CSP Across Borders
One Designation. Three Pathways
Your Guide to Understanding the CSP Requirements Across
PSA Australia, APSS Singapore and VSAI
Why be a CSP
(Certified Speaking Professional)
Three Associations. One Convenient Comparison.
Thinking about pursuing your Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation? Or perhaps you're already a CSP and would like to understand how the requirements compare across different speaking associations?
We've made it easier for you! Instead of navigating multiple websites and lengthy application documents, we've brought together 25 key CSP criteria in one convenient comparison.
The comparison covers Professional Speakers Australia (PSA), Asia Professional Speakers Singapore (APSS) and Virtual Speakers Association International (VSAI).
Understanding the CSP
The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation recognises experienced professional speakers who have demonstrated a sustained track record in professional speaking, business success, presentation skills and professional standards.
In September 2025, representatives from PSA, APSS and VSAI concluded a CSP equivalence exercise facilitated through the Global Speakers Federation (GSF).
The participating associations agreed on a range of common standards, while retaining certain differences to accommodate their respective requirements and operating environments. The agreements were formally documented and signed by representatives of the three associations and GSF.
Here's how the agreed requirements compare.
The 25-Point CSP Comparison
A. Membership & Professional Experience
Criteria | VSAI | PSA AUSTRALIA | APSS SINGAPORE |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Minimum membership before applying
| 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
2. Association events attended | 6 events in preceding 12 months | 5 events over 5 years | 6 events in preceding 12 months |
3. Professional speaking track record | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
4. Minimum qualifying presentations | 25 (5 per year) | 25 (5 per year) | 25 (5 per year) |
5. Minimum qualifying presentation duration | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
6. Minimum audience size | 6 people | 6 people | 6 people |
B. Income & Financial Requirements
CRITERIA | PSA AUSTRALIA | APSS SINGAPORE | VSAI |
|---|---|---|---|
7. Minimum income requirement | A$80,000 in each of any 5 of past 8 years | S$80,000 in each of any 5 of past 7 years | Country-based WorldData benchmark; see note |
8. Total qualifying income threshold | A$400,000 for Australian residents | S$400,000 for Singapore residents | Country-based WorldData benchmark; see note |
9. Minimum fee per presentation | A$1,000 | S$1,000 | €600 |
10. Presentation-related income | PRI – Presentation Related Income | SGI – Session Generated Income | SRI – Session Related Income |
11. Emcee work | May be included | May be included | May be included |
Income note: Country-specific rules apply to PSA and APSS applicants outside their domestic countries. The signed agreement uses different wording for VSAI’s annual minimum and total threshold; applicants should confirm the applicable calculation.
C. Application & Supporting Documents
CRITERIA | PSA AUSTRALIA | APSS SINGAPORE | VSAI |
|---|---|---|---|
12. Detailed presentation and income records | Required | Required | Required |
13. Speaker Business Income Model | Maximum 200 words | Maximum 200 words | Maximum 200 words |
14. Marketing materials showing professionalism and expertise | Required | Required | Required |
15. Client testimonials | 10 | 10; 5 preferably from fee-paying clients | 10 |
D. Video Assessment & Professional Standards
CRITERIA | PSA AUSTRALIA | APSS SINGAPORE | VSAI |
|---|---|---|---|
16. Video submission | 1 unedited video from a qualifying paid presentation | Same | Same |
17. Minimum video duration | 30 minutes | 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
18. Video duration guidance | 45 minutes recommended; no mandatory maximum in main table | Maximum 45 minutes | 45-minute guidance; maximum requires clarification |
19. Video peer reviewers | 3 CSPs | 3 CSPs | 3 CSPs |
20. Non-English video submissions | English transcript required | English transcript required | English transcript required |
21. Client verification and audit | Random checks; external audit may be conducted | Random checks; external audit may be conducted | Random checks; external verification provided for |
E. Application, Maintenance & Governance
CRITERIA | PSA AUSTRALIA | APSS SINGAPORE | VSAI |
|---|---|---|---|
22. CSP application fee | A$660 | S$500 | €350 |
23. Membership to maintain CSP | PSA membership | APSS or another GSF member association | VSAI membership |
24. Right of Review / appeal | Procedure to be included | Existing procedure to be updated | Procedure to be included |
25. GSF CSP Equivalence Committee agreement | Participated and signed | Participated and signed | Participated and signed |
What Do These Comparisons Tell Us?
While each association has its own application procedures and financial benchmarks, the September 2025 agreement shows substantial alignment in several important areas.
Across the three associations, the agreed standards include five years of professional speaking experience; at least 25 qualifying paid presentations; a minimum audience of six people; professional income records and supporting documents; ten testimonials; assessment by three CSP video reviewers; and professional verification and quality assurance procedures.
These common standards reflect the work undertaken by the GSF CSP Equivalence Committee to establish greater consistency among the participating associations.
Which CSP Pathway
Should You Consider?
Applicants are encouraged to apply through their home association, generally determined by their country of residence. The September 2025 agreement also recognises that applicants may choose another conferring association, subject to relevant trademark considerations, application conditions and the association’s acceptance procedures.
Before applying, review the latest official criteria and confirm eligibility with the association concerned.
Your CSP Journey Starts with Understanding the Requirements
Whether you are working towards your CSP, preparing your application or simply exploring professional development opportunities, we hope this comparison gives you a clearer picture of the standards agreed across the three associations.
Three associations. One convenient comparison.
PSA Australia — https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/
APSS Singapore — https://www.asiaspeakers.org/
VSAI — https://www.vsainternational.org/certified-speaking-professional-csp
Source & Important Information
Final Changes Agreed by PSA, APSS and VSAI During the GSF CSP Equivalence Committee Meetings — 6 September 2025, pp. 1–24.
The agreement records the agreed requirements and implementation commitments at that time. This guide does not replace the latest official CSP application requirements; fees, conditions and procedures may change. For application enquiries, contact the relevant conferring association.