BSS® Designation – Official Usage Guidelines
The Building Science Specialist (BSS®) designation is now a registered trademark owned and protected by the Building Science Specialist Board (BSSB). To preserve the integrity, credibility, and legal protection of this credential, all individuals and organizations must follow the official usage standards outlined below.
1. Proper Use of the Designation
The designation must appear exactly as: BSS® Use the ® symbol on first reference in any formal document, publication, website, or marketing material.
2. Eligibility to Use the Designation
Only individuals who have:
- Successfully completed the BSS® program, and
- Remaining in good standing with the Building Science Specialist Board may use the BSS® designation.
Employers may reference an employee’s BSS® credential but must not imply organizational ownership or certification.
3. Correct format usage
- Always append the symbol directly to the letters: BSS®.
Placement
- It typically follows your name along with any provincial engineering or architectural licensing credentials (e.g., Jane Doe, P.Eng., BSS®).
4. Prohibited Usage
The BSS® designation must not be:
- Altered, abbreviated, or combined with other terms (e.g., “BSS-certified,” “Certified BSS,” “BSS-Building Science Specialist”)
- Used by individuals who have not earned the credential
- Used to imply regulatory authority, licensing, or accreditation beyond its intended scope
- Used by companies or organizations as a corporate credential
5. Trademark Protection
The BSS® designation is protected under Canadian trademark law. Unauthorized or improper use may result in corrective action, including removal of the designation and potential legal remedies.
6. Maintaining Brand Integrity
All usage of the BSS® designation must reflect the professionalism, technical expertise, and ethical standards expected of Building Science Specialists Board. The Building Science Specialist Board reserves the right to update these guidelines to ensure continued protection and proper representation of the trademark.
Why the Symbol Matters
The BSSB enforces these guidelines because the designation serves as the country's benchmark qualification for building science practitioners. Requiring the ® symbol protects the integrity of the credential, giving developers, contractors, and owners the confidence that you have met strict educational, exam, and annual continuing education standards.
If you have any questions about the designation or usage of the designation, please contact the BSSB Operations Manager, Sherry Denesha @ info@bssb.ca
