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What is a CSP?

The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) 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 and by the National Speakers Association of Australia 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.

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

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

You can see videos, photos, and information about available CSP speakers here »

How to Become a CSP

The CSP application process is designed to verify that speakers have met certain 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.

Every CSP must...

• Maintain membership to a speaker association and subscribe to their 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.

You can obtain a CSP application in PDF form.

Included in the PDF application:

• A glossary of CSP application terms
• Frequently asked questions
• Requirements for the application forms

You can obtain an application from your local speaker association.