Community

community

The USOLN community is engaged, vibrant, and thriving. Online in our forums and offline, USOLN members are working together to build strong safety cultures. Utility safety and ops leaders have work experiences and great ideas to share.

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Education

education

Professional development is a lifelong process. Utility industry experts have joined forces to build highly effective education.  Continue your learning and become a well respected utility safety leader.

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Certification

CUSP is the defining benchmark in utility safety leadership. Fast growing and highly respected the CUSP program is being adopted by utilities and related contractors across the country.

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What is the Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network?

what is usolnThe Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network (USOLN) is a membership organization which serves as an advocate for a safe, secure and productive utility work environment and as a catalyst for the prevention of incidents.

USOLN provides utility companies and their contractor partners with a reliable Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) certification program, legislative/regulatory updates, and networking resources.

5 Steps to the CUSP

Step 1: Review and determine CUSP eligibility

image1The CUSP program offers two levels of certification.  The CUSP-Blue is intended for front-line safety leaders...typically (but not limited to) Supervisors, Foreman and Operations Management. The CUSP-Green certification is intended for Utility Safety Directors and Managers.

Review the CUSP BLUE PREP or CUSP GREEN PREP requirements and determine eligibility.

Step 2: Complete the online CUSP application

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Complete Online Application

Complete the online application form and submit. Your application will be reviewed by committee.  If they have additional questions regarding your professional history you may be contacted by the CUSP exam committee chair. The review process can take up to 72 hours.

In the event you are not eligible a full disclosure of reasons for denial will be sent to you.

Once you've received a notice of acceptance into the CUSP program you will be instructed to move forward to Step 3.

Step 3: Join the USOLN and enroll for CUSP

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Sign Up!

Once you've been accepted into the CUSP program you can enroll in the 2-day Utility Safety Leadership review course and the CUSP exam.

It is not a requirement that you take the 2-day review course, but most find it highly beneficial in their exam preparedness. 

As a member of the USOLN you'll enjoy a $400 discount so you'll want to seriously consider joining the Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network.

Step 4: Prepare for the CUSP exam

CUSP logo triangle no background

Take time to study

The CUSP exam is challenging and not easily achieved. CUSP candidates who study and prep are glad they invested the time. Typically 75% of any given CUSP class will pass.

Prepare for taking the CUSP exam by reviewing the guidelines CUSP BLUE PREP or CUSP GREEN PREP.  Assuming you feel comfortable in your work experience knowledge you can simply take the CUSP exam.

Most CUSP candidates opt to take the 2-day Utility Safety Leadership review course prior to the exam. In addition, you should review the suggested material in the Utility Safety Leadership reference list.

Here is a link some sample CUSP exam questions.

Step 5: Take and pass the CUSP exam

exam

About the CUSP exam

The CUSP exams consists of 120 multiple choice questions. There is a 2 hour time allotment for taking the exam. You will be notified by email of your CUSP exam results within 10 business days.

Certified Utility Safety Professional

If you have dedicated your career to providing safety and operations leadership in the utility industry, now is the time to enhance your professional status with the CUSP certification. Join a distinguished group of hundreds of individuals who have demonstrated their job safety knowledge.


cusp-green-wb

Safety Management
  • 3 years of safety experience in in a
    dedicated safety/training role in the
    utility industry
  • Pass the CUSP Green exam

cusp-blue-wb

Ops Management, Supervisory & Foreman
  • 3 years of utility operations leadership experience
  • At least 1 year in an role where safety is a part of your job, e.g. tailboards, safety committees, safety meetings

About USOLN

Utility Safety and Operations Leadership Network Utilities, contractors and communication providers working together to establish strong safety leadership, reliable Certified Utility Safety Professional certification program, legislative/regulatory updates, and networking resources.

USOLN Staff

Executive Director: Carla Housh
Member Services Manager: Catherine Cox
Marketing: Derek Rauchenberger
Member Support: Stacy Fowler
Website: Karen Phelps

USOLN Contact Info

360 Memorial Drive, Suite 10 
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

Phone: (815) 459-1796
Fax: (847) 620-0662
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www.usoln.org