CSPExam Guide SF

© 2008 Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Savoy, Illinois, USA
All rights reserved.
All or any part of this document may be freely copied and distributed with the following
restrictions: Excerpts, in any form or medium, must include a formal statement
acknowledging that the Board of Certified Safety Professionals is the owner of the
copyrighted material excerpted from this document. Copies and redistributions of this
whole document, in any form or medium, must include the entire copyright notice and the
restrictions shown on this page.
The CSP logo is a registered mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. “CSP”
and “Certified Safety Professional” are registered certification marks issued by the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Safety Fundamentals Examination Guide
Fifth Edition – April 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 1
OVERVIEW OF THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION................................................................................ 4
SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT.............................................................................................. 5
PREPARING FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION ............................................................................ 9

Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses.................................................................................................... 9
Having an Examination Preparation Plan...................................................................................................... 9
Developing a Test-taking Strategy ................................................................................................................ 9
Using Your Authorized Calculators (including BCSP Calculator Rules) ................................................... 10
Obtaining Information on the Body of Knowledge ..................................................................................... 10
BCSP-published Self-assessment Examination........................................................................................... 11
Other Review and Study Sources ................................................................................................................ 11
Examination Integrity .................................................................................................................................. 11
SELF-EVALUATION WORKSHEET FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION .................................. 12
REGISTERING FOR AND TAKING THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION ............................................ 13

Locating a Pearson VUE Test Center.......................................................................................................... 13
Purchasing an Examination Authorization (including rules for candidates who need
special accommodations and rules for candidates who need to use assistive devices) .................. 13
Receiving Your Examination Authorization Letter..................................................................................... 13
Scheduling an Examination Appointment ................................................................................................... 14
Taking the Examination (including test center identification and security requirements) .......................... 14
Late Arrivals and Missed Appointments ..................................................................................................... 16
Canceling and Rescheduling Examination Appointments........................................................................... 16
Examination Authorization Extensions (For Candidates Testing in the U.S. and Canada Only)................ 16
Retesting ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Other Testing Arrangements........................................................................................................................ 17
SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES (WITHIN THE U.S. AND CANADA).............. 18
SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES (OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA) ........... 19
ELIGIBILITY TIME LIMIT RULES..................................................................................................................................... 20
SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS..................................................................................... 21
ANSWERS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS.................................................... 24
SOLUTIONS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS ................................................ 24

INTRODUCTION
Using This Publication Register to take the Safety Fundamentals examination

leading to the interim ASP designation. Anytime during
This publication, the Safety Fundamentals Examination your eligibility period, you may register with BCSP to take
Guide, provides detailed information about the Safety the Safety Fundamentals examination. After you register
Fundamentals examination leading to the Certified Safety and pay for a Safety Fundamentals examination
Professional®, or CSP®, credential.1 A companion authorization, BCSP will (1) notify the examination
publication to this document, the CSP Application Guide, delivery service provider that you are an authorized Safety
provides information on the qualifications for earning the Fundamentals examination candidate and (2) inform you
CSP credential and the application process. You may how long you have to make an appointment and to
download this publication as well as the CSP Application complete the Safety Fundamentals examination. You will
Guide from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals not need to complete any additional applications for
(BCSP) web site at www.bcsp.org/downloads, or you may continuing to the CSP as long as your do not allow your
contact the BCSP office to obtain free hard copies. Note eligibility to expire.
that there is a second examination leading to the CSP
credential, the Comprehensive Practice examination. If Make an appointment to take your examination at a test
you need information on the Comprehensive Practice center near you, and sit for your examination at the
examination, be sure to obtain a copy of the scheduled time. BCSP's examination delivery service
Comprehensive Practice Examination Guide. provider has hundreds of test centers located around the
world that are open every business day (most also have
An overview of the Safety Fundamentals examination is weekend and holiday hours). Your examination will be
presented in this publication along with its respective delivered to you on a computer at the test center. You will
examination blueprint. Sample items typical of the Safety receive your unofficial result as soon as you log off the test
Fundamentals examination are presented in subsequent center's computer system. In most cases, BCSP will send
sections with solutions and explanations. A section of this you your official result within three weeks after you take
publication explains how to prepare for the Safety your examination.
Fundamentals examination. There is a section describing
computer-delivered examinations and the procedures used If you fail the examination and you are still eligible for the
at the computer test centers. examination, you may register and pay for another Safety
Fundamentals examination authorization as soon as you
The ASP Process receive your official examination result from BCSP.
However, if you fail the examination, you should try to
The process of earning the interim Associate Safety enhance your knowledge of the subject material before you
Professional (ASP) designation is summarized in the retake the examination in order to increase the likelihood of
following paragraphs. passing it.
Complete and submit application materials. BCSP will Complete all requirements for the ASP credential. After
review your application materials to determine whether you completing all of the requirements, BCSP will award you
have met the academic and experience requirements and interim use of the Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
are eligible for the Safety Fundamentals examination. If designation.
you are eligible, BCSP will inform you of the length of
your eligibility period and the expiration date of your Pay an annual renewal fee. The interim ASP designation
eligibility. is awarded on an annual basis. Those holding this
designation must pay an annual fee in order to retain the
use of this designation.
1
The CSP logo is a registered mark with the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office. “CSP” and “Certified Safety Professional” are registered
certification marks issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to the
Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
1
The CSP Credential Definitions
The CSP credential is awarded to ASPs who subsequently A safety professional is one who applies the expertise
pass the Comprehensive Practice examination and meet the gained from a study of safety science, principles, practices,
requirements to achieve and retain the credential. and other subjects and from professional safety experience
to create or develop procedures, processes, standards,
Certified Safety Professionals are: specifications, and systems to achieve optimal control or
reduction of the hazards and exposures that may harm
• Respected by other safety professionals. people, property, or the environment.
• Honored by the safety profession.
• Preferred or required by many employers of safety Professional safety experience, as interpreted by BCSP,
professionals. must be the primary function of a position and account for
• Required in many government and private contracts. at least 50% of the position's responsibility. Professional
• Paid on the average about $17,000 more per year2 than safety experience involves analysis, synthesis,
safety professionals without certification. investigation, evaluation, research, planning, design,
• Likely to fill more responsible management and administration, and consultation to the satisfaction of peers,
executive positions than those without the CSP employers, and clients in the prevention of harm to people,
credential. property, and the environment. Professional safety
experience differs from nonprofessional safety experience
The CSP credential: in the degree of responsible charge and the ability to defend
analytical approaches and recommendations for
engineering or administrative controls.
• Is held by about 75% of the leaders in the safety
profession.
A Certified Safety Professional, or CSP, is a safety
• Is cited in federal, state, and local laws, regulations,
professional who has met and continues to meet all
and standards.
requirements established by BCSP and is authorized by
• Is recognized by U.S. and foreign safety and health BCSP to use the Certified Safety Professional title and the
organizations. CSP credential.
• Adds $150 million annually to the salary base of the
safety profession. An Associate Safety Professional, or ASP, is a temporary
designation awarded by BCSP. This designation describes
Recipients of the CSP credential receive: an individual who has met the academic requirements for
the CSP credential and has passed the Safety Fundamentals
• The authority to use the Certified Safety Professional examination, the first of two examinations leading to the
title and the CSP credential. CSP credential.
• A wall certificate showing their achievement.
• An annual wallet card showing their title and A Graduate Safety Practitioner, or GSP, is a temporary
qualifications. designation awarded by BCSP. This designation describes
• A personalized BCSP certification announcement. an individual who has graduated from an independently
• The BCSP Newsletter. accredited academic program meeting BCSP’s standards.
• The BCSP Annual Report.
• Representation for promoting and protecting the CSP
credential.
2
Source: “ASSE Compensation Survey: A Summary Report,”
American Society of Safety Engineers, 2004.
2
About BCSP Accreditation
BCSP was organized in 1969 as a peer certification board. The Certified Safety Professional credential meets or
Its purpose is to certify practitioners in the safety exceeds the highest national and international accreditation
profession. The specific functions of the Board are to: and personnel certification standards for certification
bodies.
• Evaluate the academic and professional experience
qualifications of safety professionals. International Accreditation
• Administer examinations. • ISO/IEC 1702431
• Issue certifications to those professionals who meet the
Board's criteria and successfully pass required National Accreditation
examinations. • National Commission for Certifying Agencies4
In 1968, the American Society of Safety Engineers studied

the issue of certification for safety professionals and
recommended the formation of a professional certification
program. This recommendation led to establishing BCSP
in July 1969. The BCSP governing Board consists of 13
directors who represent the breadth and depth of safety,
health, and environmental practice, as well as the public.
Six of the directors are nominated to a pool by professional
membership organizations affiliated with BCSP. The
professional membership organizations currently affiliated
with BCSP are the following.
• American Industrial Hygiene Association

