What Is A CSP?

The Certified Speaking Professional designation is earned through a combination of professional association, professional education, professional performance and professional business management standards.

The CSP application process is designed to verify that speakers have met these standards. The easiest part of earning a CSP is completing the application; the hard part is the work applicants do as professional speakers and the energy they put into building their careers. The application provides the vehicle for speakers to document their achievement of the standards.

NSA has only one earned professional designation -- the Certified Speaking Professional.

The CSP Candidate is not a designation; it is a program that provides an opportunity for those who do not yet meet all of the CSP standards to begin the process of earning their CSP. The CSP Candidate program is an interim step to documenting your achievements of the standards.

The minimum requirements for earning a CSP designation are summarized below.

Professional Association Standards

• NSA Membership
• Professional Education Standards

Program Education Credits
Professional Competencies Session
Professional Performance Standards

• Five Continuous Years in the Market as a Professional Speaker
• 250 Presentations to Audiences of 15 or more participants
• 100 Clients Served
• Annual Average Speaking Income of $50,000
• Testimonial Letters
• Professional Promotional Material
• Client Performance Evaluations
• Professional Business Management Standards
• Data Maintenance and Record Keeping
• Complete and Thorough Application
• Logical Application Format and Sequence

Why Hire A CSP?

What is CSP?

The Certified Speaking Professional designation, established in 1980 by the National Speakers Association (NSA), is the speaking profession’s international measure of professional platform skill. CSP is conferred by the US-based National Speakers Association only on those who have earned it by meeting strict criteria. The letters CSP following a speaker’s name indicate a speaking professional with proven experience who understands what is required and knows how to deliver client satisfaction.

Why Should You Hire a CSP?

It will make your job easier! The success of your meeting will be judged largely on the caliber, professionalism and appropriateness of the topic and presenter(s) you select. Choosing a CSP maximizes your opportunity of providing a speaker with a message that will focus, elevate and enhance the mission of your meeting and stick firmly in the memories, attitudes and action plans of your attendees.

How Many CSPs Are There?

Less than 10% of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation. The membership of the International Federation for Professional Speakers is comprised of professional speaking associations worldwide. CSP is the international standard that these associations agree represent competence in the speaking profession.

What Benefit Does a CSP Bring to Your Meeting?

A CSP brings a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and expertise. CSPs are committed to ongoing education, outstanding service and ethical behavior. CSPs offer wide varieties of approaches, topics and styles. Only you can determine which speaker will best fit your needs. A Certified Speaking Professional provides a solid place with which to begin your search.

What Are the Criteria?

Every CSP must...

• Maintain membership and subscribe to the Code of Professional Ethics.
• Serve a minimum of 100 different clients within 5 years.
• Present a minimum of 250 professional speaking engagements within this same 5-year period.
• Submit testimonial letters from clients served.
• Submit professionally prepared promotional materials.
• Receive excellent ratings from past clients on professional performance evaluations.
• Continue education in the professional speaking field.

The Association

NSA, a member association of the International Federation for Professional Speakers, is dedicated to advancing the art and value of experts who speak professionally. The International Federation for Professional Speakers provides nearly 5000 members with the resources and education designed to enhance the talent, ethics and business acumen of professional speakers. The CSP Certification is an indication that you are booking a committed professional who has a history of success with many audiences.

Comments from Those Who Hire Speakers

"CSP is an insurance policy toward the meeting planner's success. The CSP designation is a qualifier in the mind of the astute planner."
Brad Plumb
North American Speakers Bureau, Inc.

"I am a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional). I believe strongly in designations. It says you are committed to the profession. When I have equal speakers, I will take the CSP first over the non-CSP. Yes, CSP does make a difference in selecting speakers."
Betty E. Garrett,CMP
Garrett Speakers International

"You know they (CSPs) have achieved a certain discipline that puts them in a category all their own;they have passed the test oflongevity; they have proven themselves. It makes a difference today and will continue to make a difference in the meeting planning industry."
Marolyn Wright
Program Resources

"When I have a choice of a speaker who is a CSP or not, I will select the speaker who is a CSP."
Michelle Lemmons
International Speakers Bureau, Inc.

"I always consider the CSP designation the hallmark of professional excellence. The CSPs that we have selected have never disappointed our audiences."
Barbara S. Sadek
The Society for Human Resources Management

"It's truly an indication that a speaker has achieved a higher level of professionalism. It's something we look for first. I reduce my risk by hiring someone with a CSP."
William Bess
Mfgrs. Representatives of America