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Certified Snow Professional FAQ
How do I become a CSP?
Who is eligible to take the exam?
Why should I become a CSP?
What is the cost of the CPS exam?
How many references do I need to submit?
When do I need to submit my application?
How do I register to take the exam?
When and where can I take the exam?
If I take the exam at the SIMA Office, what hotel should I stay at?
How do I study for the exam?
What happens if I don't pass the exam?
What do I get after I become a CSP?
Once I pass the exam, how do I maintain my CSP designation?
How do I become a CSP?
The certification of an individual's competence is accomplished through a written test. The test is designed to measure the individual's knowledge in 6 areas: Business, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Sub-Contractors, Snow & Ice Science, and Snow & Ice Operations and Techniques. A candidate will determine eligibility, complete an application and submit references, be approved by SIMA, and then sit for the exam.
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Who is eligible to take the exam?
To be eligible to take the exam individuals must meet one of the 4 eligibility options listed below:
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Option 1
Education: Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
Experience: Must be currently working in the industry for at least 1 year. |
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Option 2
Education: 2 year Association of Arts (AA) degree or comparable credits from a college/junior college.
Experience: 1 or more years work experiences as an owner or manager in the industry OR presently employed for 2 or more years in the industry. |
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Option 3
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Experience: 2 or more years work experience as an owner or manager in the industry OR presently employed for 10 or more years in the industry. |
Option 4
Experience: 5 or more years work experience as an owner or manager in the industry OR presently employed for 10 or more years in the industry. |
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Why should I become a CSP?
The Certified Snow Professional program is a tool designed to educate you in all aspects of snow and ice management. It can also become one of your best sales tools, allowing you to explain to your customers what you learned and achieved through the CSP program.
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What is the cost of the CSP exam?
For members, the exam fee is $350, for non-members, the exam fee is $550.
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How many references do I need to submit?
If you are the owner of a company, you will need the names and addresses of 4 professional references or 2 reference letters. If you are an employee of an in-house operation or a snow contractor, you need 1 reference letter from the owner of your company.
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When do I need to submit my application?
You must submit your application, along with references and testing fees, to SIMA no later than 1 month before the date of exam.
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How do I register to take the exam?
Click here for registration information.
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When and where can I take the exam?
The exam is offered numerous times a year at trade shows and SIMA events. We also offer the exam monthly at our offices in Milwaukee, WI, as well as at our annual Snow & Ice Symposium. Test dates are announced months in advance so that applicants have plenty of time to prepare. Click here for upcoming test dates.
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If I take the exam at the SIMA Office, what hotel should I stay at?
SIMA is proud to present the Radisson Milwaukee North Shore as our preferred hotel, with a rate of $89 per night through 2008. You must call the hotel at (414) 351-6960 to make your reservation, as our preferred rate of is not available online. Make sure to mention that you are with the Snow & Ice Management Association block. Enjoy all of the benefits of this newly renovated hotel, including:
• Complimentary shuttle to and from the airport upon request--ask for it when making your reservation
• Within 5 minutes of the SIMA Office--we will pick you up the morning of your exam
• Complimentary wireless internet throughout the hotel--including sleeping rooms
• Da Vinci's lounge & restaurant
• Complimentary newspaper
• Sleep Number beds
• Fitness Center
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How do I study for the exam?
SIMA recommends the CSP study modules, which are the source of the test questions. Click here for more information on the CSP study modules.
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What happens if I don't pass the exam?
If a minimum of 3 sections have been passed, only the unsuccessful section(s) need to be retaken. If 4 or more sections are failed, the applicant must retake the entire exam regardless of which sections were passed or failed. Successful completion of the 6 sections must be accomplished within 3 years of the initial test date or the candidate must re-apply and pay the initial testing fee. A $75 fee will be charged for each retake.
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What do I get after I become a CSP?
CSP listed after your name on all SIMA mailings, SIMA website, and member directory.
Preference given to CSP's for SIMA's Excellence in Business Awards.
A personalized CSP stamp and plaque to help you promote your status as a CSP.
Your achievement will be announced in Snow Business Magazine and The Update.
Opportunity to purchase CSP marketing brochures from SIMA.
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Once I pass the exam, how do I maintain my CSP designation?
You must pay an annual renewal fee of $65 to SIMA. You must also earn 50 educational credits every 3 years from your date of certification. Credits can be obtained through various activities including but not limited to the following: educational seminars, SIMA's annual symposium, publishing industry related articles, and mentoring new SIMA members. Click here for more information about maintaining your CSP designation.
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