What the ASP, CSP and CHST cost
BCSP's current fees for the ASP, CSP and CHST in one place, what it costs to keep each credential for five years, and what BLS says safety specialists and technicians earn.
By the PassCited editorial team. Last reviewed . Facts checked against the sources listed below; how we check.
Short answer
At BCSP's current prices, applying and taking the exam once costs $494 for the ASP or CSP and $426 for the CHST. The bundle with a second attempt and a self-assessment is $744 (ASP, CSP) or $676 (CHST). Annual renewal is $175 (ASP), $185 (CSP) or $150 (CHST). BLS puts the May 2025 median wage at $90,150 for safety specialists and $61,560 for technicians.
Sources: BCSP, Credentials At-A-Glance, V.2026.04.01 (fees, recertification) and BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians (May 2025 wages)
Last checked October 24, 2026 against BCSP's Credentials At-A-Glance sheet (V.2026.04.01) and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. BCSP notes its fees can change without notice, so confirm before you pay.
BCSP fees side by side
| Fee | ASP | CSP | CHST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | $160 | $160 | $140 |
| Exam, one attempt | $350 | $350 | $300 |
| Application and exam together | $494 | $494 | $426 |
| Exam bundle (two attempts plus one self-assessment) | $600 | $600 | $550 |
| Application and exam bundle together | $744 | $744 | $676 |
| One-time eligibility extension | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Annual renewal | $175 | $185 | $150 |
Ordered by exam name. The application-and-exam price is cheaper than paying the two separately ($510 or $440).
What it costs to get certified
The figures below only add up BCSP's fees from the table. They leave out prep materials, which vary widely.
- One attempt, paid together: $494 (ASP or CSP), $426 (CHST).
- With a second attempt as a safety net: $744 (ASP or CSP), $676 (CHST) with the bundle. Buying the single attempt and then paying $350 (or $300) for a retake would cost $844 (or $726), so the bundle is cheaper if you end up needing the retake.
- ASP then CSP: many people take the ASP first because it meets the CSP's qualified credential requirement. Paying application and exam together for both is $988.
What it costs to keep the credential
Each credential has an annual renewal fee and a five-year recertification cycle: 25 points for the ASP and CSP and 20 points for the CHST, including 0.5 points from ethics.
| ASP | CSP | CHST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewal fee per year | $175 | $185 | $150 |
| Renewal fees over five years | $875 | $925 | $750 |
The five-year totals are the annual fee times five. Recertification points can come from courses that cost extra.
Prep costs
BCSP sells its own Self-Assessment, which is included in the exam bundle, and its own examCORE course. Third-party courses, books and practice banks vary widely in price. The comparisons for the ASP, CSP and CHST list the options alphabetically with prices from each seller's own page. Free material includes BCSP's blueprints and reference lists, and on this site the question of the day, the formula sheets and the safety calculators.
What safety professionals earn
From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025:
| Occupation | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Occupational health and safety specialists | $90,150 |
| Specialists in construction | $94,670 |
| Occupational health and safety technicians | $61,560 |
| Technicians in construction | $74,330 |
| All occupations | $50,980 |
BLS projects employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians to grow 19% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. BLS does not break wages out by BCSP credential, and it notes that employers may prefer or require certification. So these figures describe the jobs, not the effect of any one credential.
FAQ
How much does the CSP exam cost?
$494 for the application and one exam attempt paid together, or $744 with the bundle that adds a second attempt and a self-assessment. Renewal is $185 a year.
How much does the ASP exam cost?
$494 for the application and one attempt together, or $744 with the bundle. Renewal is $175 a year.
How much does the CHST exam cost?
$426 for the application and one attempt together, or $676 with the bundle. Renewal is $150 a year.
Is the exam bundle worth it?
It is cheaper than paying for a retake separately, so it pays off if you need a second attempt. If you are confident in one try, the single attempt paid with the application is $250 less for all three exams.
Does a safety certification raise your salary?
BLS doesn't publish wages by credential. It reports a May 2025 median of $90,150 for safety specialists and says employers may prefer or require certification.
Which credential should I get first?
That depends on your degree and experience. ASP vs CSP vs CHST compares the requirements.
Sources
- BCSP, Credentials At-A-Glance, V.2026.04.01 (fees, recertification)
- BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians (May 2025 wages)
- BCSP, Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
- BCSP, Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- BCSP, Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)