certified utility safety professional candidate handbook · certified utility safety professional...

Revision February 2018

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Certified Utility Safety Professional

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

CUSP Candidate Handbook 2

ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK:This handbook contains information that you will need to apply, register and prepare for the Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) exam, including eligibility requirements, exam policies, exam content and exam preparation resources. Keep this handbook as a resource to refer to after you have registered for the exam.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:Introduction ................................................................................................................................3

Canadian CUSP Program ..........................................................................................................4

CUSP Exam and Endorsements ...............................................................................................5

Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................................7

Applying for the CUSP Exam ...................................................................................................8

Preparing for the CUSP Exam ................................................................................................11

After the Examination .............................................................................................................14

CUSP Maintenance and Recertification ................................................................................15

Privacy Policy ............................................................................................................................16

Use of the CUSP Credential ....................................................................................................17

Appendix:

Standards of Ethical Conduct ...........................................................................................18

ADA Accommodation Request Form .............................................................................19

CUSP Appeals Form ..........................................................................................................20

FAQ ............................................................................................................................................21


INTRODUCTION

CUSP CERTIFICATIONThe Certified Utility Safety (CUSP) certification is a program of the Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network (USOLN), a not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization formed for the purpose of creating a utility-specific safety creden-tial. The CUSP certification was created to promote safety leadership in the utility industry through:

1. Formally recognizing those individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the CUSP program and demonstrate competency through passing the CUSP exam.

2. Encouraging continued personal and professional growth in the practice of utility safety leadership.

3. Creating a uniform standard of understanding utility safety regulations, competencies and task-directed skills for both utility companies and their contractor partners.

4. Providing employers the assurance of an individual’s broad knowledge, skills and abilities in the utility work environment when hiring or promoting.

The CUSP certification is the only program that awards utility-specific safety credentials to meet the unique requirements of utilities and related contractors. The CUSP credential will be assigned to those who meet specific eligibility requirements and demonstrate competence by passing the CUSP exam.

CUSP GOVERNING BOARDThe CUSP Governing Board is the oversight body for the Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) credential and reports to the Utility Safety & Ops Leadership (USOLN) Board of Directors. It is a separate body in order to ensure the objectivity and impartiality of all decision-making and every aspect of the operations of the certifica-tion program. The CUSP Governing Board is responsible for making policy decisions, ruling on any disputes and assessing the effectiveness of the CUSP certification.


Canadian CUSP ProgramThe CUSP credential is now available in Canada. The Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network (USOLN) has provided the national framework for standardized utility safety professional certification, sharing of utility best practices, and opening up a wide network of industry professionals as a resource for advancing safety in the industry, in Canada, and internationally.

Given the variation in occupational health, safety, and utility regulations in the Canadian provinces, the focus of the Canadian program is the development of best practices with due consideration of the provincial internal responsibility systems. Best practices typically set the operational standards above provincial regulations. They also establish the most common methods to achieve operational success within the parameters of common regulations, provide work techniques inclusive of the collective trade experience, and debunk field-level work practices that counter those efforts.

However to achieve some level of synergy in the utility standards, information will be driven by CAN/ULC-S801-14 Standard on Electrical Utility Workplace Electrical Safety for Generation, Transmission, and Distribution. Some Canadian utilities are in the process of a gap analysis of CAN/ULC-S801 and the existing provincial electrical utility regulations. Various other CAN/ULC standards within S801 will also be referenced as standards applicable within the CUSP program. The remaining body of knowledge and standards will be referenced from multiple benchmark standards like CSA, ASTM, and NFPA to name a few. The purpose of these selected standards is to have a common source of practices that are referenced as standards within provincial regulations.

The CUSP exam in Canada will contain information and standards relevant and inclusive of all common provincial practices. There is no reference to specific provincial or territorial regulations. The standards portion of the program will be based on an understanding of what the provincial and territorial regulations have in common as baseline practices. The scenarios presented within the body of knowledge will be better understood by those persons already practicing health, safety, and work methods within the utility industry. This is important as the CUSP program was created to develop an experienced group of safety professionals already working within utility operations.

Please refer to more information about the CUSP program in Canada on the USOLN website at this link: www.usoln.org/cusp-certification/canadian-cusp.

https://www.usoln.org/cusp-certification/canadian-cusp


CUSP EXAM AND ENDORSEMENTS

OVERVIEWThe CUSP exam is designed to test a well-defined body of knowledge representative of professional practice in the discipline of utility safety. Successful completion of the CUSP exam demonstrates competency and broad-based knowledge of the utility safety profession.

