The Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP) program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The accreditation process investigates the certification examination, the sponsoring organization, and the certifying program's overall viability. NCCA, the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), is an independent accrediting organization and is unaffiliated with any certification program. Accreditation of the CMSP program distinguishes it as one of the only mine safety and health certification programs accredited by an independent accrediting agency

To qualify to sit for the CMSP examination, a candidate must have a minimum of 10 years mine safety and health experience. That experience can be a combination of experience and education totaling 10 years. Each CMSP is required to meet recertification standards every five years to maintain his or her certification.

There is a comprehensive four-day review course to assist candidates in preparing for the CMSP examination. Although the review course is not a prerequisite for taking the examination, it does provide solid background, not only for examination preparation, but also for day-to-day professional practice. The examination is then proctored by an outside entity, Castle Worldwide. Notification is carried out by the same agency.

The CMSP Certification Board was created to govern and manage the program. This board screens candidates for qualification, reviews applications for recertification, and supervises the content and administration of the CMSP examination.

Along with the CMSP program, there is another certification program available, and that is the Mine Safety Professional, or MSP. To qualify to sit for this examination, the candidate must have been actively engaged in mine and health safety for 3 years, or must have earned a BS or BA degree in Mining Engineering, Mine Safety and Health, or will have earned such a degree within 6 months of having taken the examination.

In addition to these requirements, the candidate may have a combination of academic accomplishment, and working experience in the area of Mine Safety and Health. As with the CMSP program, there is a review course available to prepare the candidate for the examination, and it too, is not required. This examination is proctored by the same outside agency, Castle Worldwide. These designations are fast becoming the certifications sought after by contractors and mine operators for their safety professionals.

Harry W Conerly, WSO-CSM, CMSP, DOL-CI Board Member – International Society of Mine Safety Professionals Safety Director/Training Coordinator Aquamatrix, Inc. hwc62@usa.net

Terry L Jones, CMSP, DOL-CI Site Safety Coordinator Aquamatrix, Inc. terryljones56@yahoo.com