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IOSH and BCSP – how they compare

THE KNOWLEDGE OPINION

Timeframes Support Focus The ideal system
‘Achieving CMIOSH status took ‘There was slightly more ‘The CMIOSH portfolio process ‘Both the IOSH and
me longer than a year to gather support with the IOSH allowed me to choose the CSP processes have
all the evidence for my portfolio process. People were areas I focused on and, more their strengths. I like the
and then put my CV together always available via email, importantly, demonstrate how technical knowledge
and prepare for the interview. and with IOSH it’s easy to I had made improvements. side of the CSP system
The certifi cation process for network with people who The focus was very much that can be applied to
CSP took six months to study might be going through on me as an individual. the workplace, although
all the modules and pass the the same process. ‘With the CSP there was no it is perhaps in more
examination,’ says Claire. ‘With CSP certifi cation choice. It’s fair to say the CSP is depth than required for
‘However, the time you need there are also online more technically focused with many OSH professionals.
to complete each process forums and networks, and a syllabus that includes things Nevertheless, it is useful
relates to where you are in any time I had questions like risk management, risk information to obtain. With
your career. In the case of for the BCSP I would assessment, driving for work, the IOSH process, I like
CSP certifi cation, especially, get a prompt response. fi re safety, chemical safety the way that it allows you
if you have experience and But the support felt and even maths and statistical to take the time to gather
knowledge, you might not perhaps just a little more analysis. Those last two topics a portfolio and really

need to spend so long studying academic, technical were extremely different from demonstrate your skills
and preparing.’ and remote.’ the IOSH process.’ and knowledge.’

culture,’ says Claire. Like many British They enhance the breadth and depth of
people, she previously had a view of the BOTH THE IOSH AND knowledge and skills, and both also help
US as a litigation-heavy culture, but in CSP PROCESSES TAKE you to step back and re-evaluate what’s
fact she hasn’t personally come across important – as safety professionals it’s
YOU TO A HIGHER LEVEL
any employee suing an employer for an all too easy to get bogged down in the
accident in the workplace. day-to-day.
‘There are other important things that AND SHOW YOUR ‘Both certifications have a code of
the CSP helped me to understand. In the SERIOUSNESS ABOUT conduct that you must continue to adhere
UK, the number one cause of work-related to, and both require you to show you are
YOUR CAREER
deaths is falls from height; in the US it’s doing ethics training regularly and are
driving for work and road accidents. And continuing to improve your skills every
the number of hours that people work year. This really helps to ensure you don’t
in the US shocked me. This would not be OSH, Claire says. ‘In both countries there rest on your laurels once you’ve achieved
allowed in the UK because of working-time is a drive and a positivity to improve certification.
directives. To my UK mind, the longer that health and safety, regardless of cultural ‘That sends a really good message that
people are working, the more likely they or regulatory differences. The will is becoming a Chartered Member of IOSH
will be fatigued and have accidents.’ there, which is very encouraging for or a CSP is not just about attaining a piece
OSH professionals,’ she explains. of paper.’
More than a piece of paper ‘Both the IOSH and CSP processes
But there are far more similarities than take you to a higher level and show For more information about CPD
disparities when it comes to transatlantic your seriousness about your career. with IOSH, see page 42.

22 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | IOSHMAGAZINE.COM

20-22 Opinion Claire Wells_Jan-Feb 2024_IOSH.indd 22 12/12/2023 09:43