The format of the exam is a two-hour timed test. The CUSP Green and Blue base exams are comprised of 100 mul-tiple-choice questions. In addition, all candidates will be asked to designate an endorsement exam, which consists of 30 questions, from the following utility work environments:• Electric Transmission & Distribution• Gas• Power Generation• Civil

You must pass both the CUSP base exam and at least one endorsement exam in order to pass the CUSP exam.

EXAMINATION SECURITYAn exam proctor will be on-site to administer the exam. Before the exam you will be asked to provide a valid ID with a photo and signature. The following IDs are accepted:• Government issued drivers license• State/national identification card• Passport• Military ID• Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident visa)

All desks must be cleared and cell phones turned off before the exam begins. Notes cannot be used during the exam. There are no math questions on the CUSP exam so calculators are not necessary.

Please note that the CUSP program takes exam security very seriously. The questions and content are highly con-fidential and are not to be shared, discussed or reproduced in any way. Any test taker that is suspected of engaging in conduct that jeopardizes the security or validity of the CUSP exam may have his or her score invalidated, may be denied future access to the exam and may face civil or criminal liability.

CUSP EXAMINATION CONTENTThe following matrix on page 5 provides an outline of the content you will find in the CUSP exam. The top level is the main subject matter topic or domain. Below that, you will find a more detailed list of knowledge areas that are included in that domain on the exam. The matrix also includes the weighting of these topics for both the CUSP Green and Blue exams.


CUSP Green CUSP Blue

STANDARDS: 30% 15%1. OSHA Federal Regulations

2. Cranes and Derricks in Construction

3. Performance and Consensus Standards

4. OSHA Record-keeping Requirements

5. Certification or Qualification

6. Legal Considerations

7. Enforcement Policies of Regulatory Agencies

8. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)

9. Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

HAZARD ID: 20% 15%1. Typical Workplace Hazards

2. Hazards vs. Risks

3. Responsibilities

4. Common Utility Industry Practices

5. Monitoring

6. Evaluating Program Effectiveness

INCIDENT PREVENTION: 20% 15%1. Define Incident Prevention

2. Fundamentals of Incident Prevention

3. Tracking and Interpreting Incidents

4. Incident Investigation

5. Typical Incident Prevention Programs

LEADERSHIP SKILLS: 15% 25%1. Communicating Safety Values and Expectations

2. Identify/Explain Critical Safety Data Measurements

3. Safety Program Accountability

4. Defining Critical Behavior

5. Proactive vs. Reactive

HUMAN PERFORMANCE: 5% 5%1. What is Human Performance?

2. Recognizing Active and Latent Errors

3. Understanding Latent Organizational Weaknesses

4. Anatomy of Events

OPERATIONS: 10% 25%1. Operations Responsibilities and Accountabilities in the Safety Process

2. Understanding the Difference Between Compliance and Safety

3. Building Effective Relationships

4. Implementing Operational Practices

5. Gap Analysis


ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

CUSP certification has two designations: CUSP Green, for those that are in a dedicated utility safety or training role and CUSP Blue for those in a utility operations leadership role.

To be eligible for the CUSP exam, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

CUSP Green – Safety/Training Management • At least 3 years of experience in a dedicated safety or training leadership role in the utility industry.

CUSP Blue – Operations Management, Supervisor, Foreman • At least 3 years of utility operations leadership experience • At least 1 year in a role where safety activities are a part of your job description, e.g., tailboards, safety committees, safety meetings


APPLYING FOR THE CUSP EXAM

CUSP APPLICATION PROCESSThe following steps outline the application process:

1. Complete the CUSP application, which is available at www.usoln.org. The USOLN reserves the right to verify information supplied by or on behalf of a candidate. Any misrepresentation of information shall be considered grounds for prohibition from testing or revocation of CUSP certification. An application is considered complete only if all information requested is included, legible and accurate. Required information includes: • Contact information • Utility work and safety experience • Requested date/location to take the CUSP • Check the boxes in the attestation statement* • Signature, either electronic or manual

2. Fax or email the application to the USOLN as indicated on the application. The application will be processed and the CUSP Application Review Committee will review each application to determine eligibility. A confirma-tion notice of approval to take the exam is sent via email within approximately two weeks.

