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PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to maintain Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) and Certificate for Occupational Safety Managers (COSM) beyond the initial three-year period. COSS and COSM certificate holders must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to enhancing the skills needed to remain current in the field of safety through professional development, conferences and other appropriate means.
| Category | Point Calculator | Allowed Points | Accepted Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Education / Professional Development Safety / Health Courses | 5 points = 15 contact hours or 1.5 CEUs |
*5 points min. – 20 points max. | Sign-in rosters, transcripts, certificates, conference agenda or similar documentation |
| College / University Safety/Health Course | 10 points = 3 credit hours |
10 points maximum | College / University transcript |
| Instruct “Train the Trainer” for a safety topic or instruct course containing one or more COSM topics | 5 points = One 8-hour class |
5 points maximum | Sign-in roster with instructor name printed or similar documentation |
| Attendance at Safety / Health Conferences | 5 points = One Day (6 or more hours) |
5 points maximum | Conference agenda, including session descriptions and conference registration confirmation |
| Conference Presenter or Discussion Panel Member of Safety / Health Topic | 5 points = One conference presentation or panel |
5 points maximum | Conference agenda containing presentation / panel description and speaker list |
| Safety / Health Job Experience | 5 points = One-year work experience |
5 points maximum | Safety / Health job description and employer letter verifying dates of employment |
| Professional Safety Organization Membership or Active Board Member of Safety Organization | 5 points = Organization or board membership |
5 points maximum | Membership confirmation, organization’s Annual Report or similar documentation |
| Special Government Employee Participation | 5 points = VPP Audit |
5 points maximum | Audit participation documentation |
| Professional Contribution to Safety / Health Industry | 5 points = One qualifying activity |
5 points maximum | Proof of contribution is based on activity. See guidelines. |
| COSS or COSM Class (must be taken after completion of the class you are recertifying) | 15 points | 15 points maximum | COSS or COSM certificate |
CERTIFICATE ALIGNMENT POLICY: This policy allows for individuals holding both COSS and COSM certificates currently to combine into one recertification cycle for both certificates. Please see full guidelines for additional information.
COSS Requirement = 15 points
COSM Requirement = 20 points
* Minimum of 5 points MUST come from qualifying Continuing Education/Professional Development training
The COSS Series includes intense, curriculum-based programs that cater to the needs of the beginning safety practitioner, as well as to the experienced safety professional.
