Top 10 Environmental Services Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a successful environmental services manager's job market. They provide tangible evidence of a manager's knowledge and expertise in the field, as well as demonstrating their commitment to staying up-to-date with current industry standards and best practices. In addition, certifications can be used to demonstrate compliance with regulations, show strong leadership skills, and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development. Obtaining certifications is also often a prerequisite for obtaining certain jobs or promotions within the field. For these reasons, certifications can be invaluable tools for environmental services managers looking to stand out in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Environmental Services Managers and explains how they can help to advance an environmental services manager's career.

What are Environmental Services Manager Certifications?

Environmental Services Manager Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in managing environmental services programs. The certification program is offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The certification program is intended to provide healthcare facilities with an assurance that those responsible for managing their environmental services staff and programs are knowledgeable and competent in best practices related to infection prevention and control, safety, hazardous materials management, and health facility operations. It also promotes professional growth and development among environmental services managers by recognizing their knowledge and experience.

The Environmental Services Manager Certification program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practicum assessment. The written exam covers topics such as infection prevention, hazardous materials management, safety regulations, healthcare operations, staff training and supervision, customer service, financial planning and budgeting, quality assurance/improvement processes, risk management/mitigation strategies, productivity measurement systems, departmental organization structure, communication systems, leadership principles and ethics.

The practicum assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply what they learned from the written exam through a series of activities such as creating an employee performance evaluation system; developing department goals; creating a safety audit checklist; designing an infection prevention plan; implementing an incident reporting system; creating an emergency plan; developing a budgeting system; writing job descriptions; developing policies for hazardous materials handling; creating training programs for new employees; developing customer service standards; developing departmental policies and procedures manual; performing workplace inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements; overseeing staff members’ performance evaluations; conducting departmental meetings; preparing reports on departmental activities.

Having Environmental Services Manager Certification can help healthcare facilities ensure that those responsible for managing their environmental services staff are knowledgeable about best practices related to infection prevention and control, safety regulations, hazardous materials management, healthcare operations management principles including financial planning/budgeting etc., customer service standards etc., as well as demonstrate competency in these areas through successful completion of the certification requirements. This can lead to improved patient care outcomes due to better implementation of infection prevention protocols which can reduce the risk of hospital acquired infections (HAIs). It can also help improve efficiency by providing managers with better methods of evaluating employee performance or ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition it may help enhance overall patient satisfaction levels due to improved customer service standards implemented by certified managers.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check with your state’s environmental services board to ensure that the certification you are considering is approved and meets their requirements. Additionally, it's important to research the organization offering the certification and ensure that it has been accredited by a reputable accrediting body.

Related: What does an Environmental Services Manager do?

Top 10 Environmental Services Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Environmental Services Managers today.

1. Certified Environmental Services Manager (CESM)

Certified Environmental Services Manager (CESM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed for those who are responsible for managing environmental services in health care facilities. The certification provides recognition of the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage environmental services programs in health care settings.

In order to obtain the CESM certification, applicants must complete an application form and submit it to NEHA along with a fee. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in environmental services management or related field, as well as a minimum of 40 hours of training in environmental services management. Once the application has been approved, applicants must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost of the CESM certification varies depending on the applicant's status (member or non-member). For members, the cost is $225 and for non-members it is $325. The exam fee is an additional $100 for both members and non-members. The entire process typically takes about four weeks from start to finish.

2. Certified Professional in Environmental Services Management (CPESM)

Certified Professional in Environmental Services Management (CPESM) is a professional certification program for those who work in the environmental services industry. This certification is awarded by the National Environmental Services Association (NESA), which is an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in environmental services.

The CPESM certification program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in managing and providing environmental services. It provides recognition of the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to manage complex environmental service projects.

To obtain the CPESM certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in environmental services management or related fields, as well as a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as environmental regulations, project management, safety practices, and customer service.

The cost of the CPESM exam varies depending on the country where it is taken but typically ranges between $200-$400 USD. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and results are available within two weeks after completion.

3. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program administered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The CEM certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in energy management and demonstrate their ability to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The CEM program consists of an online application, a three-hour written exam, and an oral interview. To apply for the CEM certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of energy engineering or related fields. Applicants must also submit proof that they have completed at least 30 hours of approved continuing education in energy management topics within the past five years.

The cost to take the CEM exam is $550 USD for members of AEE and $750 USD for non-members. The cost includes registration fees, study materials, and examination fees. The exam can be taken at various locations across the United States throughout the year.

Once an applicant has passed the exam and completed their interview, they will be awarded their CEM certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses or taking a recertification exam.

4. Certified Sustainability Manager (CSM)

Certified Sustainability Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in sustainability management. The CSM certification is offered by the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD), an international organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development through education, research, and practice.

The CSM certification requires successful completion of a three-part examination process: an online exam, a written exam, and an oral interview. The online exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as sustainability principles, strategies, and tools. The written exam focuses on case studies and application of sustainability principles. The oral interview assesses the candidate's understanding of the material covered in the exams as well as their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the entire CSM certification process. To get started, applicants must first fill out an online application form and submit all required documents including transcripts from any relevant academic programs or courses taken. Once approved, applicants can register for the online exam and begin studying for it using ISD's recommended study materials. After passing the online exam, applicants can then register for the written exam and oral interview.

The cost to become a Certified Sustainability Manager varies depending on where you take your exams and other factors such as whether you choose to use ISD's recommended study materials or not. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$1000 USD depending on these factors.

5. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the management of hazardous materials. The CHMM designation is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). This certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing hazardous materials and waste in their workplace.

To become certified, candidates must pass an exam administered by IHMM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazardous materials regulations, safety and health issues, emergency response planning, environmental laws and regulations, and hazardous materials handling and storage. Candidates must also demonstrate at least three years of experience working with hazardous materials or waste management.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of IHMM or not. For non-members, the cost is $595; for members, it is $495. It typically takes about two weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

Once certified, CHMMs must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every three years.

6. Green Building Professional (GBP)

Green Building Professional (GBP) is a certification program for professionals in the building and construction industry. It is designed to help professionals gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to design, construct, operate, and maintain green buildings. The GBP certification is offered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), an independent third-party organization that provides accreditation services for green building programs worldwide.

The GBP certification requires a minimum of 150 hours of training in green building principles and practices. This training can be completed through online courses or in-person workshops. After completing the training, applicants must pass an exam administered by GBCI to earn their certification.

To get certified as a Green Building Professional, you must first complete the required training and then apply for the exam through GBCI's website. Once your application has been approved, you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fees. The cost of taking the exam is $400 USD ($500 USD for international applicants). The entire process typically takes about two months from start to finish.

7. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance. LEED APs are trained to help their organizations create green buildings that use fewer resources, reduce waste, and improve occupant health and comfort.

It typically takes approximately four months to complete the process of becoming a LEED AP. The first step is to register for the LEED Green Associate Exam or the LEED AP Exam with Specialty. Once registered, you must then study for the exam using either self-study materials or an accredited course provider. After passing the exam, you will receive your official LEED AP credential from USGBC.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on which type of exam you take and how you choose to study for it. The registration fee for the LEED Green Associate Exam is $200 USD while the registration fee for the LEED AP Exam with Specialty is $250 USD. Additionally, if you choose to take an accredited course provider’s program in order to prepare for either exam, these programs can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD depending on where they are taken and what type of program it is.

Overall, becoming a LEED Accredited Professional requires dedication and commitment but can be worth it in terms of career opportunities as well as increased knowledge about green building practices that can be applied both professionally and personally.

8. ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass an examination and demonstrate their ability to audit an organization’s compliance with the standard.

The exam typically takes between four to six hours to complete, depending on the country in which it is taken. The cost of taking the exam varies by country, but can range from $400 to $1000 USD.