• American Society of Safety Engineers
• Institute of Industrial Engineers
• National Fire Protection Association
• National Safety Council
• Society of Fire Protection Engineers
• System Safety Society
BCSP has issued the CSP credential to over 20,000 people,

and over 11,000 currently maintain their CSP certification.
3
U.S. Administrator: American National Standards Institute,
Personnel Certification Accreditation, 1819 L Street NW, 6th Floor,
Washington, DC 20036; Phone: 202-293-8020; Web: www.ansi.org.
4
National Commission for Certifying Agencies, 2025 M Street
NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20036; Phone: 202-367-1165; Web:
www.noca.org/ncca/ncca.htm.
3
OVERVIEW OF THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION
There are two examinations leading to the CSP credential: criteria, including importance in and relevance to
Safety Fundamentals and Comprehensive Practice. Some professional safety. Also, 10–15% of the items on BCSP
candidates receive a waiver of the Safety Fundamentals examinations are experimental, and do not contribute to a
examination if they were rigorously examined through candidate's pass/fail decision. BCSP analyzes the
another allied certification or licensing process approved by performance of these experimental items before deciding to
BCSP or if they graduated from a qualified academic include them in the official item bank. Items that
program and if BCSP awarded them temporary use of the successfully complete this quality process are placed in the
Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. All item bank for potential use in examinations.
candidates for the CSP credential must pass the
Comprehensive Practice examination. Throughout item development, examination development,
examination revision, and examination administration,
The Safety Fundamentals examination contains 200 BCSP consults with experienced testing specialists
multiple-choice items with four possible answers. Only (psychometricians) to ensure that BCSP examinations and
one answer is correct. Each item is independent and does the entire testing and certification process conform to
not rely on the correct answer to any other item. Data acceptable practices and accreditation standards.
necessary to answer items are included in the item or in a
scenario shared by several items. Your score is based on How BCSP Establishes the Minimum Passing Score
the number of scored items you correctly answer.
BCSP uses a criterion-referenced procedure (the Angoff-
How BCSP Examinations Are Developed modified technique) to establish minimum passing scores
for examinations. This procedure ensures that your score is
Periodically, BCSP validates the content of its independent of scores for other candidates sitting for the
examinations to help ensure that the examinations reflect examination and involves having a panel of experts rates
what is important, relevant, and critical in professional each examination item with respect to the candidate who
safety practice. The process for validating professional would just meet the minimum requirements to sit for the
certification examinations against current practices examination and should know the correct answer. The
produces examination blueprints. minimum passing score is calculated from results across all
raters and across all examination items. The ratings reflect
Examination Content Development and Revision such things as the difficulty of items and the degree to
which items are common for all areas of professional
BCSP updates examinations continuously. Most items practice. As examinations are modified on a regular basis,
come from safety professionals in practice. Before items the minimum passing score is adjusted for the difficulty of
are accepted into item banks, they go through rigorous items on the examination. Item performance is also
technical, psychometric, and grammatical editing. In evaluated regularly to ensure that BCSP examinations
addition, practicing safety professionals with expertise in maintain the highest testing standards.
the subject area of the item review edited items on several
Beginning January 1, 2009, the Safety Fundamentals examination blueprint beginning with the
table on the next page will go into effect. If you register for and purchase a Safety Fundamentals
examination authorization ON OR AFTER January 1, 2009, you will receive an examination with
content based on the blueprint described in this document.
If you register for and purchase a Safety Fundamentals examination BEFORE January 1, 2009,
your examination will be based on a different blueprint. If you plan on registering for and
purchasing your examination before January 1, 2009, it is essential for you to obtain the
appropriate Examination Guide for the examination based on the other blueprint. Contact BCSP
if you have any questions.
4
SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT
BCSP examination blueprints are based on surveys of what safety professionals do in practice. The Safety
Fundamentals examination is required for candidates to demonstrate knowledge of professional safety practice at the
Associate Safety Professional (ASP) level. The table beginning below and continuing on the next several pages
describes the subject matter covered by the Safety Fundamentals examination.
The top four levels, called domains, represent major areas of practice that safety professionals at the ASP level must
understand. Within each domain are knowledge topics. For most knowledge topics, there is a list of knowledge
areas.
Each domain heading in this table is accompanied by a percentage label. This percentage represents the proportion of
the actual Safety Fundamentals examination devoted to that domain.
Safety Fundamentals Examination

Domain 1
Recognizing Safety, Health, and Environmental Hazards
35.4%
Topic 1
Biological Hazards
Topic 2
Chemical Hazards
Topic 3
Electrical Hazards
Topic 4
Natural Hazards
Topic 5 Knowledge Areas
Radiation Hazards 1. Ionizing radiation
2. Nonionizing radiation
Topic 6
Structural and Mechanical Hazards
Topic 7
Hazards Related to Fires and Explosions
Hazards Related to Human Factors and 1. Fitness for duty
Ergonomics 2. Manual materials handling
3. Organizational, behavioral, and psychological influences
4. Physical and mental stressors
5. Repetitive activities
6. Workplace violence
5
Domain 2
Measuring, Evaluating, and Controlling Safety, Health, and Environmental Hazards
30.9%

Measurement and Monitoring 1. Methods and techniques for measurement, sampling, and analysis
2. Uses and limitations of monitoring equipment
Engineering Controls 1. Dust control
2. Equipment and material handling
3. Excavation shoring
4. Facility physical security
5. Fall protection
6. Fire prevention, protection, and suppression
7. Hazardous energy control
8. Human factors and ergonomic design
9. Mechanical and machine guarding
10. Segregation and separation
11. Substitution and selection of alternative design strategies
12. Ventilation
Administrative Controls 1. Accountability
2. Behavior modification
3. Decontamination processes
4. Exposure limitation
5. Fitness for duty
6. Housekeeping
7. Labels
8. Material safety data sheets
9. Safe work permits
10. Training and education
11. Warnings and signs
12. Work zone establishment
13. Written plans, procedures, and work practices
Personal Protective Equipment 1. Assessment of need for personal protective equipment
2. Selection and testing of personal protective equipment
3. Usage of personal protective equipment
4. Maintenance of personal protective equipment
6
Domain 3
Safety, Health, and Environmental Training and Management
20.6%

