Frequently Asked Questions
WHY CERTIFICATION?
ELIGIBILITY
FOREIGN APPLICATIONS
EXAMINATION (CRSPEX)
THE APPLICATION
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
STARTING THE PROCESS
CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
FEES
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
WHY CERTIFICATION?
As an OHS professional, why should I pursue the CRSP designation?
The OHS profession is becoming more and more competitive. You will set yourself apart from others in your field with certification. It will make a remarkable impact on your career path.
The Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)®/Professionnel en sécurité agréé du Canada (PSAC)® designation is considered a benchmark in the OHS profession and the designation of choice for Canadian OHS professionals.
Many employers prefer or require applicants for OHS positions to hold the CRSP/PSAC designation, particularly for mid-career and senior positions. CRSPs/PSACs also receive the best opportunities for career advancement and are sought for their expertise.
Established in 1976, the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) serves to protect the public through the certification of qualified occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals.
The BCRSP is accredited to ISO 17024:2003 (Personnel Certification Body) by the Standards Council of Canada and to ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System) by BSI Management Systems and is a member of the Canadian Network of National Associations of Regulators (CNNAR), the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) and the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO).
As a public interest body, the BCRSP does not provide the types of services offered by self interest organizations (professional development, conferences, local Chapters, etc). Its sole mandate is to provide a certification program.
ELIGIBILITY
What are the minimum eligibility requirements for making application for the CRSP designation?
The minimum eligibility requirements are:
- a one year college/university certificate/diploma in OHS OR a two year college/ university non-OHS certificate/diploma. Applicants who completed formal education above the minimum requirement (e.g. undergraduate degree or college diploma in any discipline) meet the formal education requirements for certification.
- current full-time employment in a position with OHS responsibilities comprising greater than 50% (minimum of 900 hours per calendar year), and
- at least three continuous years of OHS experience immediately prior to making application (Note: Gaps in employment due to parental leave, LTD, returning to school full-time, unemployment, etc. to a maximum of 12 months will not negate the 36-month continuous employment requirement but must be identified on the application. Employment gaps of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.)
All three eligibility criteria must be met in order for an application to be assessed by the Qualifications Review Committee.
If I meet the minimum eligibility requirements, do I automatically proceed to the examination writing?
No, there is a point system requiring candidates to obtain at least 150 points from Factor 1 (Formal Education), Factor 2 (Professional Development) and Factor 3 (Professional Practice). Candidates must also obtain a minimum point score in Factors 1 (minimum 50; maximum 100), 2 (minimum 15; maximum 100) and 3 (minimum 50; maximum 100) reflecting the minimum eligibility requirements.
Candidates must successfully proceed through the Qualifications Review Committee's application assessment and Regional Screening Centre's interview before being eligible to write the CRSPEX.
How does the BCRSP determine OHS professional practice/related experience?
The Qualifications Review Committee (QRC) evaluates each job position to determine whether it is accepted as professional practice. In order to qualify for certification,
- The position must be full time.
- The OHS function must be greater than 50% (minimum of 900 hours in a year) of the listed position duties - the position's responsibility must be the prevention of harm to people, property and the environment, rather than the responsibility for responding to harmful events.
- The position must be at a professional level. This is determined by evaluating the responsibilities, activities, and reliance by peers, employers, or clients on the person's ability to defend analytical approaches used in professional practice and the recommendations made for controlling hazards through engineering and/or administrative approaches.
- The position must have a broad scope of duties. This is determined by evaluating the variety of hazards about which a candidate must advise and the range of skills involved in recognizing, evaluating and controlling hazards. Applicants must complete a matrix to support the job description by outlining the percentage of their duties and responsibilities spent in the listed domain areas. Not including "General administrative duties" and "Other", candidate position duties must include responsibility for at least four (4) domains, one of which MUST be Safety Techniques and Technology (STT). Percentage for minimum four (4) domains must total at least 50% of position duties.
While the Board recognizes the value of specialists within the broad parameters of OHS, the CRSP/PSAC is a generalist designation. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge in the eleven domains identified in the Examination Blueprint.
Are there deadlines for submitting an application to the BCRSP?
Yes, for details of application submission dates please refer to the Application Processing Schedule.
