Safety Management Specialist – SMS (BCSP)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: September 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Safety Management Specialist (SMS) credential certifies that a professional has the advanced management and safety knowledge and skills needed to ensure a business’s safe operation. This is not an entry-level certification, as individuals must have 10 years of occupational health or safety experience in order to obtain this credential.
Healthcare professionals with this advanced certification may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other professionals may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Knowledge of controls for slips, falls, pathogens, leads, electricity, confined spaces, machinery, chemicals, asbestos, radiation, noise and ergonomic hazards
- Ability to recognize unsafe conditions
- Understanding of the basics of toxicology principals
- Ability to expedite life safety procedures
- Comprehension of workers’ compensation
- Ability to ensure that employees and contractors are following safety protocols
- Ability to follow control systems in a hierarchical process
- Willingness to document and comply with internal audits
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: Board of Certified Safety Processionals (BCSP)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must work in occupational health or safety with a minimum 35% of job tasks related to the management of safety related programs, processes, procedures and/or personnel; applicant must have 10 years of experience in occupational health or safety
- Questions: 200
- Time: 270 minutes
- Cost: $510
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- View Certification Guidelines and Handbook
Other relevant details: Exams are given at Pearson VUE Test Centers
SMS (BCSP) Careers
Safety Management Specialist Careers
Jobs you can get with a SHS (BCSP) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the occupational health and safety specialist (OHSS) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $69,370*
National average per hour: $33.35*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
SMS (BCSP) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the Exam Blueprint
- Complete the BCSP self-assessment
- Read and study the BCSP recommended Exam Blueprint References
- Take online review tests
- Study from exam review books
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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