On April 20, 2021, I earned the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential, the highest standard of achievement for safety practitioners through the BCSP. This was the culmination of years of education, experience, and preparation.

The CSP exam is notoriously comprehensive, covering safety management systems, risk assessments, ergonomics, environmental factors, and regulatory compliance. Passing it represents not only mastery of safety knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world situations.

The CSP is often considered the “gold standard” in the safety profession. Employers and peers recognize it as proof of leadership, technical ability, and dedication to advancing the safety culture in any organization. This credential is more than just a line on a résumé; it represents a lifelong commitment to keeping people safe.

Just weeks after my ASP, I achieved another important milestone: earning the Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST) credential. The OHST is designed for professionals who perform safety and health activities on a full-time or part-time basis, particularly those directly involved with inspections, testing, and hazard identification.

The exam emphasized practical, technical knowledge; everything from workplace monitoring to safety audits. For many, the OHST provides a credential that acknowledges hands-on expertise in keeping workers safe on the ground.

For me, achieving both ASP and OHST within a short timeframe showed the balance of strategic and tactical skills needed in the safety profession. It was a strong reminder that safety leadership must be rooted in both theory and practice.