I have submitted my certification application to the Board, may I state that fact on my résumé?
If you have submitted your certification application and are in the process of seeking new employment, you may advise prospective employers that you have made application to the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals. You may not indicate that you are a CRSP, a CRSP in process or a pending CRSP. The designation may not be used until such time as you have successfully completed the certification process, been awarded the designation by the Governing Board and received your certificate.
FOREIGN APPLICATIONS
Are foreign applications considered for the CRSP designation?
Yes. However, foreign applicants must be prepared to make a minimum of two visits to Canada as part of the application process. One for the Regional Screening Centre interview and a second to write the examination (CRSPEX). If the first writing of the CRSPEX is unsuccessful, foreign applicants will have to arrange subsequent visits to Canada for re-examination purposes.
Foreign candidates whose first language is neither English nor French must:
- Submit documentation verifying a minimum level of 94-101 (IBT) on a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) IBT; a band score of 7 on the International English Language Testing System or a score of 785-900 on a Test de français international (TFI™). (Equivalent proof of language proficiency (e.g. a university assessment) will also be accepted)
- Foreign credentials must be translated to English or French and be verified by an official translator.
- Foreign credentials must be submitted to a Canadian Credentialing Agency prior to application submission. List of Foreign Credential Assessment Agencies.
How soon after immigrating to Canada, may I apply for certification?
As long as the minimum requirements are met, including current employment in an OHS function, applications may be submitted at any time. However, candidates are encouraged to start the certification process prior to immigrating to Canada.
EXAMINATION (CRSPEX)
How often are the study guides and Examination Blueprint updated?
The Board, through the Certification and Examination Committee, has a program to update a minimum of two study guides (domains) each year. If you have purchased the Guide to Registration within the past five years, you may email the BCRSP office to receive a PDF of any revised study guides at no charge.
The Examination Blueprint is scheduled to be updated every five years following the administration of the Survey on the Competencies Required of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals. Updates of the Examination Blueprint will be posted to the BCRSP's website, included with the Guide to Registration and the CRSPEX Candidate Handbook.
Are there any circumstances when the examination requirement is waived?
No. The examination became mandatory for all applicants on January 1, 1982.
Does the BCRSP offer examination preparatory courses?
No. However, there are a number of organizations that offer "Examination Preparatory Courses". While none of these courses is endorsed/accredited by BCRSP, nor is enrollment in any of these courses a prerequisite for pursuing the designation, BCRSP provides interested persons with contact information for these organizations.
Does the BCRSP have a recommended list of texts which may be used in preparing to write the examination?
Recommended Reference Bibliography (Revised to May 2011)
The following texts have been recommended by the Board's Certification and Examination Committee for use by candidates preparing to write the CRSPEX. Text prices, availability, and publisher are subject to change without notice. Texts must be ordered directly from the publisher - they are not available from the BCRSP office.
Accident Prevention Manual for Business and Industry, Administration and Programs, National Safety Council, PO Box 558, Itasca, IL 60143-0558, ISBN 0-87912-212-9, Product number12153-0000 (www.nsc.org)
Accident Prevention Manual for Business & Industry, Engineering and Technology, National Safety Council, PO Box 558, Itasca, IL 60143-0558, ISBN 0-87912-213-7, Product number12154-0000 (www.nsc.org)
Disability Management: Theory, Strategy and Industry Practice, 2nd edition, Dianne Dyck, ISBN 0-433-43955-6, Butterworths, 75 Clegg Road, Markham, ON L6G 1A1 (www.lexisnexis.ca/bookstore/bookstoreinfo.php?pid=494)
Fitting the Task to the Human, 5th Edition, K.H.E. Kroemer and E. Grandjean, Taylor and Francis (www.tandf.co.uk/books/default.html), click on "Ordering" and follow the instructions, ISBN 0-7484-0665-4, or, National Safety Council, PO Box 558, Itasca, IL 60143-0558, Product number12051-0000 (www.nsc.org)
Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, National Safety Council, PO Box 558, Itasca, IL 60143-0558, ISBN 0-87912-243-9, Product number 15148-7000 (www.nsc.org)
Health, Safety and Environmental Management Systems Auditing, Gene Marie Shematek, Paul MacLean, Peter Lineen, LexisNexis Canada Inc., 700-123 Commerce Valley Drive, Markham, ON L3T 7W8, ISBN 0-433-43114-8, (www.lexisnexis.ca/bookstore/bookstoreinfo.php?pid=21)
Practical Loss Control Leadership, Revised Edition, Frank E. Bird, Jr., and George L. Germain, ISBN 0-88061-054-9, Burnell & Associates, PO Box 43070, Calgary, AB T2J 7A7 (www.managingrisk.ca)
The Fire Safety Management Handbook, 2nd Edition, Daniel E. Della-Giustina, Ph.D., American Society of Safety Engineers, 1800 East Oakton Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018-2187, ISBN 1-885581-23-8, Order #4398 (www.asse.org)
Once I am approved to write, how do I register for the CRSPEX?