3. Once you receive confirmation of the approval of your application, each CUSP candidate must register and pay for the CUSP exam on the USOLN website at www.usoln.org. A link to pay will be sent in the confirmation email.

ETHICAL CONDUCT QUESTIONNAIRE*CUSP candidates are required to disclose any conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or having a professional license or certification revoked. If you check “yes” on the any of the boxes in the attestation statement on the application, you must complete the Ethical Conduct Questionnaire found online and send it with your CUSP application. The Ethical Conduct Questionnaire will be reviewed by the Ethics Committee.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATIONThe CUSP program does not discriminate among candidates on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status.

http://www.usoln.org

http://www.usoln.org


USOLN Member Fee Structure:

Annual USOLN Membership Dues $ 145

CUSP Exam Application Fee ($75 Fee Waived for Members) $ 0

Utility Safety Leadership Review (OPTIONAL) $ 799

CUSP Base Exam + one Endorsement $ 250

Each additional Endorsement $ 175

TOTAL (with one endorsement) $1,194

Non-Member Fee Structure:

CUSP Exam Application Fee $ 75

Utility Safety Leadership Review (OPTIONAL) $ 999

CUSP Base Exam + one Endorsement $ 399

Each additional Endorsement $ 175

TOTAL (with one endorsement) $1,473

CUSP EXAM FEES


SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIESUSOLN complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and makes every effort to ensure that no individual with a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take the CUSP exam solely by reason of that disability. USOLN will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you require special accom-modations due to a disability, please submit the ADA Accommodation Request Form in Appendix 19 and online along with your CUSP application.

ELIGIBILITY APPEALSCandidates who are denied eligibility may appeal this decision. Contact the CUSP certification department within 30 days of the decision and communicate that you are appealing the decision. Submit the CUSP Appeals Form in Appendix 20 and online along with a revised CUSP application or additional information to [email protected] and it will be resubmitted to the CUSP application review committee for reconsideration.


PREPARING FOR THE CUSP EXAMCUSP candidates are encouraged to prepare for the CUSP exam by reviewing the sample questions available on the USOLN website. While the CUSP exam is designed to test a candidate’s competence as a utility safety profes-sional gained through experience and training throughout his/her career, reference materials are provided below to study as needed.

RESOURCE MATERIALSLeadership• ANSI/AIHA Z10 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems • OHSA Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs (focus on Management Leadership) document 3885 at www.osha.gov/shpguidelines• Measure of a Leader: The Legendary Leadership Formula For Producing Exceptional Performers and Outstanding Results by Aubrey Daniels and James Daniels• Bringing Out the Best in People: How to Apply the Astonishing Power of Positive Reinforcment

by Aubrey Daniels• Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others by John Maxwell• Developing the Leaders Around You by John Maxwell• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow you by John Maxwell• The Courage Factor by E. Scott Geller and Bob Veazie• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie• Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life

by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Steven Covey• The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack

Canfield• Managing the Risk of Organizational Accidents by James Reason• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig• Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan

Human Performance• Human Performance Improvement Handbook Modules 1 and 2• Managing the Risk of Organizational Accidents by James Reason


RESOURCE MATERIALS CONTINUED

Operations• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Field Handbook – by Thomas Shoemaker and James Mack

Consensus Standards:• ANSI/ISEA 107 American National Standard for Hi-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear• ANSI Z535.2 Environmental and Facility Safety Signs• ANSI B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes• ANSI Z87.1 Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices• ANSI Z89.1 Standard for Industrial Head Protection• ANSI Z359.1-2007 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems• ANSI Z359.13 Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards• ANSI Z359.14 Safety Requirements for Self Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest• ANSI A92.2 Standard for Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms• ANSI B56.1 Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks• ANSI Z41 Personal Protection-Protective Footwear• ANSI A90.1 Safety Standard for Man-lifts• ANSI B175.1 Safety Requirements for Gasoline Powered Chain Saws• ANSI J6.4 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets• ANSI J6.6 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves• ANSI Z4.1 Requirements for Sanitation in Places of Employment• IEEE 516 Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energized Power Lines• IEEE 524 Guide to the Installation of Overhead Transmission Line Conductors• IEEE 978 Guide for In Service Maintenance and Electrical Testing of Live-Line Tools• IEEE 1048 Guide for Protective Grounding of Power Lines• IEEE C2 National Electrical Safety Code• NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Work Place• NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code• ASTM F496 Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves• ASTM 855 Standard Specification for Temporary Protective Grounds • ASTM 887 Standard Specification for Personal Climbing Equipment• ASTM Standard Specification for Unused Rope with Special Electrical Properties


RESOURCE MATERIALS CONTINUEDStandards• OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subparts D, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, N, P, Z• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts C, D, E, F, G, H, I, M, O, P, X, Z, CC• OSHA 1904 Recordkeeping• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Part 6• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) Part 40, Part 382, Part 391, Part 393, Part 395,

Part 396, Pre-Trip and Post Trip• ANSI 107

Hazard ID • ANSI/AIHA Z10• ISO 45001

Incident Prevention• ANSI/AIHA Z10• ISO 45001• Managing the Risk of Organizational Accidents by James Reason

ENDORSEMENTS:Electric Transmission and Distribution Endorsement• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts N, U, V, AA• National Electric Safety Code (NESC)

Gas• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.253• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.101(b)(2)(ii)• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.350(a)• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P - Trenching• OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z – Air Contaminants• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 – Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response• Title 49 CFR Subchapter D Parts 190-199

Power Generation Endorsement• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 H, M, Q, S• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts J, K

Civil• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts P, Q, R, AA


CUSP EXAM PREP OR REVIEW The USOLN does not require a CUSP candidate to take any education or training in order to take the CUSP exam. It does not recommend or endorse any particular CUSP exam prep or review course. As a convenience to our CUSP candidates, the USOLN does permit the iP Institute to conduct the 2-day Utility Safety Leader-ship Review before the CUSP exam is administered. This is not training; it is simply a review of the relevant knowledge that a utility safety professional should be familiar with before taking the CUSP exam. This Review is developed independently from the CUSP exam and everything that is on the CUSP exam is not included in the Review. Attending the 2-day Utility Safety Leadership Review is not a guarantee that you will pass the CUSP exam. The CUSP credential is awarded solely by meeting the CUSP eligibility requirements and passing the CUSP exam.


AFTER THE EXAMINATION

NOTIFICATION OF EXAM RESULTSAll examinees will be notified by email if they pass or fail the CUSP exam. Grading of the CUSP exam is pass/fail and letter grades will not be issued. Examinees who pass the CUSP exam will be sent their CUSP certificate and wallet card within six to eight weeks. Those who fail will be forwarded information on how to retest should they choose to do so.

RETESTINGA CUSP candidate must pass both the CUSP Green or Blue Base exam and at least one CUSP endorsement exam in order to be awarded the CUSP credential. If a CUSP candidate fails to pass the CUSP Base and/or endorsement exam, they can attend the 2-day Utility Safety Leadership Review and retake the CUSP exam(s) at a future date/location at no-charge. If they fail to pass the first retake exam, they can retake the CUSP exam again, but must pay a fee according to the following fee schedule.

Each candidate is required to wait a minimum of 30 days and no longer than one year before applying to retake the exam. Should the candidate not reapply before the eligibility retest end date, the candidate shall be required to resubmit an application and the application fee, and restart the process.

Candidates must contact the USOLN by email or phone to alert them of their intent to retake the exam. The USOLN will then give the candidate approval to retake the exam.

USOLN Member Price

Non-Member Price

Additional retake of 2-day Review (covers material and food) $100 $130

Additional retake of CUSP Base exam and one endorsement exam $299 $399

Additional retake of CUSP Base exam only $224 $300

Additional retake of one CUSP Endorsement exam only $75 $99


APPEAL OF RESULTSThe CUSP certification employs a rigorous process to ensure the accuracy of scoring the CUSP exam. The exams are scored electronically and the opportunity for error is highly unlikely. However, if you have a dispute of any kind, please submit your appeal using the online CUSP Appeals Form or send to [email protected] with-in 30 days of receiving your results.

NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGESWe need to communicate with you in the future regarding your CUSP credential.

As a CUSP candidate or credential holder, it is your responsibility to inform the USOLN of any changes to your current contact information, including mailing address, email address and phone number. You are at risk of losing your CUSP credential if we cannot reach you with important notifications regarding your certification. Please update your USOLN profile online or send any contact information changes to [email protected] or call 815-459-1796.