Training and Communication Methods 1. Adult learning techniques
2. ANSI/ASSE Z490.1 (American National Standard: Criteria for Accepted
Practices in Safety, Health, and Environmental Training)
3. Behavior modification
4. Methods of training delivery
5. Methods of training evaluation
6. Presentation tools
Management Processes 1. Emergency/crisis/disaster planning and response
2. Identification of expert resources
3. Incident data collection and analysis
4. Techniques for performing incident investigation and root cause analysis
1. Elements of an inspection and auditing program
Inspections and Auditing
2. Reasons to perform inspections and audits
3. Purpose and objective of ISO 19011 (Guidelines for quality and/or
environmental management systems auditing)
1. Conflict resolution
Group Dynamics
2. Methods of facilitating teams
3. Multidisciplinary teamwork
4. Negotiation procedures
Project Management 1. Evaluation of cost, schedule, performance, and risk
2. Project management terminology
3. Review of specifications and designs against requirements
Risk Management 1. The risk management process
2. Risk analysis methods (e.g., job safety analysis, hazard and operability
analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, fault tree analysis, what-
if/checklist analysis, change analysis)
Safety, Health, and Environmental 1. Purpose and objective of ANSI/AIHA Z10 (American National Standard
Management Systems for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems)
2. Purpose and objective of the ISO 14000 series of environmental
management system standards
3. Purpose and objective of the OHSAS 18000 series of occupational health
and safety management system standards
4. Purpose and objective of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration Voluntary Protection Programs
7
Domain 4
Business Principles, Practices, and Metrics in Safety, Health, and Environmental Practice
13.1%

Basic Financial Principles 1. Cost benefit analysis (e.g., calculating, evaluating, and selecting the best
alternative)
2. Definition and use of life cycle cost
3. Definition and use of net present value
4. Definition and use of return on investment
Probability and Statistics 1. Concepts of probability
2. Normal (Gaussian) distribution: description, calculations, and
interpretations
3. Poisson distribution: description, calculations, and interpretations
4. Descriptive statistics: description, calculations, and interpretations (e.g.,
mean, mode, median, standard deviation, standard error of measurement,
variance)
5. Inferential statistics: description, calculations, and interpretations (e.g., t-
test, z-test, chi-square test, Pearson product-moment correlation,
Spearman’s rank correlation, linear regression techniques, confidence
intervals, control limits)
Performance Metrics and Indicators 1. Lagging indicators (e.g., incidence rates, lost time, direct costs of
incidents)
2. Leading indicators (e.g., inspection frequency, number of safety
interventions, employee performance evaluations, training frequency, near
miss/near hit reporting)
3. Economic effects of losses (e.g., cost per incident)
4. Relationship between cost of losses and the effect on profitability
8
PREPARING FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION
You may use various approaches to prepare for the Safety opportunities to increase your score within that subject. If
Fundamentals examination: you are likely to get few items correct for another subject,
you have a better opportunity to gain points by studying
• Perform individual study. that subject.
• Participate in informal study groups.
• Attend formal review courses. Convert your subject strengths and weaknesses into a study
• Complete practice examinations. plan that is likely to increase your overall examination
score. You will want to refresh your knowledge in all
Some keys to success include: subjects. It is also a good idea to study subjects that offer
the greatest opportunity to increase your overall score.
• Knowing your strengths and weaknesses.
• Having an examination preparation plan. Make a chart of subjects. List for yourself how you will
• Developing a test-taking strategy. prepare for each subject. You may want to identify study
hours for each, create a study schedule, or even chart out
• Understanding how to use your calculator.
how you plan to prepare for each subject (reading,
practicing working calculations, attending a study group or
Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses
refresher course, etc.).
A self-evaluation will help you determine how well you
Note that knowledge and understanding are essential in
know various subjects included on the Safety
passing the examinations. Relying only on simulated
Fundamentals examination. Simply rate yourself on each
examination items is not the best way to increase
major and minor subject area included on the examination.
knowledge and understanding. Use simulated items to
Focus especially on the specific knowledge areas. The
provide insight into the areas in which you should engage
safety discipline requires knowledge in many different
in additional study.
subjects. A rating form to help you evaluate your
knowledge appears at the end of this section on page 12. It
Developing a Test-taking Strategy
is essential for you to compare your knowledge against that
contained in the examination blueprint (pages 5 through 8).
Knowing how to take examinations will help improve your
score. The Safety Fundamentals examination uses
Having an Examination Preparation Plan
multiple-choice items. Each item has one correct answer
and three incorrect answers. Remember, the goal is to get
You can use your ratings to help establish a study plan. The
as many items correct as possible. There is no penalty on
examination blueprint shows how the items on an
the Safety Fundamentals examination for selecting an
examination are distributed across domains and topics.
incorrect answer. However, only correct answers count
While the exact number of items devoted to each
toward reaching the passing score.
responsibility may vary on the actual examination, one can
estimate about how many items may be devoted to each
Understand item construction. A four-choice, objectively
particular subject by assuming a uniform distribution
scored examination item contains an item stem and four
within a domain.
possible answers. The premise, or lead-in statement or
question, is called the stem. One of the choices is correct,
The total number of scored items that you get correct on the
and three are not.
examination determines whether you pass. The goal is to
get enough scored items correct to pass the examination.
Guess intelligently. If you do not know the answer to an
Scoring well in one subject area can compensate for a
item or are not sure about it, you should guess intelligently.
weaker score in another subject area. However, there may
Look for choices that you know are incorrect or do not
not be enough items in your strong areas to achieve a
appear as plausible as others. Choose your answer from
passing score. You will have to get items correct in your
among the remaining choices. This increases your chance
moderate and weak areas to pass.
of selecting a correct answer.
Use this information to form a preparation strategy. If you
Read the items carefully. Read each item carefully.
know a subject well and are likely to get most items for that
Consider the item from the viewpoint of an examination
subject correct on the examination, you have few additional
9
item writer. Look for the item focus. Each item evaluates Solutions to computational items usually are rounded to
some subject or kernel of knowledge. Try to identify what two or three significant figures. You should select the
knowledge the item is trying to test. Avoid reading things answer closest to the computed value.
