Be Recognized at the Highest Level.
Mark your calendars! Applications for the CSP Class of 2027 open on Sept. 1, 2026.
Considering applying for your
CSP® in 2027?
Elevate Your Impact, Influence, & Income
By earning your CSP (Certified Speaking Professional™) designation, you can prove to meeting professionals that you are among the top echelon of professional speakers who have earned this international designation that only about 17 percent of NSA members worldwide have earned.
With this designation, meeting professionals looking to work with the best speakers will see your commitment to the profession and know you have the top-notch speaking ability with a track record of professionalism and success.
Testimonials
The CSP isn’t just a credential—it’s a trust signal. Meeting planners know they’re getting a proven professional. Earning mine elevated my speaking career in ways I never expected!"
Corey Perlman, CSP
14-year NSA Member
Working with speakers who are Certified Speaking Professionals™ has completely changed the way our clients experience technical content.
These presenters don't just know their material; they know how to connect with an audience. Their ability to customize each session and deliver it with enthusiasm and clarity keeps everyone engaged from start to finish.
Pam Devine
CMP
As a Certified Meeting Professional with several decades of experience, I recognize the value behind professional designations - and CSP® stands out.
When I hire a Certified Speaking Professional™, I know I'm bringing in someone who delivers excellence on stage, engages the audience, and is a true partner behind the scenes.
Sean R. Schuette
CMP
Before You Apply
How to Earn Your CSP Guide
CSP Application Most Common Mistakes
CSP Applicant Checklist
Check out our FAQ's for more information to help you navigate the application process.
How to Apply
Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by Jan. 10, 2027, by Midnight PT.
Step 1:
Fill out and submit the CSP Application Interest Form
Please complete the Interest Form if this is your first time applying, you are re-applying or believe you are eligible for re-application.
After completing the Interest Form, a staff member will reach out to you in Step 2.
Step 2:
Review of the Application Process & Payment Processed in Full
An NSA staff member will contact you either via email or by phone to review the application process and requirements with you.
The current non-refundable application fees are as follows:
Step 3:
Application Confirmation & Welcome to Phase One
This is the Enterprise/Administrative phase and includes a review of the following areas: completion of the requisite number of presentations within the last five (5) years, the necessary income levels derived from these presentations and verification of your presentations.
Coursework
As part of the CSP Application process, applicants must complete the CSP Applicant Coursework. The updated coursework for 2026 can be accessed here.
This Coursework is a requirement and must be completed by the January 10 deadline as part of the Phase One Application process. Failure to complete this Coursework by the January 10 deadline will render an applicant ineligible to advance to the next Phase.
For more information about the CSP Application process, please refer to the How to Earn Your CSP Guide and the CSP Application Checklist.
Requirements
You will be required to submit all supporting documents; including but not limited to the following:
Upon completion and approval of your Phase One application, you will be notified of your advancement to Phase Two.
Applicant Resource Center
Partnering for CSP Success
Sharon Weinstein, CSP, and Wayne Messmer, CSP, discuss the importance of having an accountability partner when pursuing a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) certification. They encourage others to find a partner, engage, and start holding each other accountable for each step of the certification journey.
Ready to Become a Member of the CSP® Class of 2027?
Complete and submit the interest form below. For questions please email CSPadmin@NSASpeaker.org.
Renewing Your
CSP® Designation?
Earning the CSP designation is a demanding process.
CSP Emeritus status (formerly known as "Lifetime CSP") is available for speakers age 65 and older who have 1) renewed their CSP designation at least once; 2) have completed the CSP Oath and 3) paid the designated fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most questions can be answered by reviewing the application process online. In addition, links are provided in the CSP Resource Center on our website and in the OnDemand portal to the following guides: How to Earn Your CSP Guide and the Applicant Checklist.
Submit any remaining questions to CSPAdmin@nsaspeaker.org.
The application process opens the first week in September and closes on January 10 each year. ALL required materials and information must be submitted by the application deadline. No exceptions or substitutions will be granted once the deadline date is selected.
- A completed Interest Form and review of the process with an NSA Staff member.
- Payment of the application fee processed in full.
