Become a Certified Speaking Professional
Stand out among your peers competence by becoming a Certified Speaking Professional – the international measure of professional platform skill.
This certification, which is awarded by the National Speakers Association, is not easy to get. In fact, only about 10 percent of speakers are CSPs. Those who have earned their certification have done so by demonstrating a track record of experience and expertise.
Why Get Certified?
By proving the highest standards of platform abilities, business management, education and commitment to the profession, CSPs are sought after by top meeting planners – because meeting professionals know to expect quality.
To receive the CSP and reach your maximum potential as a professional speaker, you’ll first need to master the four professional competencies adopted by the NSA Board of Directors: Expertise, Eloquence, Enterprise and Ethics.
When you become a Certified Professional Speaker, you’ll advance your speaking career with in-depth knowledge across these competencies:
- Eloquence – The art of speaking and the use of powerful and persuasive presentations. This means creating the proper setting for an effective presentation as well as the concrete skills related to presenting, performing and theatrical methods.
- Expertise – Knowledge, skills and experience in a specific area. Speakers should know which body of expertise is ideal for them and be able to effectively research and develop their content.
- Enterprise – The purposeful undertaking of a successful speaking business venture. This includes business management, sales and marketing knowledge, as well as the skills necessary to generate income through speaking engagements and other revenue streams.
Ethics – The principles or standards governing the conduct of those in the speaking profession. Ethics is the foundation and summation of the three other competencies. It is about who you are as a person – both personally and professionally – and encompasses your reputation, character and integrity.
Once you become a CSP, your designation is good for five years, and can be renewed easily as long as you maintain professional association and continue your professional development.
Apply Now
Ready to take your speaking career to the next level? Apply to become a Certified Speaking Professional.
Submit your completed application to:
National Speakers Association
ATTN: CSP
1500 South Priest Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281
CSP Candidate Information
The CSP Candidate Program is an optional process for one who does not yet meet the full criteria for CSP. Applying through the CSP Candidate option allows applicants to begin the process of earning the CSP. Once an applicant has been approved as a CSP Candidate and if he/she applies for the CSP designation within the required time period, he/she may qualify using the requirements in place when approved as a Candidate or the requirements at the time of the final CSP application.
If you meet all of the criteria for the CSP designation, you may submit the full application for CSP without becoming a Candidate.
Documentation Tools for CSP and CSP Candidate Applications
Deadline
CSP and CSP Candidate applications must be received at NSA headquarters by January 12, 2013 (not postmarked by January 12, 2013.)
Renew Your CSP
The CSP Renewal of Certification application deadline date is August 31 in the year of your renewal.