, leading to greater career opportunities and higher salaries. Companies participating in the BCSP Virtual Career Fair and the American Society of Safety Practitioners (ASSP) Future Safety Leaders Conference look for it, and it sets you up for the salary boost received by CSPs.

“The GSP was an added perk to getting my bachelor’s degree,” explains Erin McAlister, GSP, a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) program. “Graduating with the GSP put me ahead of the game, it has been something many prospective employers see on my resume that tells them I am serious about my career.”

If you plan to one day achieve the CSP, being a GSP will save you valuable time and money! When applying for the CSP, you must hold a BCSP-approved qualifying credential. The GSP satisfies that requirement at a fraction of the cost of the other qualifying credentials!

It’s easy to apply! There’s a $25 application fee, but once approved, you become a GSP and are ready to enjoy all the benefits that come along with the designation.

There are currently 95 academic programs that are eligible for the GSP. Check the list of programs here and see if you are eligible for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation!