13 Safety Certifications to Take in 2025
Safety certifications are valuable credentials for professionals in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain workplace safety standards and protect employees.
I've summarized the best safety certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Safety Certifications Shortlist
- Advanced Safety Certificate Program — Best for developing exceptional safety practitioners
- Safety & Health Fundamentals Certificate Program — Best for foundational safety knowledge
- Safety Management Certificate Program — Best for safety management skills
- Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) — Best for official safety certification
- SAFe Certification — Best for scaled agile framework expertise
- Health & Safety Management Online Certificate Program — Best for online health and safety management
- Certificate in Occupational Safety — Best for undergraduate occupational safety education
- Safety and Health Specialist Certificate — Best for specialist safety roles
- Safety Manager Certificate Program — Best for safety manager training
- Undergraduate Safety Certificate — Best for undergraduate safety fundamentals
- Occupational Safety and Health Manager Certificate — Best for managing occupational safety and health
- Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®) — Best for professional safety expertise
- Certified Safety Management Specialist (CSMS) — Best for specialized safety management skills
Overviews of the Best Safety Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best safety certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Advanced Safety Certificate Program - Best for developing exceptional safety practitioners
The Advanced Safety Certificate Program is structured to enhance the skills of safety practitioners by providing comprehensive safety education.
This program is designed to build upon existing knowledge of compliance requirements and emphasizes leadership development to drive significant safety improvements within organizations.
Issued by: National Safety Council
Focus:
- Compliance requirements
- Leadership skills
- Safety management
- Best safety practices
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Who It’s For: This certification is aimed at safety professionals looking to advance their leadership skills and manage comprehensive safety plans effectively within their organizations.
2. Safety & Health Fundamentals Certificate Program — Best for foundational safety knowledge
The Safety & Health Fundamentals Certificate Program equips construction, general industry, or maritime professionals with essential safety skills, including hazard recognition and safety management. Flexible courses through OSHA Training Centers allow customization for industry needs, with lifetime certification upon completion.
This program is ideal for managers and safety professionals aiming to enhance workplace safety and compliance.
Issued by: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Focus:
- Workplace safety and health standards
- Hazard recognition and control
- Incident investigation techniques
- Safety program implementation and management
- Industry-specific safety practices
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Who It’s For: This program is designed for public and private sector workers, including safety professionals, supervisors, and managers, who want to expand their knowledge and skills in occupational safety and health.
3. Safety Management Certificate Program - Best for safety management skills
The Safety Management Certificate Program is tailored for those involved in occupational safety and health, focusing on imparting essential skills needed to lead and manage safety initiatives effectively across various industries. Participants will gain practical knowledge in evidence-based approaches, risk assessment, and prevention strategies that are crucial for enhancing workplace safety.
The program is structured to provide immediate applicability in professional roles, contributing to safer and healthier work environments.
Issued by: American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
Focus:
- Leadership
- Budget management
- Safety system design
- Risk assessment and prevention strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of three required courses
- Work Experience: Less than three years in safety or new to safety management roles
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Who It’s For: This program is designed for public and private sector employees aiming to enhance their knowledge and skills in occupational safety and health within the construction, maritime, or general industry sectors.
4. Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) - Best for official safety certification
The Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) program aims to equip safety and health professionals with specialized training to comply with OSHA standards. The program features two separate tracks tailored for construction and general industry, and qualified experts deliver the courses. Participants can complete up to 50% of the required course hours at OSHA Training Institute locations.
The program covers a wide range of essential safety topics and often results in significant career advancements for its graduates.
Issued by: TEEX
Focus:
- Permit-required confined space entry
- Excavation, trenching, and soil mechanics
- Occupational safety and health standards for the construction industry
- OSHA guide to industrial hygiene
- Introduction to safety and health management
- Introduction to incident investigation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Course completion certificates required
- Work Experience: OSH professionals with fewer than three years of experience or seasoned professionals who have recently taken on more safety management responsibilities
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Who It’s For: This program is designed for occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals seeking to learn fundamental concepts and processes for implementing recognized approaches to safety management.
