Certified Safety Program Architect® (CSPA®) Certification
The Certified Safety Program Architect® (CSPA®) is a professional certification from The Safety Firm for people who design, build and lead workplace safety programs. You earn it by completing the Safety Program Accelerator, a 12-week online, cohort-based course led by Bobbi K. Samples, CSP. CSPA® holders can architect a complete, organization-specific safety program rather than manage safety one task at a time. The certification does not expire.
See the next Accelerator cohort
CSPA® at a glance
- Issued by: The Safety Firm, LLC (Fortville, Indiana)
- How to earn it: Complete the Safety Program Accelerator, either the Standard track or the Trusted Advisor Track
- What you receive: A certificate, a digital badge, and the right to use "CSPA" after your name
- Expiration: None. The CSPA® certification does not expire
- Format: Online and cohort-based, with recorded weekly modules, live weekly Q&A on Zoom, and support between sessions
- Length: 12 weeks
- Instructor: Bobbi K. Samples, CSP, with 30+ years in manufacturing and construction safety
- Tuition: $4,200 (early-bird pricing is offered on some cohorts)
- Next cohort: Starts March 1, 2027
- After certification: Ongoing membership in the Safety Incubator community
What a CSPA® can do
A Certified Safety Program Architect® has shown they can:
- Assess an organization's safety culture and where it stands on OSHA compliance
- Build employee involvement into the safety program
- Carry out safety and health hazard analysis
- Write and organize the written safety programs an organization needs
- Plan onboarding and ongoing safety and health training
- Investigate accidents and fix root causes
- Audit for hazards and track corrective actions
- Set up a safety and health management system
- Measure program performance and drive continuous improvement
Who the CSPA® certification is for
Safety & operations professionals (Standard track): safety and EHS managers, HR and safety administrators who own safety by default, operations leaders, and consultants who need to stand up or overhaul a full safety program.
Safety sales professionals (Trusted Advisor Track): people who sell PPE, signage, equipment or safety technology to manufacturing and industrial clients. The Trusted Advisor Track teaches OSHA compliance and program design from a sales angle, and it earns the same CSPA® certification. Learn about the Trusted Advisor Track
How to earn the CSPA®
- Enroll in an upcoming Safety Program Accelerator cohort, either the Standard track or the Trusted Advisor Track.
- Complete the course: all 12 weekly modules, using the fillable written-program templates, assessments and checklists, with live weekly Q&A and expert support along the way.
- Receive your certification: your CSPA® certificate, a digital badge for LinkedIn and email signatures, and the right to use "CSPA" after your name. It never expires.
What the course covers
Weeks 1–6: Overview, Safety 101 & Compliance Timeline · Safety Culture Assessment · Employee Involvement · Safety & Health Analysis · Written Safety Programs Part 1 · Written Safety Programs Part 2
Weeks 7–12: Training Part 1 – Onboarding · Training Part 2 – Ongoing Safety & Health · Accident Investigation · Auditing for Hazard Identification & Corrections · Safety & Health Management Systems · Safety Program Measurement & Continuous Improvement
Created by Bobbi K. Samples, CSP
Bobbi has spent more than 30 years in safety. She has held on-site roles in manufacturing and construction, worked as a safety and health consultant, and helped Fortune 500 companies improve their safety cultures. She teaches OSHA compliance courses for the Kentucky and Indiana Chambers of Commerce, and she created the CSPA® certification so that safety professionals can own the skill of program design instead of renting it from consultants. About Bobbi
What CSPA® holders say
"The experience was transformative… One of the most impactful aspects of the class is the emphasis on proactive safety management. Bobbi stresses the importance of anticipating potential hazards and implementing preventive measures, rather than merely reacting to incidents. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for creating a culture of safety in any organization. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone looking to make a positive impact in the field of safety management."
— Kyle, CSPA®, QSSP
"The text was great, and I learned a lot. I really enjoyed the videos; they were very helpful. I give this class a 5-star rating not only for the content but also for the dedication of the instructor, Bobbi Samples, and her willingness to go above and beyond to help us."
— Lisa
Verify a CSPA® holder
Employers and clients can confirm that someone holds the CSPA® certification. Submit a request through our contact form and include the person's full name and, if you have it, the year they were certified.
Frequently asked questions
What does CSPA stand for?
CSPA stands for Certified Safety Program Architect®. It's a professional certification from The Safety Firm that shows you can design and lead a complete workplace safety program.
How do I get CSPA® certified?
Complete the Safety Program Accelerator, a 12-week online cohort course. Both the Standard track and the Trusted Advisor Track earn the CSPA® certification.
What do I receive?
A CSPA® certificate, a digital badge, and the right to use "CSPA" after your name.
Does the CSPA® expire?
No. Once you earn the CSPA® certification, it does not expire and there's nothing to renew.
How is the CSPA® different from the CSP or OSHA 30?
OSHA 10 and 30 cards cover hazard awareness. The CSP is a broad professional certification issued by BCSP. The CSPA® focuses on one practical skill: designing, writing and running a complete safety program for a specific organization.
Do I need a safety background?
No. The course starts from safety fundamentals and is built for HR professionals, operations leaders and safety sales reps as well as experienced safety staff.
Is it online or in person?
Online. You work through recorded weekly modules on your own schedule and join live weekly Q&A sessions with your cohort.
How much does it cost?
Tuition for the Safety Program Accelerator, which includes the CSPA® certification, is $4,200 per participant, with early-bird pricing on some cohorts. That compares with an estimated $10,500 for seven days of in-person consulting.
How can an employer verify a CSPA® holder?
Submit a request through our contact form with the person's name, and we'll confirm their certification.