CSP Requirements and Process of Accreditation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many paid speaking engagements must a CSP candidate document within a five-year period?
- At least 50 paid engagements
- At least 100 paid engagements (Correct answer)
- At least 75 paid engagements
- At least 25 paid engagements
Correct answer: At least 100 paid engagements
CSP candidates must document at least 100 paid speaking engagements within a continuous five-year period.
Question 2: Which organization administers the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation in the United States?
- International Association of Professional Speakers
- National Speakers Association (Correct answer)
- American Speaking Society
- Professional Speakers Guild
Correct answer: National Speakers Association
The National Speakers Association (NSA) administers the CSP designation in the United States.
Question 3: What is the minimum fee threshold that typically qualifies as a 'professional' speaking engagement for CSP documentation?
- Any fee above $0
- A fee set by the candidate's market rate
- A fee recognized as professional compensation per NSA standards (Correct answer)
- A fixed minimum of $1,000 per engagement
Correct answer: A fee recognized as professional compensation per NSA standards
NSA evaluates fees based on whether they represent professional compensation consistent with NSA standards rather than a single fixed dollar amount.
Question 4: What role does a CSP sponsor play in the accreditation process?
- They fund the application fee on behalf of the candidate
- They verify the candidate's speaking fees independently
- They mentor and vouch for the candidate's professionalism and ethics (Correct answer)
- They score the candidate's demo video submission
Correct answer: They mentor and vouch for the candidate's professionalism and ethics
A CSP sponsor is an existing CSP who mentors the candidate and attests to their professionalism and ethical standing within the speaking community.
Question 5: Which document type is NOT typically accepted as primary proof of a paid speaking engagement in a CSP application?
- Signed contracts
- Bank deposit records
- Social media posts mentioning the event (Correct answer)
- Invoices with payment confirmation
Correct answer: Social media posts mentioning the event
Social media posts are not considered verifiable primary documentation; official contracts, invoices, and payment records are required.
Question 6: After submitting a CSP application, what typically happens if the review committee requests additional information?
- The application is automatically denied
- The candidate has a defined window to provide the requested materials (Correct answer)
- The candidate must restart the entire application process
- A sponsor must resubmit on the candidate's behalf
Correct answer: The candidate has a defined window to provide the requested materials
Candidates are given a specific timeframe to respond to committee requests for additional documentation before a final decision is made.
Question 7: How does the CSP designation differ from NSA membership in terms of entry requirements?
- CSP requires peer nomination while membership is self-applied
- Membership is open to aspiring speakers while CSP requires proven professional speaking income and volume (Correct answer)
- CSP is awarded automatically after five years of NSA membership
- There is no difference; CSP is included with all NSA memberships
Correct answer: Membership is open to aspiring speakers while CSP requires proven professional speaking income and volume
NSA membership is accessible to those pursuing speaking professionally, whereas the CSP requires documented evidence of sustained professional speaking activity and income.
CSP Requirements and Process of Accreditation 2
How many paid speaking engagements must a CSP candidate document within a five-year period?