BCSP ASP
Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Associate Safety Professional® (ASP®) is a credential awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) to safety practitioners who have demonstrated foundational knowledge of safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) practice. BCSP describes ASP candidates as professionals who may hold technical-level or program-management positions and may directly supervise employees. In practice, an ASP may coordinate safety activities, conduct basic safety analyses, identify hazardous situations, and recommend or oversee implementation of risk-reduction measures, which is why knowledge of safety concepts and fundamental safety assurance methodologies makes ASPs useful members of project, operational, or design teams.
Eligibility combines education and experience: at minimum a bachelor's degree in any field, or an associate degree in safety, health, or the environment that includes at least four courses totaling 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of study in the domains covered in the ASP examination blueprint. Candidates also need one year of SH&E experience, at least 50% of which is preventative, professional-level work. Passing the ASP examination completes initial certification; after that, credential holders maintain certification through an annual renewal fee and recertification requirements.
Preparation is built around the ASP exam blueprint and its published references. BCSP's examCORE is a self-paced online course covering each blueprint area, with pre- and post-assessments, progress tracking, and access to over 1,000 questions. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by BCSP.
What you'll study
About BCSP ASP preparation
How is the ASP exam delivered, and how quickly do I get results?
The exam is computer-delivered at Pearson test centers; BCSP states that Pearson has hundreds of test centers located around the world. You schedule through single sign-on to Pearson from your BCSP My Profile. As soon as candidates submit their exam, official results are available.
What does the ASP exam cost?
BCSP lists the ASP examination at $350 for a single examination. It can be purchased during the application process as an application-and-exam bundle, or purchased after your application is approved. BCSP directs candidates to the current Credentials At-A-Glance PDF for up-to-date prices.
If I fail, how soon can I retake the exam?
BCSP allows you to schedule the exam at any time available as long as it is at least six (6) weeks from your last exam attempt. Use that interval deliberately: review which blueprint areas produced your weakest performance and rebuild those before rebooking rather than repeating the same preparation.
How long do I have to take the exam after I'm approved?
Once determined eligible, candidates have one (1) year to take and pass the examination. Separately, you have one (1) year from the approval of your application to sit for any purchased examination authorizations, so an authorization you buy but do not use can expire.
What are the education and experience requirements?
At minimum, a bachelor's degree in any field or an associate degree in safety, health, or the environment. The associate degree must include at least four courses with at least 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of study in the domains covered in the ASP blueprint. You also need one year of SH&E experience, at least 50% preventative, professional-level work.
Do I need to disclose criminal convictions or license actions?
Yes. BCSP requires applicants, candidates, and credential holders to disclose convictions or professional license or credential actions as outlined in its Criminal Conviction and Actions Against a Professional License or Other Credential Policy. BCSP reviews this information confidentially, separately from other eligibility requirements, and reserves the right to deny an application.
What happens after I pass - is the credential permanent?
No. Passing the exam and meeting requirements earns the certification, but an annual fee is assessed to credential holders to retain use of BCSP credentials. Credential holders must also stay current with changes in professional practice and earn recertification points required every five (5) years.
What is the best way to prepare for the ASP exam?
Work from the ASP exam blueprint and its published reference list, then target study time at the blueprint areas where you are weakest. BCSP's examCORE is a self-paced online course with pre- and post-assessments, progress tracking, and over 1,000 questions. Note that completing examCORE does not guarantee a candidate will pass the BCSP exam.
Can I get more time in examCORE if I have to retake the exam?
Possibly. BCSP states that if an examCORE customer needs to retake their exam, they may be eligible to extend their access period up to six (6) months at no charge, provided the examCORE course is completed before that exam. Eligibility is not automatic, so confirm with BCSP before assuming an extension applies.