The BCRSP will initiate the process by emailing eligible candidates a notice for the next CRSPEX writing. The candidate must sign and return this document to the BCRSP office to confirm intent to write. Once a complete list of all confirmed candidates for the upcoming examination is complete, they will be emailed notification of their login and password in order to access Webassessor. Webassessor is a web portal that is used by each individual candidate to book their examination time, date and location.
One access has been granted each individual candidate will go online to select the location, date and time of the CRSPEX within a two week period of time. Testing centre's have varied hours of operation, but are generally open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Where may the CRSPEX be written?
The BCRSP contracts with Kryterion, Inc., to provide third party test centres across Canada. The BCRSP is working with Kryterion (exam delivery provider) on establishing additional test centres across Canada.
Test centres are currently in the following locations:
Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Nisku)
British Columbia (Burnaby, Fort St. John, Kamloops, Prince George)
Manitoba (Winnipeg)
Newfoundland & Labrador (St. John's)
Nova Scotia (Dartmouth, Halifax)
Ontario (Kitchener, Mississauga, North Bay, Oshawa, Ottawa, Pickering, Scarborough, Toronto, Waterloo, Windsor)
Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown)
Quebec (Montreal)
Saskatchewan (Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon)
For more information on the CBT process, click here.
How is the CRSPEX pass mark set?
The standard or pass mark is set in reference to the content and the difficulty of the examination questions. The standard is set by a panel of content experts (all Canadian Registered Safety Professionals) from across Canada who work closely with the Board's examination consultants, Assessment Strategies Inc. to ensure that the examination meets the Examination Blueprint guidelines.
The pass mark is set at a level that represents the performance expected of a competent safety professional. The standard setting method used to establish the pass mark for the CRSPEX is the modified-Angoff method. Using this method, a panel of representative content experts from across the country and from various areas of practice reviews each examination question and produces ratings based on a common understanding of a competent registered safety professional who has met the eligibility requirements to write the CRSPEX. In addition to these ratings, a variety of relevant data (for example, information on the preparation of candidates, data on results from previously administered examinations) are carefully considered to ensure the standard that candidates must achieve on the examination is valid and fair. Based on this information, an appropriate standard or pass mark is set. This procedure is repeated for every newly-created examination form.
Why does it take 4-6 weeks to get my results from writing the CRSPEX?
Following each CRSPEX administration, the data is transferred from the test centres to the Board's examination consultants, Assessment Strategies Inc. for marking and analysis.
Once the examinations have been marked and the results analyzed, a conference call is arranged with the Certification and Examination Committee to review the results and to discuss poorly performing questions (items). Each poorly performing item is discussed, the statistical analysis is reviewed and a decision is made whether or not to retain that item on the examination.
Some items may be deleted based on poor performance, analysis of the statistical data and on the recommendation of the examination consultants (that is why, for example, candidates may see that only 190 items out of 200 appearing on the examination were counted towards the final mark). Once problem items have been deleted, Assessment Strategies Inc. prepares individual "CRSPEX Candidate Profiles" providing a breakdown of the eleven subject areas with the total number of items counted for each subject area and the total number the candidate got correct.
The "CRSPEX Candidate Profiles" are then forwarded to the Board office. Covering letters are prepared detailing the next step in the certification process, attached to the profiles and mailed to the candidates.
CRSPEX CBT Candidate Guide
THE APPLICATION
I have an old application, may I still use it to make by submission to the Board?
