How to Become an Occupational Safety Specialist

5 steps to become an occupational safety specialist

1. Build a foundation

   Take science, math and writing courses; consider a safety or EHS degree.

2. Get safety training

   Complete OSHA 30, first aid/CPR and topic courses such as fall protection and confined space.

3. Gain field experience

   Start as a safety coordinator, technician or trades worker with safety duties.

4. Earn credentials

   Pursue the OHST, CHST, ASP and eventually the CSP.

5. Advance

   Become a safety manager, regional EHS manager or corporate safety director.

Education and training requirements

A bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental health, industrial hygiene or a related field is typical. Some specialists enter from the trades with an associate degree or extensive safety training and experience.

Certifications and licenses

• ASP and CSP (BCSP): Associate Safety Professional and Certified Safety Professional: top credentials in the field.
• CHST and OHST (BCSP): Construction Health and Safety Technician and Occupational Health and Safety Technologist.
• OSHA 30 / OSHA 500 or 510: Outreach training, including trainer courses to teach OSHA 10 and 30.
• CIH: Certified Industrial Hygienist, for specialists focused on chemical, noise and exposure hazards.

Skills to build now

Start with osha standards (29 cfr 1910 and 1926), hazard recognition and job hazard analysis, and incident investigation and root cause analysis, and practice persuasive communication and coaching and teaching. Learning the occupational safety specialist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.

Where the career can lead

1. Safety Coordinator or Technician: Support inspections, training and recordkeeping.
2. Safety Specialist: Run programs and investigations for a site.
3. Safety Manager: Lead safety for multiple sites or a business unit.
4. EHS Director: Set corporate safety strategy and culture.

Get a head start

Our self-paced Occupational Safety Specialist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.

Common questions about getting started

Do you need a degree to be a safety specialist?

Many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree, but people with trade experience, OSHA 30 and credentials such as the CHST or OHST often become safety coordinators.

What is the most valuable safety certification?

The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) from BCSP is widely considered the top general credential, usually after earning the ASP.

How long does it take to become an occupational safety specialist?

Most people need about 2–4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental health, industrial hygiene or a related field is typical. Some specialists enter from the trades with an associate degree or extensive safety training and experience.

Do you need a degree to be an occupational safety specialist?

Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but many safety coordinators enter from the trades with safety training, OSHA 30 and experience, then add credentials such as the OHST, CHST or ASP.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-5011 (Occupational health and safety specialists).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
• O*NET OnLine summary for Occupational health and safety specialists (U.S. Department of Labor).
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.