Top 11 Environmental Compliance Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for environmental compliance specialists in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to staying on top of the latest industry developments and standards. They also show employers that the specialist is knowledgeable about regulations and has the skills necessary to ensure their organization meets all legal requirements. Certifications can also help differentiate an individual from other applicants, making them more attractive to potential employers. Finally, certifications can provide access to a wider range of job opportunities and higher salaries.

This article reviews the top certifications for Environmental Compliance Specialists and explains how they can help advance an environmental compliance specialist's career.

What are Environmental Compliance Specialist Certifications?

Environmental Compliance Specialist Certification is a specialized certification that focuses on the environmental regulations, standards, and best practices in place to protect the environment. This certification is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of the rules and regulations governing environmental compliance. It also provides them with the knowledge and skills to help organizations meet their regulatory requirements for protecting the environment.

The certification covers topics such as air quality management, hazardous waste management, water pollution control, solid waste management, and more. Individuals who obtain this certification will be able to identify potential violations of environmental regulations and work with organizations to ensure they are compliant with these laws. This certification can also help individuals find employment in various roles such as environmental compliance officers or consultants who help companies remain compliant with environmental regulations.

In addition, having this certification can demonstrate an individual’s commitment to protecting the environment and can be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions within an organization. Having a Environmental Compliance Specialist Certification can also show potential employers that a candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to keep their operations in compliance with applicable laws.

Pro Tip: When considering environmental compliance specialist certification, make sure to research the requirements for each program and determine which one is most applicable to your career goals. Additionally, you should ensure that the certification is accepted by employers in the field and that it is kept up-to-date with any changes in regulations or technology.

Related: What does an Environmental Compliance Specialist do?

Top 11 Environmental Compliance Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Environmental Compliance Specialists today.

1. Certified Environmental Compliance Officer (CECO)

A Certified Environmental Compliance Officer (CECO) is an individual who has been certified by a professional organization to demonstrate expertise in the field of environmental compliance. The CECO certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the areas of environmental law, regulations, and policies.

In order to become a CECO, individuals must complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as environmental law, regulations, and policies; risk assessment and management; and environmental auditing. The program typically takes between six months and two years to complete depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience.

The cost for the CECO certification program varies depending on the provider and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Once an individual has successfully completed the training program, they must take an exam administered by a professional organization such as the National Environmental Compliance Officers Association (NECOA). Upon passing this exam, individuals will be awarded their CECO certification.

2. Certified Environmental Manager (CEM)

Certified Environmental Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of environmental management. It is designed to provide an objective measure of an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of environmental management. CEM certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

The CEM program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral interview. The written exam covers topics such as air quality, water quality, hazardous materials management, waste management, risk assessment and analysis, environmental regulations, and environmental planning. The oral interview focuses on the candidate's experience in the field and their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

It typically takes six months or more to complete the CEM program. Candidates must first submit an application to IHMM which includes educational transcripts and work experience information. Once approved, candidates must then register for the written exam which is administered twice per year at various locations throughout North America. After passing the written exam, candidates must then prepare for and pass an oral interview with IHMM representatives before they can be awarded their CEM certification.

The cost for taking the CEM program varies depending on location but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD for both parts of the program (written exam + oral interview).

3. Professional in Environmental Auditing (PEA)

Professional in Environmental Auditing (PEA) is a certification program created by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to recognize auditors who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in environmental auditing. The IIA defines environmental auditing as “the systematic examination and evaluation of an organization’s environmental management system, processes, activities, products, services, and/or facilities to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.”

The PEA credential requires that applicants have at least three years of experience in the field of environmental auditing or related areas such as environmental management systems or sustainability. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the IIA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk assessment, legal requirements, audit planning and execution, reporting results, and corrective action plans.

The cost for obtaining the PEA credential varies depending on the country in which you are located. In the United States, it typically costs around $1,000 to take the exam and receive your certification. However, this fee may be reduced if you are eligible for discounts based on your membership status with certain organizations or if you qualify for financial aid programs offered through the IIA.

It usually takes around two months to complete all of the steps necessary to obtain the PEA credential after registering for the exam. This includes studying for and taking the exam as well as submitting any required documentation to prove your eligibility for certification.

4. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the management of hazardous materials. The CHMM certification program is administered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

The CHMM certification program consists of two parts: an examination and a work experience requirement. To become certified, applicants must pass the CHMM exam and submit documentation of at least three years of full-time hazardous materials management experience. The exam covers topics such as environmental regulations, hazardous waste management, emergency response, risk assessment, and safety.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CHMM certification process. In order to get started, applicants must first register for the exam with IHMM. After registering for the exam, applicants will need to study for it using IHMM's recommended study material or other resources available online or through bookstores. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will then need to submit their work experience documentation to IHMM for review.

The cost of obtaining a CHMM certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of IHMM. For members, the cost is $395 USD for both parts of the certification process (exam and work experience documentation). For non-members, the cost is $495 USD for both parts of the process.

5. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who specializes in protecting workers and the public from potential exposure to hazardous materials and environmental hazards. CIHs are trained to identify, evaluate, and control workplace health risks associated with chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.

The certification process typically takes two years to complete. The first year consists of completing an accredited industrial hygiene program or equivalent coursework. During the second year, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

To become a CIH, you must meet certain educational requirements and have at least four years of experience in industrial hygiene. You must also be able to demonstrate that you have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education within the last five years. Additionally, you must pass the ABIH's comprehensive exam.

The cost for becoming a CIH varies depending on your educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the application fee alone. Additional costs may include fees for taking the ABIH exam as well as any additional training courses required for certification.

6. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional designation offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is the highest level of safety certification available, and it is recognized worldwide. The CSP credential demonstrates a mastery of safety principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements associated with workplace safety.

It typically takes between one to two years to earn the CSP credential. This time frame can vary depending on individual experience, education, and preparation. To become certified, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements and pass the comprehensive CSP examination.

To qualify for the CSP exam, applicants must have a combination of four years of safety experience in a full-time capacity and/or a college degree in occupational health or safety. Those without a college degree may substitute additional years of experience for their educational requirement.

The cost to take the exam varies from $400-$500 depending on your location and whether you are an existing BCSP member or not. Additionally, there is an annual fee for maintaining your certification that ranges from $50-$100 per year depending on your membership status.

7. Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of occupational health and safety. OHSTs are responsible for ensuring that workers in any given organization are protected from potential hazards, such as chemical or physical agents, by implementing safety protocols and procedures. They also investigate accidents and injuries to identify root causes, and develop strategies to prevent them from occurring again.

The certification process for becoming an OHST typically takes about six months, depending on the individual's prior experience and knowledge of the subject matter. The first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. After completing this requirement, individuals must pass an exam administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). This exam covers topics such as hazard recognition, risk assessment, legal requirements, emergency response planning, industrial hygiene principles, and more.

The cost of obtaining an OHST certification can vary depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs cost between $2,000-$3,000 USD. Additionally, some employers may cover part or all of the costs associated with obtaining this certification.

Overall, becoming an OHST is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in occupational health and safety while providing valuable services to organizations looking to protect their employees from potential hazards.

8. Air Quality Manager (AQM)

Air Quality Manager (AQM) is a software program that helps organizations to monitor, manage and improve their air quality. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools to help organizations meet local, state and federal air quality regulations. AQM enables users to track emissions from sources such as vehicles, factories and other sources of pollution, as well as analyze data on weather conditions and other factors that can affect air quality.

AQM typically takes between two weeks to two months to get set up depending on the complexity of the project. The cost of AQM will depend on the size of the organization and the features they require. Generally speaking, pricing for AQM starts at around $2,000 per year for small businesses with basic needs. Larger companies may pay upwards of $10,000 for more advanced features such as predictive analytics or real-time monitoring capabilities.

To get an Air Quality Manager system in place, organizations should first contact an experienced provider who can assess their needs and provide a tailored solution. A provider should be able to advise on which components are necessary for compliance with regulations and how best to integrate them into existing systems. Additionally, providers should be able to provide training and support throughout the implementation process so that users can quickly become comfortable using the system.

9. Water Quality Manager (WQM)

Water Quality Manager (WQM) is a software program designed to help water utilities manage their water quality data. It helps users to monitor and analyze water quality information from multiple sources, including laboratory tests, field measurements, and remote sensing. WQM can be used to identify trends in water quality over time, track changes in source water characteristics, and assess the impact of treatment processes on the finished product.

WQM is available for purchase as an annual subscription or as a one-time purchase. The cost of the software depends on the type of license purchased and the number of users that will be using it. Generally speaking, an annual subscription costs between $2,000 and $10,000 per year depending on the features included in the package. A one-time purchase may cost up to $50,000 depending on the complexity of the system and the number of users.