- A complete Application (Phase One) has been submitted, including the required supporting documents in totality (I.e., all requirements for each item are met):
- Presentation/Salary Spreadsheet
- Event Attendance Confirmation
- Video Submission(s)
- Speaking Business Income Model Description
- Completion of CSP Application Coursework
- Confirmation & Signature: CSP Oath
- Employer Letter(s) of Verification (salaried/contracted employees only)
The current non-refundable application fees are as follows:
- NSA (and GSF-affiliates) Member Fee: $375
- Non-Member Fee (U.S.): $950
- Non-Member Fee (Int'l): $USD based on the United Nations median
salary survey
Once you submit your CSP Application Interest Form via our website, an NSA staff member will contact you via email or phone to review and confirm the requirements in detail and process payment.
YES. Membership is not required to obtain or maintain your CSP. Questions may be directed to NSA by email at CSPAdmin@nsaspeaker.org or by phone (480) 968-2552.
Once submitted, the application cannot be edited or re-submitted in the same year. However, applications can be re-submitted the following year during application season for a nominal fee.
No. The application requirement is in-person attendance at one live NSA or GSF Association Member event within the past 10 years.
No. Applicants must participate in the CSP Application Coursework located in the NSA Digital Vault. If you are an NSA member, simply login to your account and proceed with the CSP Application Coursework. If you are a non-member, a login link will be provided after the review of requirements is completed and payment is processed.
Presentations made as a non-member qualify if they fit within the qualifying date range.
Yes, they do. Income earned from any service or product purchased before midnight on the day of the live presentation may be counted.
Yes. Include print or digital promotional items such as flyers, screenshots, or brochures as supporting documentation. These materials must include the date of the event, your name as presenter, the presentation's topic, and the attendee's cost.
Yes. Speakers who are salaried or contracted employees must document fees by using the percentage of their gross annual salary dedicated to live presentations divided by the number of presentations given per each of the qualifying years.
For example, as a professor, if you have a $100,000 annual salary and spend 50% of your time on stage during the given year, $50,000 can be applied toward your application. If you delivered 100 presentations during that year, you would show each presentation had a "fee paid" or income earned of $500 (i.e., $50,000 from speaking divided by 100 presentations = $500 per presentation).
No. For salaried/contracted applicants, earnings can only be calculated for the percentage of time spent presenting to live audiences.
Salaried or contracted applicants must provide an Employer Verification letter from an immediate supervisor on company letterhead that verifies the applicant’s:
- Position with the company.
- Years of employment for each of the qualifying years included in the Presentation Spreadsheet.
- Gross salary for each of the qualifying years included in the Presentation Spreadsheet.
- Percentage of the employee’s time dedicated to live presenting in front of a live audience; research, travel, and other preparation time do not count toward this percentage.
Yes. The content and accuracy of your application are solely the applicant's responsibility.
No. The names of those you send client evaluations should appear on your spreadsheet.
Unpaid or very low-paid presentations do not qualify. Fees must be consistent with your usual price. Qualifying presentations show fees that are consistent or increasing as a sign of professional growth. Including low fees (e.g., less than $250) calls into question a speaker’s presentation count for purposes of the CSP application.
Your video submission is critical to the attainment of the CSP designation. Your video should represent your best work and your current speaking business. For example, if you are a keynote speaker, submit a video of your keynote. If you are a trainer, submit a training session. Videos that do not successfully demonstrate platform skills, audience engagement, expertise, eloquence, or ethics are the most frequent reason for application denial. Video submissions must be recorded within the past 24 months (about two (2) years) and demonstrate your current area of expertise.
Applicants have two options, as follows:
- Option One: Submit two 20–25-minute videos
- Option Two: Submit one 40–45-minute video
They must meet the length requirement. Lengthy introductions of you as the speaker do not count toward the time limit. Videos of live virtual sessions will qualify if the reviewers see evidence of an audience. Live virtual presentations may compromise up to 25% of the total presentations.
No. All video submissions must be raw, unedited footage only. If your presentation includes time for an audience exercise conducted on their own, you should cut that from your submitted video. You may add an introduction slide indicating the date, topic, description of the audience, and type of presentation (keynote, training or workshop).
NSA selects the video reviewers from a pool of current CSP members of NSA or GSF Associations who are in good standing.
Yes. Non-English speakers must provide a written transcript of the audio track in English. Speakers of your language will review videos when possible.
Add a column to the spreadsheet next to U.S. Dollars to show your earnings in the currency paid. Do not convert income to U.S. dollars on the presentation spreadsheet.