Pre-Management Safety and Health Certification Programs (CSS/CST)

National Safety Management Society (NSMS), in collaboration with the Petroleum Education Council (PEC), has developed a new competency recognition and validation program that will give technicians and supervisors a means to formally demonstrate they possess the critical skills, knowledge and abilities to effectively oversee worker/operational safety and health in the field. Current certifications offered by a variety of boards tend to focus their attention on certifying highly educated and experienced professionals and managers. This initiative would be a springboard towards a safety and health manager certification.

The Certified Safety Technician (CST) and Certified Safety Supervisor (CSS) certifications help to fulfill a void for those who are not yet eligible to qualify and pursue professional-level certifications. More employers are seeking assurance that the individuals they hire or assign as field supervisors are recognized as proficient and competent in handling safety and health oversight responsibilities. We are confident that achieving the CST or CSS will contribute to OSHA’s goal of instructing employees (and supervisors) in hazard recognition and control.

To achieve the CST or CSS certification, the candidate must satisfy a combination of the following criteria (the safety educational course is mandatory):

Criteria for CSS
Point Value
Criteria for CST
Point Value
Satisfactory completion of college-level classes in safety and health over past 24 months. 0.5 point per course. Satisfactory completion of college-level classes in safety and health over past 24 months. 0.5 point per course.
Paid attendance at safety and health workshops over the past 24 months. 0.5 point per workshop. Paid attendance at safety and health workshops over the past 24 months 0.5 point per workshop.
Associate Arts degree in safety and health or related study from a community college 5.0 points Completion of high school or vocational school. 3.0 points
Work/field experience as a formal safety and health supervisor. 1.0 point per year experience (up to 10 points maximum) Work/field experience as a formal safety and health technician. 1.0 point per year experience (up to 5 points maximum)
Completion of safety supervisor educational program course conducted by PEC/Premier on behalf of NSMS or pass CSS Certification Exam in lieu of the course. 30 points Completion of safety technician educational program course conducted by PEC/Premier on behalf of NSMS or pass CST Certification Exam in lieu of the course. 20 points
Two (2) Letters of reference: manager and an NSMS member. 2 points Two (2) Letters of reference: supervisor and an NSMS member. 2 points
Total Points to Achieve CSS: 40 Points Total Points to Achieve CST: 25 points

There is a $70.00 application fee required with the certification form. The cost of the PEC/Premier educational program is $495.00. The exam fee, in lieu of the course, is $75.00. There will also be an annual re-certification renewal fee of $40, along with an annual membership due of $70 to the National Safety Management Society. For more information or an application package, please contact NSMS at (800) 321-2910, via email.

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NSMS - Developing Leaders in Safety and Health Management Since 1966!