CUSP MAINTENANCE AND RECERTIFICATIONYour CUSP credential is valid for a two-year period beginning on the day that you become certified. In order to ensure the continuing competence of CUSP credential holders, the CUSP certification has established a recerti-fication program that includes a continuing professional development requirement along with paying an annual maintenance fee of $130.

CUSP ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEEThe CUSP annual maintenance fee of $130 is due each year on the anniversary date that you earned your CUSP. You will receive an email reminder notice. The CUSP annual maintenance fee can be paid online on the USOLN website.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTCUSP GREEN – Utility safety professionals and managers who have earned the CUSP Green credential are required to earn 40 CUSP Points over a two-year time period.

CUSP BLUE – Utility operations professionals and managers who have earned the CUSP Blue credential are required to earn 30 CUSP points over a two-year time period.


CUSP Points Maintenance Guidelines

Recertification Activity Types

Max Points per year

Description Possible Points Earned

Documentation Needed

iP Safety Conference & Expo

Unlimited Utility industry education event sponsored by Incident Prevention

Up to 20 CUSP points for attending the full conference

Form given out at the conference and CUSP Program Director can verify

Frontline Utility Leadership Classes

Unlimited Utility industry educational classes produced by iPi

Up to 10 CUSP Points for a 2-day class

Certificate of Completion of course or CUSP Program Director can verify

Frontline Utility Leadership Webinars

Unlimited Utility industry educational webinars produced by iPi

.4 CUSP per webinar CUSP Program Director can verify

iP Institute (online learning education)

Green CUSP - 10 points per year

Blue CUSP - 7.5 points per year

Safety-related education courses produced by the iPi

1 Contact hour = .4 CUSP Point

Certificate of Completion of course

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Unlimited Safety-related education courses that are assigned CEUs

1 CEU = 4 CUSP points

Registration confirmation email, certificate or card issued

Other Safety Education Unlimited Participation in relevant safety-related education and seminars

1 Contact hour = .4 CUSP Point

Registration confirmation email, certificate or card issued

College or University Courses

Unlimited Relevant safety or management courses

Maximum of 2 CUSP points per credit hour

Copy of Transcript

Achieving Relevant New Certifications

Unlimited Must be safety-related Maximum of 30 points per certification

Copy of certificate, letter or card awarded

Volunteer Service to Safety Organization (other than your own company)

5 CUSP points per year

Examples: service as an officer, board or committee member of a national safety organization; member of an editorial board; or chair or member of conference organizing committee

Based on hours of volunteer service

Letter, meeting minutes, published document or other confirmation of volunteer service

The CUSP Maintenance Guidelines below are provided to inform you of the different types of continuing professional development activities that are eligible for CUSP points and how the number of points awarded is calculated.


PROCESS TO REQUEST CREDITS1. As you complete continuing professional development activities, complete the online CUSP Points Request Form.

2. Provide appropriate supporting documentation to verify your request. Electronic files can be uploaded into the online form. Supporting documentation might include:• Safety Education – copies of certificates, cards, transcripts and registration forms• Publications/Presentations – copies of presentations or publications• Professional Development Conference – copy of event registration and agenda/description of conference• Safety Meetings – copies of sign-in sheets and meeting agendas• Volunteer Service – a letter from the organization documenting the dates, number of hours and descriptions of the service provided

3. Submit the online CUSP Points Request Form. You will receive an acknowledgement that your request has been received. You will receive confirmation of the number of CUSP points awarded within 5 business days.

PRIVACY POLICYThe USOLN will keep all CUSP candidate and credential holder personal and examination records confidential and will obtain your approval before releasing information from your CUSP records other than the cases listed below.• The name only of each CUSP credential holder will be published in the CUSP Roster on the USOLN website.• If the USOLN receives an inquiry, we will provide verification of your certification to the public.


USE OF THE CUSP CREDENTIALThe CUSP credential is only for the authorized use of the individual to which it has been awarded. The “Certified Utility Safety Professional” title and the letters “CUSP” can be used anywhere that you use your name such as resumes, business cards, correspondence and email signatures.

Examples of correct use of the CUSP credential:• John P. Smith, CUSP• John P. Smith, Certified Utility Safety Professional

The CUSP credential is only authorized for use during the period the certification is valid; it expires if you have not met the recertification requirements and your CUSP credential is revoked. Use of the CUSP beyond the period that it is valid is considered unauthorized use.