No, version 4.0 of the Guide to Registration is the current version. All candidates who have purchased a Guide previous to Version 4.0 must email the Board office to request the revised application form reflecting the new requirements.
Are there deadlines for submitting an application to the BCRSP?
Yes, for details of application submission dates please refer to the Application Processing Schedule
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
What are the steps to applying and receiving the CRSP designation?
- The process begins with a request to the BCRSP for a Guide to Registration. The Guide contains an overview of the certification process, study guides (domains) based on the examination syllabus, Examination Blueprint, and, the application. The cost of the Guide to Registration is $75.00 (+GST/HST) for the USB version.
- Candidates prepare the application form (Factors 1 through 3) and submit the original plus one copy along with one copy of supporting documentation and the application fee of $525.00 (+GST/HST) to the BCRSP office. There is a schedule of application deadlines identified in the Guide to assist the candidates with applicable timelines.
- Each application receives an initial review by the Qualifications Review Committee (QRC). This committee meets four times each year to conduct a review of applications. Following this review, applications that are awarded 150+ points are forwarded to Regional Screening Centres (RSC) across Canada (there are currently 28). However, if the applicant does not meet the minimum criteria, has not submitted the appropriate documentation, or the QRC requires clarification of the applicant's qualifications, the applicant is advised, in writing, as to what is required and this information/ documentation must be supplied to the QRC for a supplementary assessment.
- The Regional Screening Centre personnel are responsible for conducting candidate interviews. These interviews are conducted to verify the candidate's information, clarify any questions raised by the QRC's review, and allow the candidate the opportunity to present additional information (in most cases, this will be related to professional development completed since the application was submitted to the BCRSP).
- The Regional Screening Centre personnel, following a successful interview, will recommend that the candidate be permitted to proceed to the examination (CRSPEX) stage.
- The CRSPEX is held twice a year in May and October over approximately a 10 day window. The BCRSP has contracted with Kryterion Inc., to deliver all of its certification examinations by computer at testing centres throughout Canada. For further information on the computer based testing, refer to the Computer Based Testing Candidate Guide. Candidates who do not receive a passing mark are permitted up to three rewrites of the examination. The re-examination fee is $125.00 (+GST/HST).
- The names of the successful examination candidates are forwarded to the Governing Board with a recommendation from the Qualifications Review Committee that they be granted the CRSP/PSAC designation.
- Upon approval of the Governing Board, applicants are advised of their certification number, must complete and have witnessed the Code of Ethics, and submit pro-rated dues for the current year before they are entitled to use the CRSP/PSAC designation.
How long does the entire process take?
Candidates should expect the process to take from six months to a year or more and certainly longer if additional documentation/clarification is required after the initial review process or if re-examination is required. Once candidates have completed their interview and are recommended by the Regional Screening Centres, they are granted a two year window in which to write the examination for the first time. Candidates may request, for a fee of $100.00 (+GST/HST), a one time, one year extension should they be unable to schedule the examination writing within the initial two year period.
STARTING THE PROCESS
Am I eligible for certification (self assessment guidelines)?
IMPORTANT: The final determination of the acceptability of an application to proceed to the Regional Screening Centre (RSC) interview is made by the Qualifications Review Committee (QRC). Candidates should not assume that their assessment of points awarded will be the same as that of the Qualifications Review Committee.
Factor 1 – Formal Education
(minimum points required-50, maximum points available-100)
All completed formal education programs may be claimed to a maximum of 100 points. The awarding of points is follows. The highest level of completed formal education will be awarded the maximum number of points as per the matrix below. Each additional level of formal education completed will be awarded 50% of its point total. The maximum Factor 1 points that may be awarded is 100.
Formal Education **The minimum formal education eligibility criteria is a one year OHS college or university certificate or diploma OR a two year non-OHS college or university certificate or diploma. |
Points |
My Score |
NON-OHS |
|
|
**Two year non-OHS college or university certificate or diploma |
50 |
|
Three year non-OHS college or university certificate, diploma or degree |
60 |
|
Four year non-OHS college or university diploma or degree |
70 |
|
Post graduate non-OHS college or university degree |
80 |
|
OHS |
|
|
One year OHS college or university certificate or diploma |
50 |
|
Two year OHS college or university certificate or diploma or one year post diploma |
70 |
|
Three year OHS college or university certificate, diploma or degree |
80 |
|
Four year OHS college or university diploma or degree |
100 |
|
Post graduate OHS degree |
100 |
|
Example #1
Candidate has a 4-year, undergraduate, non-OHS university degree and a 1-year, OHS university certificate.