5. SAFe Certification - Best for scaled agile framework expertise
SAFe® certification validates Agile expertise and enhances career opportunities. It involves attending a course, studying resources, and passing an exam. Certified individuals often see substantial salary increases and increased demand for their skills. With over 1 million SAFe-trained professionals, the certification supports business agility and transformation. Various courses are available, catering to different roles within the SAFe framework.
Issued by: Scaled Agile
Focus:
- Agile methodologies
- Business agility
- SAFe framework implementation
- Scaled Agile roles and responsibilities
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of courses required
- Work Experience: Has five or more years of experience in software development, testing, business analysis, or project management, along with experience in Scrum
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: SAFe® certifications are typically valid for one year and require annual renewal
Who It’s For: This certification is essential for professionals aiming to enhance their Agile skills and contribute to business agility and transformation within their organizations.
6. Health & Safety Management Online Certificate Program - Best for online health and safety management
The Health & Safety Management Online Certificate Program is crafted for individuals managing health and safety responsibilities in their workplaces. The core curriculum covers essential topics such as OSHA regulations, workplace safety, industrial hygiene, and workers' compensation. Elective courses offer specialization in areas like mine safety, ergonomic programs, and wellness management.
The program utilizes an interactive online platform, providing participants with diverse content formats and communication tools.
Issued by: University of Alabama
Focus:
- Occupational safety and health standards
- Safety management
- Hazard recognition and control
- Incident investigation
- Specific hazards related to the chosen industry track
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of required courses required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals responsible for health and safety in various workplace environments, enabling them to enhance their skills in managing and promoting safety standards effectively.
7. Certificate in Occupational Safety - Best for undergraduate occupational safety education
The Certificate in Occupational Safety is tailored for technically oriented managers who have safety responsibilities but do not intend to become safety professionals. This program consists of 20 credits, including 14 credits from core courses. Additionally, students select 6 credits from related safety and health courses.
To earn this certificate, students must complete a minimum of 12 credits at Iowa State with at least a 2.0 grade in each course. The program is also accessible through distance education.
Issued by: Iowa State University
Focus:
- Principles of injury prevention
- Occupational safety
- Industrial hygiene
- Additional safety and health-related courses
Prerequisites:
- Education: A baccalaureate degree is required
- Work Experience: Current employment with management and/or safety responsibilities is required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Who It’s For: This program is particularly beneficial for those not planning careers as safety professionals but who need to meet professional safety responsibilities.
8. Safety and Health Specialist Certificate - Best for specialist safety roles
The Safety and Health Specialist Certificate program is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and skills required to understand OSHA regulations and tackle workplace safety challenges.
The program offers flexibility through a combination of core required courses and electives, allowing participants to tailor their learning experience. Core subjects include excavation safety and electrical standards, while elective options explore topics like industrial hygiene and ergonomics.
The program also allows the transfer of up to two courses from other OSHA Training Institute Education Centers.
Issued by: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Focus:
- OSHA regulations
- Workplace safety challenges
- Excavation safety
- Electrical standards
- Industrial hygiene
- Ergonomics
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of required courses
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals aiming to specialize in safety roles, equipping them with the credentials to address and manage workplace safety effectively.
9. Safety Manager Certificate Program - Best for safety manager training
The Safety Manager Certificate Program is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage safety within business aviation. Participants of the program will gain insights into safety leadership and culture, enhancing their ability to foster a safe operational environment.
Issued by: National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Focus:
- Leadership
- Safety policy
- Safety risk management
- Safety assurance
- Safety promotion
- Emergency response
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price:
- NBAA Members: $1,100
- Non-Members: $1,400
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for flight department personnel and those aspiring to work in aviation operations.
10. Undergraduate Safety Certificate - Best for undergraduate safety fundamentals
The Undergraduate Safety Certificate is offered through the Zuckerman College of Public Health. This program is designed to provide students with essential knowledge and skills related to safety in public health contexts. It emphasizes educational training in safety topics relevant to a student's chosen career path, preparing them for various occupational health roles.
