CERTIFIED
What is the Certified Process Safety Auditor (CPSA) certification?
During the course of chemical processes, unintentional releases of chemicals, energy, or other potentially dangerous materials can occur. Process Safety refers to the prevention of these unintentional releases, which can have a serious effect on the planet and the environment. Process Safety is a disciplined framework for managing the integrity of operating systems and processes that handle hazardous substances in an effort to prevent and control events that have the potential to release hazardous materials and energy. Process safety can include, but is not limited to, addressing:
- Prevention of leaks
- Spills
- Equipment malfunction
- Over-pressures
- Over-temperatures
- Corrosion
- Metal fatigue
Putting systems in place to manage process safety helps reduce the potential for preventing major disasters involving the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals. Process safety programs can involve:
- Design and engineering of facilities
- Maintenance of equipment
- Effective alarms
- Effective control points
- Procedures and training
The Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPSA) credential demonstrates one’s practice of today’s auditing procedures, processes, and techniques related to process safety. BGC will only grant the CPSA to practitioners who achieve the requirements for education and experience, agree to abide by the BGC Code of Ethics and through examination, demonstrate both general auditing knowledge by passing an exam of general auditing practice and professional-level knowledge and skills by passing a multiple-choice exam on process safety. BGC places no restrictions or qualifications on the career paths of a CPSA as long as the person meets the ongoing requirements in the certification maintenance program and adheres to the professional, enforceable BGC Code of Ethics.
How Do I Become a CPSA?
If you are interested in becoming certified as a CPSA, you must meet eight requirements:
- Depending on your amount of work experience, have a bachelor’s or associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or from another college that is acceptable to the Board or a verified secondary school diploma.
- Provide evidence of at least 40 hours of training in your specialty area within the last three years.
- Document work experience over the last 10 years in at least two of the following areas:
- Implementation of Process Safety programs
- Process Hazard Analysis
- Management of Change
- Pre-start-up safety reviews
- Mechanical Integrity
- Process Safety Information
- Product Stewardship, Transportation or Distribution of hazardous products
- Requirements of Process Safety laws, regulations, and related documents
- Process Safety Management systems and standards
- Process Safety auditing procedures, processes, and auditing techniques
- You must currently be engaged in active EHS auditing practice at the time of application.
- Be supported by a minimum of two character references from a responsible person such as a supervisor or a manager who has known you for at least two years.
- You must pass the three-part CPSA exam.
- You must agree to adhere to the BGC Code of Ethics and to be governed by the BGC Ethics Case Procedures.
- Pay fees on or before the due date.
For more information on the specific details of becoming a CPSA, read the CPSA Candidate handbook pages.
Testimonials
What our CERTIFICANTS say
People who hold an EHS auditing certification like the CPSA have a passion for process safety and process safety audits and say that their credential allows them to demonstrate their qualifications, technical knowledge, training, professional experience, and proficiency for achieving their career goals:
I serve as a Principal Safety and Risk Consultant. I was motivated to apply for the CPSA credential because I have always had a passion for Process Safety. It is such an interesting perspective on occupational risk management. The CPSA credential adds value to me as a practitioner because it solidifies my experience in conducting process safety audits for clients in accordance with the OSHA PSM rule. I would absolutely recommend the CPSA credential to others.
I am associated with Biocon Ltd as Head – EHS & S. I have 22 years of experience in EHS & S. What motivated me to apply for the CPSA was that most of the accidents that occurred were related to process safety and handling process safety in a proper way. My motivation came from prevailing situations in the industry. The CPSA brings self confidence and helps me to perform better in the area of Process Safety Auditing. It is a stamp of approval in Process Safety Auditing. The CPSA is a demonstration of requisite skills in Process Safety Auditing. The examination preparation helps one to learn more about Process Safety and Process Safety Auditing. The rigorous certification process verified competency in process safety.