To get started with WQM, you will need to contact a vendor who specializes in providing WQM solutions. They will provide you with information about pricing options and installation instructions. Once you have purchased your license and installed WQM on your computer or server, you can begin collecting data from various sources such as laboratory tests or field measurements. You can then use WQM’s analysis tools to identify trends in water quality over time or evaluate treatment processes for their effectiveness.

Overall, Water Quality Manager (WQM) is a powerful tool for managing water quality data that can help utilities make informed decisions about their operations. It typically takes 1-2 weeks to purchase a license and install WQM onto your computer or server before you can begin collecting data from various sources and analyzing it with WQM’s tools. The cost of purchasing a license varies depending on the type of license purchased and how many users will be accessing it but generally ranges from $2,000-$50,000 per year/one-time purchase respectively.

10. Waste Management Professional (WMP)

Waste Management Professional (WMP) is a certification program offered by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of waste management. The certification is valid for three years and requires successful completion of an exam.

The WMP exam covers topics such as waste collection, disposal, recycling, materials management, environmental regulations, safety and health, public relations, and business operations. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the waste management field or have completed an approved course of study related to waste management.

The WMP exam can be taken online or at any NWRA-approved testing center. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether it is taken online or in person. The fee for taking the exam online is $250; the fee for taking it at a testing center is $295.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your WMP certification within four weeks. You will also receive a certificate and lapel pin that you can use to demonstrate your professional credentials to employers and colleagues.

11. Environmental Protection Agency Certifications

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification is a program that certifies individuals and organizations to become qualified to perform specific environmental services. This certification is required for any individual or organization that wants to work in the environmental field, including those who design, install, inspect, maintain, and repair environmental systems.

How long does it take to get it?

The amount of time it takes to obtain an EPA Certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, most certifications can be obtained within four weeks if all requirements are met.

How to get it?

To obtain an EPA Certification, applicants must meet certain training and experience requirements. Depending on the type of certification being sought, applicants may need to complete a course or exam related to their chosen field of expertise. Additionally, applicants may need to submit proof of relevant work experience or other qualifications as part of their application process.

How much does it cost?

The cost for obtaining an EPA Certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $100-$500 USD depending on the complexity and length of the training and/or exam required for certification.

Do You Really Need a Environmental Compliance Specialist Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an Environmental Compliance Specialist Certificate to pursue a career in environmental compliance. However, it could be beneficial if you want to demonstrate your commitment to the field and show potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to become knowledgeable about environmental regulations.

Environmental compliance specialists are responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations. It is a highly regulated field which requires specialized knowledge of relevant laws and regulations. Having a certificate can provide evidence that you possess this knowledge and understand how to interpret and apply them. Additionally, having a certificate may help you stand out from other applicants who do not have one when applying for jobs in the field.

Having said that, having an Environmental Compliance Specialist Certificate is not essential for getting into this field or advancing your career. You can gain the necessary knowledge through other means such as on-the-job training or taking courses at a college or university. It ultimately depends on what kind of job you are looking for, whether the employer requires certification, and what kind of experience they are looking for in candidates.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether pursuing an Environmental Compliance Specialist Certificate would be beneficial for your career prospects or not. If it is something that interests you then it could be worth considering; however if it does not seem necessary then it might be better to focus on gaining experience in the field through other means instead.

Related: Environmental Compliance Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Environmental Compliance Specialist Certifications

1. What is an Environmental Compliance Specialist Certification?

Answer: An Environmental Compliance Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates competency in environmental regulations and compliance requirements. It is designed for professionals who work in the field of environmental compliance and are responsible for ensuring that their organization meets local, state, and federal regulations.

2. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in an environmental-related field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, plus three years of experience in the field of environmental compliance. You must also pass a series of exams to demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to environmental regulations and compliance requirements.

3. How long does it take to complete the certification program?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete the certification program varies depending on your background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all the necessary coursework and exams.

4. Is there any financial assistance available for the certification program?

Answer: Yes, there may be financial assistance available through your employer or other sources such as grants or scholarships. Additionally, many universities offer discounts on tuition fees for students pursuing certifications in environmental compliance or related fields.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after I am certified?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require that you participate in continuing education activities every few years in order to maintain your certification status. This typically includes attending conferences and seminars related to environmental compliance topics or taking courses related to new laws and regulations affecting your area of expertise.