How to Become a Registered Safety Professional in Canada (BCRSP Membership)

What is the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP)

The Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) sets certification standards for the occupational health and safety profession.

• In 1976, BCRSP was incorporated as a federal, not-for-profit organization

• Set the standard for certification of the OHS profession

• Administer the CRSP@ and CRST certification programs

• Only national certification body for OHS practitioners in Canada

Structure:

• Qualifications Review Committee.

• Governing Board

Rules & Regulations:

• Rules of Professional Conduct

• Applicant Code of Conduct

Certification:

• Certification examination (CRSPEX),

• Computer-based test (CBT)

• Based on the Examination Blueprint

• Administered at third-party test centers contracted by the Board.

Application Process

A Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)® requires an understanding of a unique multidisciplinary body of knowledge concerning risk and the elimination or reduction of work-related fatalities, injuries, and illnesses as well as property damage and associated social and financial losses. A CRSP® applies advice, support, and analysis to organizations regarding risk assessment and controls and their management processes. The role also supports health and wellness as it relates to the work environment.
Once submitted, the certification application fee of $ 525.00 (+GST/HST as applicable) is non-refundable. Fee submission is the last step required to complete an application form.
Once you have submitted your certification application, you may advise prospective employers that you have made an application to the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.
You may NOT indicate that you are a CRSP, a candidate CRSP, an applicant CRSP, a CRSP in process, a pending CRSP, or any other variation on these terms. The certification mark may not be used until such time as you have successfully completed the certification process, been awarded certification by the Governing Board, and received verification of certification (certificate and ID card). Unauthorized use of the CRSP prior to Governing Board approval and receipt of proof of certification may result in the application process being terminated.
Process:

1. Application

2. Payment

3. Evaluation

4. Interview

5. CRST Examination

6. Approval

7. Confirmation

8. Annual Recertification

HSE Domains that are examined:

• Applied Safety fundamentals

• Ergonomics

• Fire Prevention & Protection

• Health & Wellness

• HSE Auditing

• Law & Ethics

• Management Systems

• Occupational Hygiene

• Risk Management

CRST Examination Fees:

• Application Fee – $525.00

• Examination Fee- $175.00 (each attempt)

• Annual renewal fee – $250.00

Reference Questionnaire (RQ)

You need to submit some references to verify your knowledge, skills, and background.
Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to your references requesting completion of the reference or practice questionnaire on your behalf.
When selecting your reference, be sure this individual has knowledge of the OHS work you have done and the degree of responsibility you have in administering your employer’s OHS program. Your reference should not be a relative. The completed Reference Questionnaire is NOT to be returned to the applicant but sent directly to the BCRSP.
Required information:

• Reference Name

• Reference Position / Job Title

• Reference Employer

• Reference Telephone

• Reference Email

Important Notes:

• The same individual may not complete both the Reference Questionnaire and the Practice Questionnaire on behalf of the applicant.

• One of the two questionnaires (practice or reference) must be completed by a CRSP or equivalent (such as CSP, CMIOSH, CIH, ROH, PEng, CHRP/CHRL).

• You may not use anyone as a reference over whom you have supervisory responsibilities.

Practice Questionnaire (PQ)

Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to your references requesting completion of the reference or practice questionnaire on your behalf. The same individual may not complete both the Reference Questionnaire and the Practice Questionnaire on behalf of the applicant.
If you are a private consultant, the Practice Questionnaire must be completed by a current client. The completed Practice Questionnaire is NOT to be returned to the applicant but sent directly to the BCRSP.
Required Information:

• Supervisor/Client Name

• Supervisor/Client Position / Job Title

• Supervisor/Client Employer

• Supervisor/Client Telephone

• Supervisor/Client Email

Important Notes:

• One of the two questionnaires (practice or reference) must be completed by a CRSP or equivalent (such as CSP, CMIOSH, CIH, ROH, PEng, CHRP/CHRL).

Education

Formal Education must be completed by all applicants.
Requirement:

• A Bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized academic institution or

• 2-year (900 hours or 60 credit) diploma (or certificate) in occupational health and safety or equivalent from a recognized academic institution.

Requirement Information:

• Level Completed

• College/University

• Program Name

• Year Completed/Graduated

To Do:

• Request the original, final, sealed transcripts from the academic institution.

• Evaluate by a Canadian Credentialing Agency. (education was obtained outside of Canada)

• Send a copy of the original assessment by Canadian Credentialing Agency to the BCRSP. (education was obtained outside of Canada)

• Mailed directly to BCRSP at 6700 Century Ave, Suite 100 Mississauga, ON L5N 6A4.

Professional Development

Professional Development only to be submitted by an applicant with a non-OHS degree.

Experience

Information about Professional Experience in OHS must be submitted for 48 months of professional-level OHS experience obtained within the last 72 months (minimum of 900 hours/calendar year of practice in OHS)
Required Information:

• Current or Most Recent Position / Job Title

• Resume

• Employer Name

• Start-End Dates

• Job Description (if applicable)

• Employer Verification Letter (if applicable)

Need to answer the following questions:

1. Describe how you apply communication skills within the context of the position

2. Describe situations within the context of this position involving the application of principles of ethical practice

3. The extent to which you design OSH management strategies and frameworks for OSH critical risk control management.

4. The extent to which you influence senior managers, building relationships as a basis for influence, mentoring, and providing integrated technical and strategic advice

5. The extent to which you develop monitoring systems and are involved in organizational review and change management

6. The extent to which you consider the wider context of business processes and external regulatory, market, and societal influences

7. The extent to which you are equipped to give advice/take action based on conceptual and technical knowledge mediated by analysis of evidence, experience, and critical thought

8. The extent to which you are able to extend your understanding and control to the novel, unknown and complex risks, and their control

9. The extent to which you work autonomously within your own initiative and responsibility but value professional collaboration

Note:

• There is a requirement to add some information about Employment Gap if you had any.

English or French Language Requirements

If English or French is not your first language (i.e. is not the first language you learned at home as a child), you will need to provide evidence of adequate English or French to meet certification requirements, unless you qualify for an exemption. You may qualify for an exemption from the English or French requirement if one of the following applies to you:

• You have completed/are completing four or more years of full-time study at a recognized academic institution that teaches in English or French.

• You have completed/are completing four or more years of full-time study in English or French language school located in a country where the dominant language is English or French.

You are required to submit evidence of English or French language proficiency, you can satisfy the requirement by completing one of the tests/qualifications listed below with acceptable results.

• TOEFL minimum score of 94-101;

• IELTS minimum band score of 7;

• TFI score of 785-900;

Important Notes:

• Equivalent proof of language proficiency (e.g. a university assessment) will also be accepted

Further Reads

• General Exam Information

• Exam Reference Texts 

• Latest Changes in Certification