Top 10 Environmental Health Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an environmental health specialist in the job market as they demonstrate a level of competency and expertise to employers. Certifications can show that a candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. They also show that the candidate is committed to their profession and has taken steps to improve their professional development. Certification may also be beneficial in terms of career advancement, as employers often prefer certified personnel when it comes to hiring and promoting within the organization.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Environmental Health Specialists and explains how they can help to further an environmental health specialist's career.

What are Environmental Health Specialist Certifications?

Environmental health specialist certification is a voluntary certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to protect public health and the environment. The certification is offered by several organizations including the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It requires environmental health specialists to complete a comprehensive training program which covers a wide range of topics such as environmental law, air quality, water quality, hazardous materials management, environmental sampling and analysis, risk assessment, and community outreach.

By becoming certified as an environmental health specialist, individuals demonstrate their commitment to protecting public health and the environment. Certification helps ensure that individuals have the knowledge and skills necessary to understand complex issues related to environmental health. Additionally, it can provide those who are already employed in this field with greater job security since employers often view certified professionals more favorably than those without certification. Furthermore, it may help an individual stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in this field. Finally, many states require or prefer individuals employed in certain positions related to environmental health to be certified.

Pro Tip: When considering environmental health specialist certification, make sure to research the different certifying bodies and their requirements for certification. Also, be sure to check if there are any continuing education requirements after you have achieved your certification.

Related: What does an Environmental Health Specialist do?

Top 10 Environmental Health Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the field of industrial hygiene. Industrial hygienists are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and controlling health hazards in the workplace. They use their expertise to assess potential or existing environmental conditions that may cause illness or injury, and then recommend appropriate controls to minimize these risks.

It typically takes around two years to become a CIH. This includes completing an accredited educational program in industrial hygiene, obtaining at least four years of relevant experience, and passing the CIH exam administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

To become a CIH, you must first complete an accredited degree program in industrial hygiene from an accredited college or university. You will also need to gain at least four years of relevant work experience in the field of industrial hygiene prior to taking the exam. Once you have completed your education and gained sufficient experience, you can apply for the CIH exam through the ABIH website.

The cost of taking the CIH exam varies depending on where you live. In most cases it costs between $500-$700 USD.

2. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification provided by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP credential is designed to recognize safety professionals who have demonstrated competency in the practice of safety, health, and environmental management.

It takes an average of two years to complete the requirements for the CSP. To become certified, applicants must first meet minimum education and experience requirements and then pass a rigorous examination. Applicants must also commit to upholding the BCSP Code of Ethics.

To get the CSP, applicants must submit an application to BCSP along with documentation verifying their educational background and work experience. After submitting their application, applicants will be required to take and pass the Comprehensive Practice Examination (CPE). The CPE is a four-hour exam that covers topics such as occupational safety and health principles; hazard recognition, evaluation, and control; risk assessment; industrial hygiene; ergonomics; emergency preparedness; occupational health programs; legal issues; communication skills; and more.

The cost of becoming a Certified Safety Professional varies depending on where you live. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$800 USD for application fees plus additional costs for study materials or courses needed to prepare for the CPE exam.

3. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

The Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the management of hazardous materials. The CHMM certification is recognized worldwide as the premier credential for hazardous materials professionals.

To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, regulations, environmental protection, emergency response, and hazardous waste management. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and has a four-hour time limit. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in hazardous materials management or related fields.

The cost to take the CHMM exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically costs around $500 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available from IHMM that can help prepare for the exam. These materials cost around $200 USD.

Once an applicant passes the exam and meets all other requirements for certification, they will be designated as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM). This designation is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

4. Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS)

A Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) is a professional who specializes in the practice of environmental health and safety. This certification is granted by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The REHS/RS designation demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of competency in the field of environmental health and safety.

It typically takes two to four years to complete the requirements for REHS/RS certification. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or related field, along with at least two years of full-time experience working in the field. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by NEHA.

The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NEHA. For members, the exam fee is $225; for non-members, it is $325. There may also be additional fees for study materials and other resources necessary to prepare for the exam.

Once certified, REHS/RS professionals are responsible for ensuring compliance with public health laws and regulations related to food safety, water quality, hazardous materials management, air pollution control, vector control and more. They also provide guidance on best practices to promote healthy living environments within their communities.

5. American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Diplomate in Industrial Hygiene

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Diplomate in Industrial Hygiene is a professional certification for industrial hygienists. The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of industrial hygiene. This certification is recognized by employers, government agencies, and other organizations as evidence of an individual’s expertise in the field.

In order to become an ABIH Diplomate in Industrial Hygiene, applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience in the field and must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ABIH. The exam consists of two parts: a written component that covers topics such as occupational safety and health management systems, hazardous materials management, exposure assessment and control methods, industrial hygiene sampling techniques, indoor air quality monitoring and analysis, ergonomics, occupational noise exposure assessment and control methods; and an oral component that tests applicants on their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the ABIH Diplomate in Industrial Hygiene exam. Applicants should plan on spending several hours per week studying for the exam. It is recommended that applicants use study materials provided by ABIH or other reputable sources when preparing for the exam.

The cost of taking the ABIH Diplomate in Industrial Hygiene exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it will cost between $400-$600 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel expenses if you choose to take the exam at a location outside your home state or country.

6. Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE)

Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) is a professional certification in the field of ergonomics. It is awarded by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE). The CPE certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise and knowledge in the field of ergonomics.

To become a Certified Professional Ergonomist, one must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in ergonomics or a related field, plus two years of relevant work experience. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by BCPE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, workstation design, office ergonomics, and occupational health and safety.

The process to become certified typically takes three to six months from start to finish. Applicants should allow for at least four weeks for the application review process and up to eight weeks for the examination process.

The cost for the CPE certification varies depending on where you live and whether you are taking the exam online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 USD to apply for the CPE certification. This fee includes both the application fee and exam fee.

7. Certified Mold Inspector/Remediator (CMI/R)

A Certified Mold Inspector/Remediator (CMI/R) is a professional who has been trained and certified to inspect and remediate mold growth in residential and commercial buildings. The CMI/R certification program is administered by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC).

To become a CMI/R, an individual must complete the ACAC-accredited training program, pass the written exam, and have at least two years of experience in mold inspection and remediation. The training program includes instruction on proper sampling techniques, health effects of mold exposure, safety protocols, and more.

The cost of becoming a CMI/R varies depending on the provider offering the training; however, it typically costs between $500-$1,000. The certification process generally takes 2-3 months to complete. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education courses.

8. National Environmental Health Association Certification Program

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certification Program is a voluntary program that provides recognition to environmental health professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in their field. It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in environmental health science and practice, and to promote the professional development of those individuals.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in the field of environmental health, as well as passing an examination. The exam consists of multiple choice questions related to environmental health topics such as food safety, water quality, air quality, hazardous materials management, and more.

The certification process typically takes about six months from the time an application is submitted until the time a certificate is issued. Applicants must submit all required documents and fees before they can take the exam. Once all documents are received and approved by NEHA staff, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost for the NEHA Certification Program varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NEHA. If you are not currently a member, then you will need to pay an additional fee for membership. In total, the cost for certification can range anywhere from $150-$400 USD depending on your current membership status with NEHA.

Once an applicant passes the exam and meets all other requirements for certification, they will be issued an official certificate from NEHA recognizing their achievement in becoming certified as an Environmental Health Professional.

9. Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation - Environmental Health Practitioner Certification

The Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) is an international organization that promotes the highest standards of professional practice in environmental health. CLEAR's Environmental Health Practitioner Certification (EHPC) program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of environmental health. The certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years to remain valid.

To become certified as an EHPC, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least four years of experience in environmental health or related fields, completing a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education credits in the past three years, and passing a written exam. Applicants may also be required to submit additional documents or letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors.

The cost for certification varies depending on the state where you are applying for certification. Generally, it costs around $200-$300 USD to apply for certification and take the written exam. In addition to this fee, there may also be fees associated with obtaining continuing education credits and submitting additional documents or letters of recommendation.

10. National Registry of Environmental Professionals - Environmental Health Practitioner Certification

The National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) is a professional certification program for environmental health practitioners. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice environmental health in a professional setting.

To become certified as an Environmental Health Practitioner through NREP, applicants must meet certain requirements including: having at least five years of experience in the field; completing an approved educational program; passing a comprehensive examination; and meeting continuing education requirements. The certification process typically takes six months to complete, but can take longer depending on individual circumstances.

To apply for the Environmental Health Practitioner Certification through NREP, applicants must submit an application along with all required documents and fees. The application fee is $250 USD and the examination fee is $200 USD. Additional fees may be applicable depending on the type of continuing education courses taken.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their official certification from NREP and will be listed in their online directory of certified professionals. This certification serves as proof that the individual has met the standards established by NREP for practicing environmental health professionally.

Do You Really Need a Environmental Health Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Environmental Health Specialist Certificate depends on your individual career goals. If you are interested in a career in health and safety, environmental consulting, or any other field related to protecting public health, then an Environmental Health Specialist Certificate may be beneficial. The certificate provides evidence that you have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to work with environmental health and safety regulations.

An Environmental Health Specialist Certificate can provide you with a greater understanding of the laws and regulations related to public health. It can also demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications for certain positions within this field. Additionally, having such certification may increase your chances of employment as it shows employers that you are knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Ultimately, whether or not an Environmental Health Specialist Certificate is worth pursuing depends on your own personal goals and objectives. You should consider what type of job you want to pursue as well as how much effort and time investment will be required in order to obtain such a certificate. This will help determine if getting the certification is worth it for your particular situation.

Related: Environmental Health Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Environmental Health Specialist Certifications

1. What is an Environmental Health Specialist Certification?

Answer: An Environmental Health Specialist Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of health and safety standards related to environmental health. The certification provides an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their competency in the field of environmental health and safety.

2. Who is eligible for an Environmental Health Specialist Certification?

Answer: To be eligible for an Environmental Health Specialist Certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of environmental health and safety, as well as a relevant degree from an accredited college or university.

3. How do I apply for an Environmental Health Specialist Certification?

Answer: To apply for an Environmental Health Specialist Certification, applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and work experience verification forms.

4. How long does it take to receive my certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to receive your certification depends on the processing times at each institution offering the program. Generally, most programs require four to six weeks for processing and issuing certifications.

5. Is there a fee associated with obtaining an Environmental Health Specialist Certification?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a fee associated with obtaining an Environmental Health Specialist Certification. This fee may vary depending on the institution offering the program but usually ranges between $100 and $200 USD.