In order to become certified, individuals must first complete a training course. Training courses are offered by accredited organizations and typically last between five and seven days. The cost of these courses also varies by country, but can range from $2000 to $3000 USD.

After completing the training course, individuals must then pass an examination in order to receive their certification. The examination assesses an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the ISO 14001 standard as well as their ability to audit an organization’s compliance with the standard. Upon passing the exam, individuals will receive their ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification.

9. American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists Certification

The American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists (AAEES) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and experience of environmental engineers and scientists. It is designed to provide assurance to employers, clients, and the public that certified professionals are knowledgeable in their field.

To become AAEES certified, applicants must have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in environmental engineering or science and must pass an examination administered by the Academy. The exam consists of two parts: a written examination and an oral examination. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field from an accredited institution.

The process typically takes about six months to complete, depending on the applicant’s availability for the examinations. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of reference, and other materials as required by the Academy. The application fee is $250 USD for members of AAEES or $500 USD for non-members.

Once all requirements are met and approved by the Academy, applicants will be invited to take the written examination at a designated location. After passing the written exam, they will then need to take the oral exam which is conducted via videoconferencing or telephone conference call with members of AAEES’ Board of Examiners. Upon successful completion of both exams, applicants will receive their AAEES certification certificate within four weeks.

10. National Environmental Health Association Certification

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is a professional organization that provides certification for environmental health professionals. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of environmental health.

To obtain NEHA certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must possess at least a bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related field from an accredited college or university, and must have completed at least two years of full-time work experience in the environmental health field. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination administered by NEHA to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area.

The process of obtaining NEHA certification typically takes several months to complete. After submitting an application and meeting all eligibility requirements, applicants must register for and take the NEHA examination. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as food safety, hazardous materials management, water quality management, air quality management, occupational safety and health standards, public health law, and epidemiology. Once applicants have passed the exam they will receive their official certification from NEHA.

The cost of obtaining NEHA certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of the organization or not. For non-members, the cost is $400; for members it is $350. In addition to this fee there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if you are taking it at a testing center outside your local area.

Do You Really Need a Environmental Services Manager Certificate?

When deciding whether or not to pursue an Environmental Services Manager Certificate, it is important to consider the benefits of having one. An Environmental Services Manager Certificate can give you a competitive edge in the job market and provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage environmental services.

Having an Environmental Services Manager Certificate can open up more job opportunities for you. It shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable about the industry, have taken initiative to improve your career prospects, and demonstrate a commitment to learning new skills. Additionally, this certificate may help you stand out from other applicants who do not have one as it will show your dedication and enthusiasm for the field.

Additionally, having an Environmental Services Manager Certificate can help you understand the complexities of managing environmental services. This certificate provides a comprehensive overview of topics such as waste management, hazardous materials disposal, air quality control, water quality management, and regulatory compliance. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions that protect people’s health and safety while also conserving natural resources.

In conclusion, pursuing an Environmental Services Manager Certificate is beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in this field. Not only does it demonstrate dedication and commitment to learning new skills but it also gives individuals the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of managing environmental services which will help them in their current role or future job search endeavors.

Related: Environmental Services Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Environmental Services Manager Certifications

1. What is an Environmental Services Manager certification?

Answer: An Environmental Services Manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of environmental services management. It is typically awarded by organizations such as the National Association of Environmental Management (NAEM) or the International Association for Environmental Management (IAEM).

2. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must have at least three years of relevant experience in the field, possess a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or a related field, and pass an examination administered by either NAEM or IAEM.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The process typically takes between 6-12 months depending on your individual circumstances.

4. Is there a cost associated with obtaining certification?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a fee associated with obtaining certification which covers the cost of materials and other administrative costs.

5. Does having an Environmental Services Manager certification improve my job prospects?

Answer: Yes, having an Environmental Services Manager certification can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and provide employers with evidence that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in this role. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified as they are more likely to be up-to-date with industry standards and best practices.