The CUSP credential is recognition that you have achieved a high standard of safety knowledge and skills in the utility industry. It is something to be proud of and any use of the CUSP credential or the USOLN name in a disparaging or misleading way is strictly prohibited. Misrepresenting the scope of your CUSP credential is also strictly prohibited.


APPENDIX

STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCTThe Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network (USOLN) has adopted the following Standards of Ethical Conduct to promote and maintain the highest standards of utility safety leadership and personal conduct among its mem-bers. These standards serve to assure utility industry confidence in the integrity of utility safety leaders. Ethical leadership is expected from members of USOLN. These principles are intended to strengthen our critical safety mission. However, they will not cover every situation or challenge that one may face. The following principles shall serve as guidance in making sound, ethical decisions in both business relationships and the routine execution of our professional duties.

USOLN members shall use the following ethical guidelines and as a member in good standing shall pledge them-selves to the following Standards of Ethical Conduct:• Obey all applicable laws• Honesty, fairness, acting with responsibility and integrity• Open, candid communications• Mutual respect and trust for each individual and company one deals with• Proactive dispute resolution• Promise only what can be delivered• Refuse to offer or accept gifts, favors, or entertainment that obligates or appears to obligate me to act in any way contrary to ethical business practices and avoid compromise of professional judgment by conflicts of interest• Proper management of confidential and/or proprietary information as it applies to each unique business relationship• Conduct professional relations by the highest standards of integrity• Refuse to engage in negative communications either privately or publicly that disparage other individuals or entities of the triangle• Act in a manner free of bias with regard to religion, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation or disability• Encourage all businesses within my sphere of influence to adopt these principles• Seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic affairs and work for the advancement of the safety, health and well-being of the community and our profession by sharing knowledge and skills

I understand that it is my solemn responsibility to demonstrate the content as well as the spirit of this document within my industry and profession.


ADA SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUEST FORMIn accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, CUSP candidates with disabilities or those who would otherwise have difficulty taking the CUSP exam may request special exam arrangements.

Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address _____________________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________________________ State ________ Zip Code ______________

Email Address _____________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number_____________________________________________________________________________

CUSP Exam: Location ___________________________________________ Date _______________________

Please indicate any special accommodation that you require below.

☐ Reader (accommodation for visual impairment or learning disability)

☐ Large-print written examination

☐ Extended time (additional time requested _______________________)

☐ Other__________________________________________________________________________________

Along with this form, you must submit documentation on letterhead stationary from a medical institution that provided a diagnosis or your disability and include the following:• Description of the disability and limitations related to testing• Recommended accommodation• Name, title and telephone number of the medical authority or specialist• Original signature of the medical authority or specialist

Please email this form along with the documentation to the USOLN at [email protected].


CUSP APPEALS FORM

Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address______________________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________________________ State ________ Zip Code ___________

Email Address______________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number_____________________________________________________________________________

Type of Appeal:☐ CUSP Exam Eligibility☐ CUSP Exam Results☐ Certification Disciplinary Matters☐ CUSP Maintenance or Recertification☐ Other___________________________________________________________________________________

Statement of Appeal:Please state the reason for the appeal.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Please email this form along with any documentation supporting this appeal to [email protected].


FAQ

1. What is the difference between a certification and a certificate program? A certification, such as the CUSP credential, is developed to assess an individual’s competence, i.e. knowledge, skills and abilities that they have gained through their job experience and education throughout their career against an established standard. A certificate program begins with education and training that is delivered and an assessment is done to document the achievement of the learning outcomes or mastery of the material.

2. Can I be grandfathered into the CUSP program without taking the CUSP exam by virtue of earning another certification or my long length of service as a utility safety professional? No, each person must pass the CUSP exam in order to be awarded the CUSP credential.

3. Why are the CUSP maintenance and recertification requirements so difficult? Utility safety is a matter of life or death and it is critical for utility safety professionals to stay current with leading edge safety practices. In order to ensure the continued competence of CUSP credential holders, a rigorous maintenance and recertification program was developed that encourages ongoing continuing professional development.

4. Will there be a benefit to me in my career for earning the CUSP credential? While nothing is guaranteed, many people have reported that the CUSP credential has provided them additional credibility in the workplace and helped them to move up in their careers. There are also some employers that are requiring the CUSP credential when they are recruiting new hires.

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