into an item. The item can only test on the information
actually included. Recognize that the stems for some items You may bring one or two calculators to the examination as
may include information that is not needed for correctly long as they comply with the BCSP calculator rules in the
answering them. box below. You may not bring in calculator operational
instructions or other written materials to assist you with
Consider the context. Often an item is framed around a using your authorized calculators. Your calculators will be
particular industry or situation. Even if you do not work in thoroughly inspected before you will be allowed to bring
that industry or have not experienced a particular situation, them into the secure testing room.
the item may be testing knowledge that you have. Avoid
dismissing an item because of the context or the industry in
which it is framed. BCSP Calculator Rules
The following are the only makes and models of calculators
Use examination time wisely. When taking your permitted.
examination, complete those items first that you know or
can answer quickly. Then go back to items that were • Casio models FX-115, FX-250, FX-260, FX-300
difficult for you or required considerable time to read, • Hewlett-Packard models hp 9, hp 10, hp 12, hp 30
analyze, or compute. This approach allows you to build
• Texas Instruments models TI-30, TI-34, TI-35, TI-36
your score as quickly as possible. You may want to go
back over skipped or marked items several times.
Any version of these makes and models may be used. For
Complete skipped items. After you have gone through the example, a Hewlett-Packard hp 30s is permitted, as is a
examination once or if you are running out of time, look for Texas Instruments TI-30Xa.
items that you have not answered. Select an answer for any
skipped or incomplete item. By chance alone, you can get
one of every four correct. There is no penalty for selecting Obtaining Information on the Body of Knowledge
an incorrect answer.
Draw on your experience and on professional and study
Go back to troublesome items. It is a good idea to mark references in your own library, a company, or a public
items that you are not sure about or items that are difficult library. BCSP maintains an online comprehensive list of
for you. After you have worked through the entire published references that provide reasonable coverage on
examination, go back to marked items. Reread the items the subject matter associated with BCSP examination
and study the choices again. You may recall some blueprints and safety, health, and environmental practice.
knowledge or information that you had not considered Examination items are not necessarily taken directly from
earlier and be able to answer the item correctly. You may these sources, and you may have access to previous or later
also be able to eliminate a choice that is not correct and editions of these or other references that also present
increase your chance of guessing the correct answer. acceptable coverage on the subject matter. However,
BCSP believes that the references on the online list
represent the breadth and depth of coverage of safety,
Using Your Authorized Calculators
health, and environmental practice.
Some items on the Safety Fundamentals examination
require computations to obtain the correct answer. You BCSP maintains the following online list of published
may bring one or two of your own calculators, but your references.
calculators must comply with the BCSP calculator rules
(see Box, next column). Make sure you know how to use www.bcsp.org/publishedreferences
your calculators since you could waste valuable time trying
to understand how to use your calculators once the
examination clock starts. You could also make
computational errors if you have not practiced using your
calculators. It is a good idea to practice working solutions
to computational problems to be able to recall the correct
calculator procedures.
10
BCSP-published Self-assessment Examination Examination Integrity
BCSP publishes a self-assessment examination for the A key to a successful and respected credentialing program
Safety Fundamentals examination. Many candidates find it is examination security. Without it, a peer-operated
helpful in examination preparation. The self-assessment credentialing program has little value. BCSP relies on the
examination can help diagnose how well you know the ethical behavior of candidates and certificants to maintain
body of knowledge as well as to help refresh your test- the security of BCSP examinations.
taking skills.
BCSP publishes brochures and technical documents
To order a self-assessment examination, please complete derived strictly from the examination blueprints shown on
the order form at the very end of this document. You can pages 5 through 8. These brochures and technical
also order a self-assessment examination on the BCSP web documents are available to anyone. BCSP neither
site at www.bcsp.org, or by calling BCSP. publishes nor releases any other information or material
related to the Safety Fundamentals examination. In
The self-assessment examination is based on the blueprint addition, BCSP does not provide access to any examination
described in this document and is half the length of a full or other examination-related materials to anyone except
examination. The self-assessment examination booklet authorized Safety Fundamentals examination candidates.
includes a scoring sheet and a chart of correct answers. It
also includes solutions to computational items and When those who hold the CSP credential or those who are
explanations for correct answers, along with detailed pursuing the CSP credential reveal information about the
references. content of BCSP examinations (other than that which is
described in documents published by BCSP), they violate
Other Review and Study Sources the agreement all candidates accept when they apply for
certification and when they take an examination.
A number of professional membership organizations, trade
organizations, colleges and universities, and private Applicants, examination candidates, or certificants who
companies offer study courses, software, and materials to reveal confidential information about the content of BCSP
assist candidates with preparing for BCSP examinations. examinations through any means also violate the BCSP
Because candidates for BCSP examinations often ask Bylaws and the BCSP Code of Ethics and Professional
where to locate review courses and materials, BCSP Conduct.
maintains an online list strictly as a courtesy.
BCSP has taken action and will continue to take action
Beyond the written materials BCSP publishes (and against individuals who violate this trust. Penalties include
which are available to anyone), BCSP has no permanently barring individuals from pursuing the CSP
involvement whatsoever in the development, content, or credential and revoking the certifications and interim
distribution of any courses or materials associated with designations of those who have status with BCSP, in
preparing for BCSP examinations. BCSP neither addition to other legal remedies.
endorses the providers shown on the online list nor
evaluates the providers or the providers’ materials for In addition, BCSP will pursue legal actions against
consistency with BCSP examination blueprints or with organizations, individuals not seeking certification, and
any aspect of any BCSP examination. individuals who fraudulently claim or misrepresent their
intent to seek certification, who reveal information about
Candidates must contact the sources directly about the content of BCSP examinations (other than information
materials, course schedules, fees, or matters related to that is described in documents published by BCSP).
satisfaction with their products or services.
BCSP maintains the following online list of third-party