4-year, undergraduate, non-OHS degree 70 points
1-year, OHS certificate (50% of 50 points) 25 points
Total Factor 1 = 95 points
Example #2
Candidate has a 3-year, OHS college diploma and a 2-year, college non-OHS certificate.
3-year, OHS college diploma 80 points
2-year, non-OHS certificate (50% of 50 points) 25 points
Total Factor 1 = 100 points (maximum allowable)
Factor 2 – Professional Development
(minimum points required-15, maximum points available-100)
The time limit for claiming OHS-related professional development activities in Categories A1 and A2 is five (5) years from the date of the original application submission. There is no time limit for claiming OHS-related professional development activities in Category B.
Professional Development Activity |
Points |
My Score |
A1. OHS courses/seminars/conferences of a minimum one day (6 hours) duration |
1 point/day |
|
A2. Non OHS courses/seminars/conferences of a minimum one day (6 hours) duration |
1 point/day (max 5 points) |
(max 5 points) |
B. College/university OHS credit courses (not part of formal education-Factor 1) |
10 points/course |
Factor 3 – Professional Practice
(minimum points required-50, maximum points available-100)
Full-time OHS related experience |
Value |
My Score |
Minimum 36 months (3 years) |
50 |
|
37-60 months (3 years - 5 years) |
65 |
|
61-84 months (5 years - 7 years) |
80 |
|
85+ months (7+ years) |
100 |
A minimum of 150 points from all three Factors is required for an applicant to proceed to the Regional Screening Centre interview. Candidates must obtain a minimum of 50 points in Factor 1 (Formal Education), 15 points in Factor 2 (Professional Development) and 50 points in Factor 3 (Professional Practice) in order to meet the minimum eligibility requirements for certification.
Are there deadlines for submitting an application to the BCRSP?
Yes, for details of application submission dates please refer to the Application Processing Schedule.
CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE
Once I obtain the CRSP designation, what is required to maintain the designation?
CRSPs/PSACs must pay annual dues and complete a declaration of continuing OHS full-time employment .
All CRSPs/PSACs (except those who have been reclassified as 'non-practicing') are required to participate in the BCRSP's Certification Maintenance Program (CMP). Non-practicing certificate holders who have held that status for five or more years must, as part of being reinstated to a practicing certificate holder, successfully pass the CRSPEX. Information on the CMP is provided to each new CRSP/PSAC. It requires CRSPs/PSACs to maintain an individual record of OHS activities and when requested, to submit worksheets to the Board claiming CMPs for (a) Academic Activities, (b) Examinations and Additional Qualifications and (c) Professional Pursuits.
The CMP is based on the calendar year and begins January 1 following the year in which the designation is obtained. For more information click here.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Is there a process to file a formal complaint against an applicant or certificate holder?
Yes, the Board has a process for complaints that is overseen by the Professional Conduct Committee. Complaints must address alleged violations of the Code of Ethics using the Professional Conduct Complaint Form describing the allegations and attaching supporting documentation and send to the Executive Director.
All complainants are required to review the Code of Ethics and the Professional Conduct Policy and Procedures before submitting a complaint in order to understand the Board's procedures. Complainants may also telephone the Executive Director at 888-279-2777, 905-567-7198 Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm EST, with questions concerning the process.
FEES
What are the costs associated with obtaining the CRSP designation?
Guide to Registration: $ 75.00 USB
Application fee: $525.00
Re-examination fee: $125.00
Extension of examination writing period: $100.00
Annual registration fee: $150.00 for 2011, increasing to $175.00 in 2012.
(GST/HST added to all fees)
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS
Does the Board recognize other OHS certifications?
Currently the Board has Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (USA) and the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (UK). If you are certified by either of these organizations, please refer to the appropriate MOU and contact the BCRSP office for a special application form.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
BCRSP Scholarships may be applied for by any full-time or part-time student in a two, three or four year Occupational Health and Safety Program at the undergraduate level. For more information click here.