Issued by: University of Arizona
Focus:
- Develop and enforce safety protocols
- Train employees in safe work practices
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations
- Conduct risk assessments
- Promote a positive safety culture within organizations
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Completion of College Algebra (e.g., MATH 112) or a higher-level math course
- One semester of Chemistry with lab (e.g., CHEM 141/145, CHEM 151, or CHEM 130/130L)
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for undergraduate students seeking to enhance their understanding and skills in safety fundamentals within public health.
11. Occupational Safety and Health Manager Certificate - Best for managing occupational safety and health
The Occupational Safety and Health Manager Certificate is designed for individuals responsible for workplace safety, including managers and supervisors.
The program equips participants with essential skills in risk management, communication, and compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations. To earn the certificate, students must complete 8 required courses and 3 electives within five years.
Issued by: California State University, Dominguez Hills
Focus:
- Risk management
- Leadership
- Communication
- Injury and illness prevention
- Incident investigation
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least high school-level math, reading, language and writing skills
- Work Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in the industry
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: $4,560 - $5,065
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their ability to manage workplace safety, ensuring effective risk management and compliance with regulations.
12. Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®) - Best for professional safety expertise
The Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®) is aimed at individuals seeking recognition and advancement within the safety profession. This certification confirms an individual's capability to implement safety management systems, assess occupational risks, and prepare emergency response plans across various industries.
Issued by: Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Focus:
- Implementing safety management systems
- Assessing and controlling safety risks
- Preparing emergency response plans
Prerequisites:
- Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field
- Work Experience: Four years of professional safety experience
- Exam: Passing the CSP examination
- Other Certifications Required: Must hold a BCSP Qualified Credential like Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP)
Renewability: Yes, requires annual fees and meeting recertification requirements
Price: CSP examination costs $350
Who It’s For: This certification is for professionals looking to validate their expertise in safety management and expand their career opportunities by demonstrating advanced safety skills and knowledge.
13. Certified Safety Management Specialist (CSMS) - Best for specialized safety management skills
The Certified Safety Management Specialist (CSMS) program is tailored for individuals responsible for safety within organizations, such as safety officers and environmental health and safety (EHS) managers.
This program is structured to enhance safety programs and promote a strong safety culture through a comprehensive training approach. Participants undergo nine days of virtual instructor-led training over three months, focusing on building a safety culture, technical skills for employee engagement, and leadership competencies.
Issued by: Safety Center
Focus:
- Building a safety culture
- Technical skills for employee engagement
- Leadership competencies
- Best practices in workplace safety
- Communication and performance measurement
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of courses
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: $3,500
Who It's For: It is designed for safety officers and EHS managers who are responsible for enhancing safety programs and fostering a strong safety culture within their organizations.
FAQs about Safety Certifications
What are safety certifications and why are they important?
Safety certifications are formal recognitions provided by authoritative organizations to indicate that a product, process, or professional meets specific safety standards. They are important because they help ensure the safety and well-being of individuals by mitigating risks and preventing accidents in workplaces, products, and services.
How can I obtain a safety certification?
To obtain a safety certification, you usually need to complete a safety training program and pass an examination administered by a recognized certifying body. The process varies depending on the type of certification and the industry but typically includes both theoretical and practical components.
Are there different types of safety certifications?
Yes, there are various types of safety certifications tailored to different industries and professions. For example, there are certifications for workplace safety, construction safety, food safety, electrical safety, and occupational health and safety, among others. Each certification focuses on the specific safety standards and requirements relevant to its field.
How long is a safety certification valid?
The validity of a safety certification depends on the certifying organization and the type of certification. Generally, certifications are valid for a period ranging from one to five years. After this period, recertification may be required, which often involves additional training and examination to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.
Can safety certifications be renewed online?
Many safety certifications offer the option for renewal online, allowing professionals to complete necessary coursework or exams remotely. This can vary by certification and certifying body, so it's important to check the specific requirements and processes of the organization that issued the original certification.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Best safety management software
- Best workplace safety newsletters
- Guides on how to create psychological safety in the workplace
What’s Next?
To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our newsletter for leaders and managers. You'll receive insights and offerings tailored to leaders and HR professionals straight to your inbox.