review and examination preparation service providers.
This list is maintained strictly as a courtesy and is neither
intended to be exhaustive nor is it updated regularly.
www.bcsp.org/otherstudysources
11
SELF-EVALUATION WORKSHEET FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION
Rate your level of knowledge on each domain and topic included on the Safety Fundamentals examination by marking each
area as H = High, M = Medium, or L = Low. Use the ratings to help establish a preparation plan for taking the
examination. Refer to the examination blueprint on pages 5 through 8.
Self
DOMAIN/Topic Area Rating
DOMAIN 1. RECOGNIZING SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Topic 1. Biological Hazards
Topic 2. Chemical Hazards
Topic 3. Electrical Hazards
Topic 4. Natural Hazards
Topic 5. Radiation Hazards
Topic 6. Structural and Mechanical Hazards
Topic 7. Hazards Related to Fires and Explosions
Topic 8. Hazards Related to Human Factors and Ergonomics
DOMAIN 2. MEASURING, EVALUATING, AND CONTROLLING SAFETY, HEALTH, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Topic 1. Measurement and Monitoring
Topic 2. Engineering Controls
Topic 3. Administrative Controls
Topic 4. Personal Protective Equipment
DOMAIN 3. SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT

Topic 1. Training and Communication Methods
Topic 2. Management Processes
Topic 3. Inspections and Auditing
Topic 4. Group Dynamics.
Topic 5. Project Management
Topic 6. Risk Management
Topic 7. Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Systems
DOMAIN 4. BUSINESS PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND METRICS IN SAFETY, HEALTH, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE
Topic 1. Basic Financial Principles
Topic 2. Probability and Statistics
Topic 3. Performance Metrics and Indicators
12
REGISTERING FOR AND TAKING THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION
BCSP uses computer delivered examinations at test centers authorization, you fail to inform BCSP of your need for
operated by Pearson VUE. You do not need computer one or more special accommodations, you will not
skills. Once BCSP makes you eligible for the Safety receive them when you arrive for your examination.
Fundamentals examination, and you are ready to take the Your special accommodations will not be granted until
examination, you need to take the following actions. BCSP receives and reviews your official medical
documentation and approves your request.
• Locate a Pearson VUE test center
• Purchase an Examination Authorization Once BCSP approves your request for special
• Receive your Examination Authorization Letter accommodations, BCSP will notify you and provide you
• Schedule an examination appointment with additional instructions describing how you will need
• Take the examination to schedule your examination appointment. Note: Be
prepared to send BCSP your medical documentation as
After you take an examination, BCSP will mail your soon as you purchase your examination authorization.
official examination result and related materials to you. Your 120-day examination authorization clock starts on the
day you purchase your examination authorization even if
Locating a Pearson VUE Test Center you are requesting one or more special accommodations.
To ensure that a Pearson VUE test center is suitably Examinations for candidates using assistive devices. If
convenient to you, visit the Pearson VUE website at you use (or expect to use) external assistive devices or
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP. Click on the "Locate a test equipment such as crutches, a wheelchair, a cane, an
center" link. If you do not have Internet access, contact optical prosthetic, a portable oxygen system, or one or
BCSP for assistance in locating a nearby test center. more hearing aids, you must inform BCSP of your need to
use these external assistive devices in the secure testing
Purchasing an Examination Authorization room at the time you purchase an examination
authorization. BCSP will inform Pearson VUE of your
After BCSP sends you a notice indicating that you are need to use one or more external assistive devices so the
eligible to sit for the Safety Fundamentals examination, Pearson VUE test center staff can be prepared to perform
you may register with BCSP to take the examination at any appropriate security inspections on these assistive devices
time within your eligibility time limit rules (see page 20). when you arrive. If you fail to inform BCSP of your need
to use one or more external assistive devices, you will not
Follow the instructions on your eligibility letter for be permitted to use your assistive devices in the secure
registering and purchasing your examination authorization. testing room. If you do not permit reasonable inspection,
Pay special attention to your eligibility expiration date. you will forfeit your examination authorization fee.
Examinations for candidates requiring special Receiving Your Examination Authorization Letter
accommodations. If you require special examination
facilities or arrangements because of one or more After you pay for an examination authorization, BCSP will
documented disabilities (consistent with the Americans mail or email you an Examination Authorization Letter. In
with Disabilities Act), you must inform BCSP of these it are detailed instructions for scheduling an examination
needs at the time you purchase an examination appointment at a Pearson VUE test center. Have this letter
authorization. You will be asked to provide official available when you create your online Web account to
medical documentation describing the nature of your schedule your appointment online, or when you make your
disabilities, the precise special accommodation(s) appointment with Pearson VUE by phone.
recommended for you, and the name, address, phone
number, and qualifications of the licensed healthcare
professional validating your request. Pearson VUE can
accommodate almost all requests for special
accommodations. However, if special accommodations are
not available through a Pearson VUE test center, BCSP
will make other arrangements to ensure that your needs are
met. If, at the time you purchase your examination
13
Scheduling an Examination Appointment scheduled to take your examination, the test center staff
also may take your picture and obtain electronic fingerprint
After you receive your Examination Authorization Letter, data to confirm your identity.
you must schedule an examination appointment directly
with Pearson VUE. A brochure sent with your You must bring a valid, unexpired government-issued
Examination Authorization Letter will have additional identification document bearing both your picture and
details for scheduling and rescheduling (if necessary) your signature. Your name on this identification document
examination appointment. Some of the rules are outlined on must exactly match the name you used when you
pages 18 and 19 of this publication. applied for certification with BCSP.
BCSP examinations are available at Pearson VUE test If you are not a citizen of the country in which you are
centers around the world. Visit the Pearson VUE website testing, the only acceptable identification document is
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP to locate a test center near your valid, unexpired passport.
you and to schedule your appointment. All test centers are
open during normal (customary) weekday business hours, Examples of acceptable identification for testing within the
and some have weekend and holiday hours. country of your citizenship include your valid, unexpired
passport or your valid, unexpired, non-temporary North
Make your appointment as soon as possible after you American state or provincial driver’s license/identification
receive your Examination Authorization Letter since card, military identification card, national identification
available appointment times at Pearson VUE test card, European Identity card, or permanent resident card.
centers are reserved early. BCSP strongly recommends If the identification document you present is expired,
making your appointment eight or more weeks in invalid, or does not have both your picture and
advance. If you wait too long and find that you are signature, you will be refused admission, and you will
unable to make an appointment to take your forfeit your examination authorization fee.
examination within your examination authorization
period, you will forfeit your examination authorization There are additional identification requirements for foreign
fee, and you will have to purchase a new examination nationals testing in the People's Republic of China and
authorization to sit for the examination, if you are still Hong Kong, and for citizens of countries against which the
eligible. U.S. is enforcing economic and trade sanctions. If you are
in one of these situations, or if you have questions related
When you make your appointment, Pearson VUE will send to the presentation of acceptable identification, contact
you a confirmation letter by email or mail containing your BCSP before scheduling your examination appointment.
examination appointment details along with driving
instructions and other information. After scheduling your Final sign-in procedures. The test center staff will then
appointment, BCSP suggests that you confirm your provide you with materials for working out calculations by
appointment location, date, and time online at hand. If you intend to take one or two calculators with you
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP. into the secure testing room, the test center staff will
inspect each calculator and verify that each calculator
Taking the Examination complies with the published BCSP calculator rules (see
page 10) in effect when you sit for the examination.
Arrival and preliminary procedures. Plan to arrive at the
Pearson VUE test center at least 30 minutes before your
appointment starting time to help ensure your sign-in
procedure goes smoothly and to account for traffic delays.
The Pearson VUE test center staff will tell you where to
secure your coat, hat, and other personal belongings, and
show you the location of the restrooms. If you arrive 15
minutes or more after your appointment starting time, you
will be refused admission, and you will forfeit your
examination authorization fee.
Presenting your identification. The test center staff will

