This question is asked frequently from people who are trying to differentiate between the two certificates. The CSP designation is certainly a legitimate credential; however, NASP simply does not see the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) as a competitor. If one has an engineering education and desires an engineering emphasis in a workplace safety career, then the CSP certification may be an option. It must be noted, that the CSP is the passing of a single exam. There is no class or course material. BCSP does not offer training; they offer you the opportunity to verify training obtained elsewhere. The LSP is a certificate of a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities with the successful completion of a specific curriculum. In addition, the LSP topics range far beyond the CSP credential, including review of pertinent DOT and EPA regulations. It is more comprehensive in scope, representing a very broad scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
If you qualify for the CSP (which requires a four year degree and five years of experience in the safety field), but are debating between the CSP and the LSP, then perhaps you may choose both and have the ultimate proof to any employer of advanced expertise in the safety field. There are many professionals who have obtained both certificates. The LSP was originally developed for those who may not have the math/engineering skills to pass the CSP exam. Many were those who did not begin their careers as safety professionals but ultimately found themselves with workplace safety responsibilities. Today, many engineers and holders of safety related college degrees also seek NASP certificates.
