The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation and the FPSA (Fellow Professional Speakers Association) are recognized by the GSF as the official certifications of member speaking associations.

Historically, the CSP designation was conferred by NSA USA and PSA Australia. The FPSA is conferred by PSA UKI. In July 2024, APSS and VSAI were approved to confer the CSP designation, following the guidelines in section 2.4 below.

In 2013, the GSF developed the criteria for a CSPGlobal designation and conferred its first class of 21 recipients during the 2013 Global Speakers Summit in December 2013. On January 13, 2016, the CSPGlobal designation was renamed to Global Speaking Fellow. The criteria of the Global Speaking Fellow are as follows:

The designation, Global Speaking Fellow, is conferred on those who have proven mastery of the core global speaking competencies over a minimum of three years, received favorable reviews by the clients who have hired them, demonstrated sustainability as a global presenter, presented professionally in a designated percentage of the macro geographical (continental) regions / geographical sub-regions as defined by the United Nations, and earned the favorable reviews of peers in the profession who hold the Global Speaking Fellow designation.

The first requirement of the Global Speaking Fellow application is that the applicant currently holds the CSP or FPSA. The CSP is conferred by qualified member associations of the GSF. In local markets, the CSP is the internationally recognized certification for professional speakers. The GSF also recognizes the FPSA designation conferred by PSA UKI.

For those who wish to expand beyond their local markets, the GSF makes available the educational content to guide those working across continents. The GSF confers the complementary global addition to the CSP and/or FPSA designation with the Global Speaking Fellow. In May 2020, the criteria were further defined to allow the applicant to provide virtual presentations as part of their submission.

All GSF member associations must recognize the Global Speaking Fellow as an earned designation. The GSF is committed to support the growth of member associations currently conferring the CSP/FPSA. The awarding process for the Global Speaking Fellow was reviewed and approved by the board on November 10, 2017.

Speakers associations may petition the GSF Steering Committee to have other professional speaking designations recognized. By a majority vote of the GSF Board of Directors, requested designations may be recognized.

This process aims to ensure the standardization and equivalence of the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation across all GSF associations. It addresses the Strategic Objective: Awards & Certifications-CSP Harmonization Process in the 2023-2024 GSF Strategic Plan.

Key areas that reinforce the GSF’s commitment to excellence and uniform standards:

1. Honoring consistent standards for the CSP designation worldwide.
2. Protecting the CSP’s credibility and value for stakeholders.
3. Facilitating mutual recognition among member associations.
4. Upholding the CSP’s prestige through rigorous requirements.

Implementation Stages:

1. Communication Plan: (To be accomplished by January 2025.)
   1. Develop a comprehensive communication plan to ensure all GSF member associations understand the required standards and implications.
   2. Utilize communication tools such as the GSF website, policies, email, newsletters, webinars, workshops, Q&A sessions, and social media.
2. Steps for Associations Wishing to Confer the CSP:
   1. Understanding the Requirements:
      1. Associations meet with a member of the CSP Equivalence Committee to review documents, requirements, and the application process.
   2. Application:
      1. Associations complete the Application Form to Confer the CSP
      2. The association submits the completed form.
   3. Review and Approval:
      1. The CSP Equivalence Committee reviews the application for compliance with the GSF-CSP Harmonization Agreement required standards.
      2. The committee submits the application to the Steering Committee, recommending approval for consideration by the GSF Board.
      3. If approved, the GSF Board votes on recognizing the association’s CSP designation.
      4. The Executive Director notifies the association of approval.
   4. Review and Lack of Approval/Feedback and Resubmission:
      1. If not approved, the CSP Equivalence Committee provides recommendations for improvement.
      2. Associations can reapply without waiting a year if adjustments are made to meet the requirements.
3. Updates:
   1. The CSP Equivalence Committee will revise the CSP Equivalence Agreement every three years.

This process only refers to the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) Designation. It does not include the PSA-UKI Fellow Award.

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