ask you to present acceptable identification and ask you to
sign your name in a logbook. Depending on where you are
14
Examination security. After the sign-in procedure is unethical, disruptive, or unprofessional conduct, or violate
completed, the test center staff will escort you into the any other BCSP or Pearson VUE security procedures.
secure testing room and seat you at your computer testing
workstation. Other than the materials provided by the test Examination tutorial. When you are ready to begin your
center staff for working out calculations and your examination, you will log on as instructed by the test center
authorized calculators, you cannot take any notes, books, staff. There will be several introductory screens, including
papers, purses, hats, coats, jackets, pagers, mobile a screen where you will have to accept BCSP's Security
telephones, or other materials or electronic devices into the and Confidentiality Agreement prior to actually viewing
secure testing room. In addition, no food, drinks, snacks, any examination content. Once you accept BCSP's
or tobacco products are permitted in the secure testing Security and Confidentiality Agreement, you will be able to
room at any time. All such items must be stored outside complete a brief tutorial to become familiar with the
the secure testing room. You may access only your stored features of the examination delivery software before
food, drinks, snacks, medicine, or tobacco products (when beginning the examination. BCSP strongly recommends
permitted by local law) during self-scheduled breaks you that you complete this tutorial. The time you spend on this
take outside the secure testing room. You may not access tutorial does not count toward your actual testing time.
your other personal belongings at all until you complete
your examination. During breaks, you are not permitted to Examination duration. Once you finish the online tutorial,
have contact with anyone other than the test center staff. your examination clock will actually begin. You will have
five hours to complete the Safety Fundamentals
Therefore, for the duration of the examination (i.e., while examination. At the end of your examination (after you are
your examination clock is running, including during self- shown your unofficial result), you will be asked to
scheduled breaks), you shall not: complete a post-examination survey.
• Consult verbally, electronically, or in writing with Your time remaining will appear on the computer screen.
any person other than with test center staff; If you leave your computer testing workstation for any
• Consult any written or electronic reference other reason during the examination, your clock will continue
than your authorized calculator(s) and the to run.
materials for working out calculations provided by
the test center staff; Examination format. One item will appear one the screen
• Leave your computer testing workstation, except at a time. You may answer the item, mark the item for later
to take a self-scheduled break within the building review, or skip the item completely. Even if you mark an
(or part of the building) controlled by Pearson item because you intend to review the item later, BCSP
VUE; or recommends that you select an answer anyway in case you
• Leave the building (or part of the building) run out of time and are unable to return to review the
controlled by Pearson VUE. marked item.
Because of the length of the examination, and because it is After you have seen all of the examination items, you will
likely that there will be no food or drink available in the be presented with a review screen that presents a list of all
test center, BCSP strongly recommends that you bring your items. This list will also show whether you skipped any
own food, drink, or snacks and secure them for use during items or marked any for later review. You may easily
your self-scheduled breaks. Also, remember to bring any return to any item on this table by simply clicking on the
medicine you require. item using the computer mouse. Once you return to the
item, you may change your answer selection, if desired,
Several security procedures are in place at Pearson VUE and return to the review screen.
test centers. Pearson VUE formally documents all
irregularities, and BCSP evaluates these irregularities to
determine appropriate action. Depending on the
irregularity, BCSP may invalidate your examination and
take additional disciplinary actions in accordance with
BCSP's Bylaws if you access prohibited materials, have
contact with anyone except test center staff, leave the test
center while your examination clock is running, engage in
15
Examination environment. You may find that the Late Arrivals and Missed Appointments
examination room is too cool or too warm or that the
computer testing workstation is not ergonomically designed If you fail to keep your scheduled examination
for you. In addition, you may be distracted during an appointment, if you arrive more than 15 minutes beyond
examination by noises such as mouse clicks and typing by the starting time of your scheduled appointment, or if you
other examinees in the room. BCSP does everything fail to present acceptable identification to the test center
possible to help make your examination experience a staff when you arrive for your scheduled appointment, you
positive one, and many of these distractions affect people will be refused admission, and you will forfeit your
differently. Therefore, you may want to plan for them. For examination authorization fee. To sit for the examination
example, you should consider wearing clothing that will after having been refused admission, you must pay a new
allow you to remain comfortable in either a cool or warm examination authorization fee, if you are still eligible.
environment, and consider having earplugs to block as
much environmental noise as possible. You should contact Canceling and Rescheduling Examination
the test center staff if the environmental conditions in the Appointments
secure testing room are unreasonable.
If you need to cancel and reschedule an examination
Completing the examination, getting your unofficial appointment, there must be one or more full business days
result, and post-examination surveys. Once you have remaining before the date of your scheduled appointment.
been shown your unofficial examination result, you will be Appointments cannot be canceled and rescheduled if there
asked to complete a post-examination survey. Please spend is less than one full business day before the date of your
time to answer the questions and make comments so BCSP scheduled examination appointment. To reschedule an
can improve the CSP certification process. After examination appointment, a Pearson VUE test center must
submitting your survey responses, you may leave your have an appointment time available within the remaining
computer testing workstation and find a member of the test time in your examination authorization period.
center staff to check out.
For candidates testing in the U.S. or Canada only: If you
During the check out procedure, you will have to return any have to cancel and reschedule your examination
materials given to you by the test center staff. The test appointment toward the end of your 120-day examination
center staff will then give you a printed copy of your authorization period, you should consider purchasing a
unofficial examination result. In most cases, BCSP will one-time, 60-day examination authorization extension from
mail your official result and score report to you within BCSP. The 60-day examination authorization extension is
three weeks. not available for candidates testing outside the U.S. and
Canada.
Also, a few days after you complete your examination,
Pearson VUE may select you to receive an online survey Examination Authorization Extensions (For Candidates
that relates to how well Pearson VUE managed your testing Testing in the U.S. and Canada Only)
experience. BCSP encourages you to complete this survey
if you are selected to receive it. This survey helps Pearson After registering and paying for an examination
VUE measure and improve its services. authorization, you will have 120 days to take the
examination. If you need to extend the 120-day
Reporting problems with your examination experience. examination authorization period, and you are testing in the
BCSP values your feedback, and if there were problems U.S. or Canada, BCSP allows you to purchase a one-time,
with your examination experience (e.g., computer delivery 60-day extension for a nonrefundable fee of $50 USD (this
issues, delays in checking you in, power failures), we want fee is subject to change). If you are eligible for this one-
to know about them as soon as possible. Within 30 days of time examination authorization extension, BCSP must
your examination, notify BCSP directly if you experienced receive and acknowledge your payment for the extension at
problems so we can investigate them. After 30 days elapse least two full business days before the date your current
beyond your examination appointment, BCSP no longer 120-day examination authorization period expires.
can begin an investigation of any specific examination
problems you encountered. If you are testing outside the U.S. and Canada, this
extension is not available to you.
16
If you scheduled an appointment, you are still Other Testing Arrangements
responsible for canceling that appointment and
rescheduling it even if you purchased an examination If there is no Pearson VUE test center near you and if you
authorization extension. If you fail to cancel and are not planning to travel to a city with a Pearson VUE test
reschedule your current appointment, you will forfeit center, BCSP can make special arrangements to deliver a
both your examination authorization fee and the BCSP examination by special administration (including for
extension fees you paid. U.S. military personnel in DANTES facilities). Taking a
BCSP examination by special administration is
BCSP cannot make, cancel, or reschedule your considerably more expensive than taking a computer-
examination appointment regardless of where you are delivered BCSP examination at a Pearson VUE test center.
taking your examination.
If you believe that you will need a special examination
Retesting administration, please contact BCSP five or more months
prior to your desired examination date so we can research
If you fail your examination, you may register and pay to providing a special administration for you. Once we
retake the examination after you receive your official result understand your special administration situation, BCSP
and score report from BCSP. There is no limit to the will contact you to explain the special administration rules
number of times you can register for and retake the and procedures for your case and provide you with the
examination, as long as you remain eligible. You do not specific examination authorization fee and the exact
have to reapply for the CSP credential after failing an examination date and location.
examination unless your overall eligibility has expired.
Eligibility time limit rules are described in the CSP
Application Guide and summarized on page 20 of this
publication.
17
SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES
(Testing Within the United States and Canada)
When making plans to take a BCSP examination in the United States, its territories, or Canada, consider the following rules
for computer-delivered examinations. All fees are subject to change.
• The $310 USD fee for purchasing the 120-day examination authorization is not refundable.
• The $50 USD fee for purchasing an optional 60-day extension to your examination authorization is not
refundable.
Once you register and pay for an examination authorization, you have 120 days from your registration date to schedule an
appointment with Pearson VUE and take the BCSP examination. If you need additional time beyond 120 days, you may
purchase a one-time, 60-day extension of your examination authorization. Therefore, a maximum of 180 days is available
for you to take your examination after you register and pay for your examination authorization. No additional extensions to
your examination authorization are permitted beyond the one-time, 60-day extension.
To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly

recommends that you visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP and register online. You may also call the Pearson VUE North
American registration center at 1-866-717-3653 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. weekdays U.S. Eastern Time, closed on U.S.
holidays). You cannot schedule a new appointment or cancel/reschedule an existing appointment directly with a local
Pearson VUE test center or directly with BCSP. When you make or change your appointment with Pearson VUE, have
your Examination Authorization Letter available. After scheduling or rescheduling your examination appointment, confirm
your appointment location, date, and time online at www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.
There must be one or more full business days remaining prior to the date of your existing examination appointment for you
to cancel/reschedule the appointment. Even if you properly cancel an existing examination appointment, to reschedule it,
there must be a test center with an available appointment during the time remaining in your examination authorization
period.
If you have already made an examination appointment within the original 120-day examination authorization period, but
you decide to purchase the one-time, 60-day extension to your examination authorization, you remain responsible for
canceling and rescheduling your existing appointment.
You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:
• Fail to take the examination during the 120-day examination authorization period and you did not purchase a one-
time, 60-day examination authorization extension during the 120-day period; or
• Fail to take the examination during the 60-day extension of the 120-day examination authorization period even if
you purchased the one-time, 60-day extension; or
• Fail to show up for any scheduled examination appointment (even if you purchased an extension); or
• Are more than 15 minutes late for any scheduled examination appointment; or
• Fail to present acceptable identification to the Pearson VUE staff; or
• Fail to follow BCSP's or Pearson VUE's security and administrative procedures at the test center.
If you forfeit your examination authorization fee, you must register and pay for a new 120-day examination authorization to
take the examination, if you are still eligible.
18
SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES
(Testing Outside the United States and Canada)
When making plans to take a BCSP examination outside the United States or Canada, consider the following rules for
computer-delivered examinations. All fees are subject to change.
• The $410 USD fee for purchasing the 120-day examination authorization is not refundable.
Once you register and pay for an examination authorization, you have 120 days from your registration date to schedule an
appointment with Pearson VUE and take the BCSP examination. No extension to your examination authorization is
permitted.
To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly

recommends that you visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP and register online. You may also call the appropriate Pearson
VUE regional registration center at one of the phone numbers shown below. You cannot schedule a new appointment or
cancel/reschedule an existing appointment directly with a local Pearson VUE test center or directly with BCSP. When you
make or change your appointment with Pearson VUE, have your Examination Authorization Letter available. After
scheduling or rescheduling your examination appointment, confirm your appointment location, date, and time online at
www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.
Regional Registration Centers Outside the United States and Canada

Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean (Except U.S. Territories)
1-952-681-3872; 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. weekdays U.S. Eastern Time (closed on U.S. holidays)
Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands (Except U.S. Territories)
61-2-9478-5400; 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. weekdays Australian Eastern Time (closed on Australian holidays)
Europe, Middle East, Africa
44-161-855-7455; 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. weekdays Central European Time (closed on UK holidays)
There must be one or more full business days remaining prior to the date of your existing examination appointment for you
to cancel/reschedule the appointment. Even if you properly cancel an existing examination appointment, to reschedule it,
there must be a test center with an available appointment during the time remaining in your examination authorization
period.
You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:
• Fail to take the examination during the 120-day examination authorization period; or
• Fail to show up for any scheduled examination appointment; or
• Are more than 15 minutes late for any scheduled examination appointment; or
• Fail to present acceptable identification to the Pearson VUE staff; or
• Fail to follow BCSP's or Pearson VUE's security and administrative procedures at the test center.
If you forfeit your examination authorization, you must register and pay for a new 120-day examination authorization to
take the examination, if you are still eligible.
19
ELIGIBILITY TIME LIMIT RULES
Three-year Rules
Three-year time limits apply to several steps in the CSP candidate process.
ASP Candidates
If you are eligible for the Safety Fundamentals examination, you must sit for the examination at least once every three
years. The three years are computed from the date you become eligible or from the date you last took the examination
and failed to achieve a passing score.
If you are eligible for the Safety Fundamentals examination and cannot sit for the examination before the expiration of
your three-year time limit, you may pay a $100 USD fee and obtain a one-year extension to your time limit. If necessary,
you may purchase a second and final one-year extension at the end of the first extension for a $200 USD fee. You may
purchase a Safety Fundamentals examination only during your period of eligibility.
CSP Candidates
If you are eligible for the Comprehensive Practice examination, you must pass the examination and earn your CSP
credential within three years of becoming eligible.
The Comprehensive Practice examination eligibility date occurs when you reach 96 points through education and
professional safety experience and have either passed or received a waiver of the Safety Fundamentals examination.
If you are eligible for the Comprehensive Practice examination and cannot achieve the CSP credential before your three-
year time limit expires, you may pay a $100 USD fee and obtain a one-year extension to your time limit. If necessary, you
may purchase a second and final one-year extension at the end of the first extension for a $200 USD fee. You may
purchase a Comprehensive Practice examination only during your period of eligibility.
Application and In-process Time Limits

ASP Candidates
All ASP candidates who need additional experience to achieve eligibility to sit for the Safety Fundamentals examination
must submit experience update information within 60 days after receiving an update request from BCSP. Your application
may be terminated if you fail to submit an experience update form within the time limit.
CSP Candidates
All CSP candidates who need additional experience to achieve eligibility to sit for the Comprehensive Practice
examination must submit experience update information within 60 days after receiving an update request from BCSP.
Your application may be terminated if you fail to submit an experience update form within the time limit. Candidates must
show progress toward fulfilling the safety experience eligibility requirement by the end of the second year after the original
projected eligibility.
Failure to meet these time limits will result in a terminated application.

Upon termination, your records will be destroyed and you will have to reapply and restart the application
process.
Examination Authorization Time Limits

Once you purchase an examination authorization, you have 120 days from the purchase date to make an appointment
and sit for the examination. If you do not sit for the examination within 120 days (or purchase a 60-day extension in the
U.S. or Canada), your examination authorization will expire, and you must purchase another examination authorization to
sit for the examination. Once you purchase an examination authorization, make your appointment as soon as possible
(eight or more weeks in advance) since test center availability is very limited. If you have already scheduled an
appointment, you must cancel it BEFORE you purchase a 60-day extension.
20
SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS
Sample items are included in this section, and their solutions and explanations follow. These items illustrate only the style
and format typical of items on the Safety Fundamentals examination. Not all Safety Fundamentals examination topic areas
are represented by theses sample items. Note that it is essential for you to read and understand the Safety Fundamentals
examination blueprint found on pages 5 through 8 so you can have a thorough awareness of the depth and breadth of all of
the subject matter that will appear on the actual Safety Fundamentals examination.
Domain 1: Recognizing Safety, Health, and Environmental Hazards
Topic 2. Chemical Hazards
1. What causes the pneumoconiosis siderosis?
1. Inhalation of beryllium
2. Inhalation of iron oxide
3. Inhalation of lead oxide
4. Inhalation of free silica
Topic 6. Structural and Mechanical Hazards
2. A block and tackle is arranged as shown to lift weight W. What vertical force F is required to maintain the system
in equilibrium, neglecting friction and the weight of the block and tackle?
1. F = W/2
2. F = 2W
3. F = 2W/3
4. F = W/3
Domain 2: Measuring, Evaluating, and Controlling Safety, Health, and Environmental Hazards
Topic 2. Engineering Controls
3. Which is an effective ground?
1. Requiring contact with an appropriate metal structure with low impedance to ground
2. Using three-conductors with polarized receptacles
3. Installing transformer isolation with a low resistance path to ground
4. Mandating ground-fault circuit interrupters for every circuit with a proper cross-connection
21
Domain 3: Safety, Health, and Environmental Training and Management
Topic 1. Training and Communication Methods
4. Which is a learning objective?
1. A statement relate to the topics that will be included in a training session

2. A statement on how much training time is needed to cover a topic
3. A statement describing what trainees will be able to do after the training
4. A statement identifying that the training method that will be most effective
Topic 2. Management Processes
5. Which type of diagram is known as a cause-and-effect diagram and is useful for identifying the root causes of the
causal factors of accidents?
1. Control chart
2. Flow diagram
3. Histogram
4. Fishbone diagram
Topic 4. Group Dynamics
6. A safety professional is communicating with a group of workers on improving their safety performance. Which
communication method is most effective for developing a list of concerns to address with this group?
1. Survey questionnaire
2. Brainstorming session
3. Letter from top management
4. Individual meetings with the supervisors
Topic 5. Project Management
7. In preparing to discuss risks associated with contractor services, which risk-perception factor is most likely to gain
contractor acceptance?
1. High probability compared to low probability

2. Natural compared to human made
3. Involuntary compared to voluntary
4. Affects many compared to affects few
22
Topic 6. Risk Management
8. A high-pressure compressor supplying a large nitrogen reservoir will be equipped with a new system of controls,
sensing devices, automatic shutoff devices, and overpressure relief features. There is concern that this new system
will not provide adequate control to prevent overpressure and catastrophic rupture of the nitrogen reservoir vessel.
Which system safety technique best analyzes the possibility of vessel overpressure and rupture?
1. Criticality analysis
2. Preliminary hazard analysis
3. Fault tree analysis
4. Failure mode and effects analysis
Domain 4: Business Principles, Practices, and Metrics in Safety, Health, and Environmental Practice
Topic 1. Basic Financial Principles
9. One or more of the following equations may assist you with answering this question.
n  (1+ i )n − 1  (1+ i )n − 1
F = P (1+ i ) P = A n 
F = A 
 i (1+ i )   i 
 i (1+ i )n   i 
P = F (1+ i )−n A=P  A=F n 
 (i + i ) − 1
n
 (1+ i ) − 1
The annual losses from accidents in a small construction firm are expected to be $25,000 per year. These estimates
only include direct losses. An investment of $35,000 in safety countermeasures will reduce these direct annual
loss values to $10,000 per year. The projected life for this investment is five years at an estimated annual interest
rate of 15%. What is the net present worth of the annual savings from the safety countermeasures?
1. $7,500
2. $50,000
3. $75,000
4. $101,000
Topic 2. Probability and Statistics
10. What is the standard deviation of the following data?
3.0, 7.0, 1.0, 6.0, 5.0, 7.0, 4.0, 7.0, 2.0, 8.0
1. 2.4
2. 5.8
3. 1.5
4. 5.0
23
ANSWERS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS
Item Correct Item Correct

No. Answer No. Answer
1 2 6 2
2 4 7 2
3 1 8 3
4 3 9 2
5 4 10 1
SOLUTIONS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS
1. Siderosis results from inhalation of iron oxide in 7. According to studies of risk acceptance, risks that are
operations such as welding and iron ore mining. driven by nature are more acceptable than risks that are
man-made, as are those of very low probability, those
that are voluntary, or those that affect only a few
2. The mechanical advantage of a pulley is equal to the people.
number of free cords running to the moveable pulley.
In this case, the mechanical advantage is 3. Therefore,
F = W/3. 8. Because the system is in the design phase and the
concern is with the occurrence of one event—rupture
resulting from overpressure—fault tree analysis is the
3. A metal framework or an appropriate metal structure most appropriate of the techniques listed.
with low impedance to ground is acceptable.
9. Loss savings = $25,000 - $10,000 = $15,000.

4. Learning objectives are expressed so that outcomes are Present worth factor uniform payment series
defined. = P = A {[(1 + i)n - 1] / [i(1 + i)n]}
= (15,000) {[2.0114 - 1] / [0.3017]}
= (15,000) (3.353) = $50,284 ≈ $50,000
5. Ishikawa is credited with establishing the fishbone
diagram as a tool in analyzing errors and root causes
for them. This cause-and-effect diagram is often used 10.
in quality management methods and is also applicable X X x x2
for analyzing causes of accidents and incidents.
3.0 - 5.0 = -2 4
1.0 - 5.0 = -4 16
6. Brainstorming with a group is most likely to gain “buy- 5.0 - 5.0 = 0 0
in” among participants because they can identify with 4.0 - 5.0 = -1 1
issues they added to the list. A survey gains 2.0 - 5.0 = -3 9
participation of individuals but does not allow for the 7.0 - 5.0 = 2 4
group dynamics of a brainstorming session. A letter 7.0 - 5.0 = 1 1
from top management and involvement of only the 7.0 - 5.0 = 2 4
supervisors result in downward communication only. 7.0 - 5.0 = 2 4
8.0 - 5.0 = 3 9
2
∑X = 50.0 ∑x = 52
X = ∑X / n = 50.0 / 10 = 5.0
s = [∑x2 / (n-1)]1/2 = [52 / 9]1/2 = 2.4
24
BCSP SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION
ORDER FORM
Note: New Safety Fundamentals and Comprehensive Practice examination blueprints begin
January 1, 2009. You must designate which self-assessment examination you are ordering. The self-
assessment examinations based on the blueprints which go into effect January 1, 2009 should be
available in July 2008.
Item Amount Quantity Total
Self-assessment Examinations based on blueprint EXPIRING December 31, 2008
Safety Fundamentals (blueprint EXPIRING December 31, 2008) $95.00 each
Comprehensive Practice (blueprint EXPIRING December 31, 2008) $95.00 each
Self-assessment Examinations based on blueprint BEGINNING January 1, 2009

Safety Fundamentals (blueprint BEGINS January 1, 2009) $95.00 each
Comprehensive Practice (blueprint BEGINS January 1, 2009) $95.00 each
SUBTOTAL
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Board of Certified Safety Professionals
CODE OF ETHICS
AND PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT
This code sets forth the code of ethics and professional standards to be observed by holders of documents of
certification conferred by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Certificants shall, in their professional safety
activities, sustain and advance the integrity, honor, and prestige of the safety profession by adherence to these
standards.
Standards
1. Hold paramount the safety and health of people, the protection of the environment and protection of property
in the performance of professional duties and exercise their obligation to advise employers, clients, employees,
the public, and appropriate authorities of danger and unacceptable risks to people, the environment, or
property.
2. Be honest, fair, and impartial; act with responsibility and integrity. Adhere to high standards of ethical
conduct with balanced care for the interests of the public, employers, clients, employees, colleagues and the
profession. Avoid all conduct or practice that is likely to discredit the profession or deceive the public.
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner and only when founded upon knowledge of
the facts and competence in the subject ma"er.
4. Undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved.
Accept responsibility for their continued professional development by acquiring and maintaining competence
through continuing education, experience and professional training.
5. Avoid deceptive acts that falsify or misrepresent their academic or professional qualifications. Not
misrepresent or exaggerate their degree of responsibility in or for the subject ma"er of prior assignments.
Presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning
employers, employees, associates, or past accomplishments with the intent and purpose of enhancing their
qualifications and their work.
6. Conduct their professional relations by the highest standards of integrity and avoid compromise of their
professional judgment by conflicts of interest.
7. Act in a manner free of bias with regard to religion, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation,
or disability.
8. Seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic affairs and work for the advancement of the safety,
health and well-being of their community and their profession by sharing their knowledge and skills.
Approved by the BCSP Board of Directors, October 2002.

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© 2008 Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Savoy, Illinois, USA

All rights reserved.

Safety Fundamentals Examination Guide

Fifth Edition – April 2008

OVERVIEW OF THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION................................................................................ 4

SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT.............................................................................................. 5

PREPARING FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION ............................................................................ 9

SELF-EVALUATION WORKSHEET FOR THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION .................................. 12

REGISTERING FOR AND TAKING THE SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION ............................................ 13

SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES (WITHIN THE U.S. AND CANADA).............. 18

ELIGIBILITY TIME LIMIT RULES..................................................................................................................................... 20

SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS..................................................................................... 21

ANSWERS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS.................................................... 24

SOLUTIONS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS ................................................ 24

Using This Publication Register to take the Safety Fundamentals examination

In 1968, the American Society of Safety Engineers studied

• American Industrial Hygiene Association

BCSP has issued the CSP credential to over 20,000 people,

Safety Fundamentals Examination

Topic 1 Knowledge Areas

Topic 1 Knowledge Areas

Topic 1 Knowledge Areas

BCSP maintains the following online list of third-party

DOMAIN 2. MEASURING, EVALUATING, AND CONTROLLING SAFETY, HEALTH, AND

DOMAIN 3. SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT

DOMAIN 4. BUSINESS PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND METRICS IN SAFETY, HEALTH, AND

Presenting your identification. The test center staff will

To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly

You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:

To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly

Regional Registration Centers Outside the United States and Canada

You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:

Application and In-process Time Limits

Failure to meet these time limits will result in a terminated application.

Examination Authorization Time Limits

Domain 1: Recognizing Safety, Health, and Environmental Hazards

Topic 2. Chemical Hazards

1. What causes the pneumoconiosis siderosis?

Topic 6. Structural and Mechanical Hazards

Topic 2. Engineering Controls

3. Which is an effective ground?

Topic 1. Training and Communication Methods

4. Which is a learning objective?

1. A statement relate to the topics that will be included in a training session

Topic 2. Management Processes

Topic 4. Group Dynamics

Topic 5. Project Management

1. High probability compared to low probability

Topic 1. Basic Financial Principles

Topic 2. Probability and Statistics

10. What is the standard deviation of the following data?

Item Correct Item Correct

SOLUTIONS TO SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION SAMPLE ITEMS

9. Loss savings = $25,000 - $10,000 = $15,000.

Self-assessment Examinations based on blueprint BEGINNING January 1, 2009

Ship to: Name (please print) _____________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________ State/Province __________________________

Zip Code/Postal Code __________________Country __________________________________

Daytime Phone _______________________ Email ____________________________________

Payment method: q Personal check q Company check q Money order

Credit/debit card (check one):

Credit/debit card number __________________________________________ Expiration date __________

Print Name (as it appears on card) _________________________________________________________

City _________ State/Province

Zip Code/Postal Code Country ________________

Daytime Phone _ Email ______________

Credit/debit card number ________________________________ Expiration date