Top 10 Environmental Services Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for an environmental services supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field. By having certifications, employers can be assured that the candidate understands and is able to perform the tasks associated with the position. Furthermore, certifications provide employers with assurance that the candidate is knowledgeable about regulations and laws related to environmental services. Having certifications also allows a supervisor to stay up-to-date on industry best practices, which can make them more valuable to their employer. Lastly, certifications can help supervisors stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market and give them an edge over their competition.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Environmental Services Supervisors and explain how they can help further an environmental services supervisor's career.

What are Environmental Services Supervisor Certifications?

Environmental services supervisor certification is a professional credential awarded to those who demonstrate knowledge and competency in the field of environmental services. This certification is administered by the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) and is offered at both the national and international levels. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in managing, leading, and administering environmental services programs in a variety of healthcare settings.

The certification provides an objective measure of a supervisor's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to environmental services management and operations. It gives employers assurance that certified supervisors have been tested and verified as having the necessary qualifications to effectively manage their facilities' environmental services programs.

Environmental services supervisors certified through ASHES are expected to possess superior knowledge about the principles, practices, systems, regulations, standards, and processes associated with providing safe and effective environmental services in healthcare settings. They must also understand how to apply best practices to ensure efficient delivery of these essential services while striving for continuous improvement in quality outcomes. In addition, certified supervisors must be able to demonstrate effective management skills such as communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, team building, budgeting/cost containment, recruitment/hiring/retention strategies, staff development/training plans/programs evaluation/monitoring systems.

Having an ASHES-certified supervisor can significantly benefit healthcare organizations by ensuring that their environment service programs are managed efficiently and effectively while meeting all applicable regulatory requirements. Certified supervisors are better equipped to lead their teams more effectively while maintaining high standards of quality care that meet patient safety goals. Additionally, certified supervisors can more easily collaborate with other departments within the organization because they understand how their roles fit into the overall mission of providing safe care for patients.

Pro Tip: Obtaining environmental services supervisor certification is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and boost your career opportunities. Be sure to research the requirements of the certifying organizations, as each may have different qualifications and prerequisites for certification.

Related: What does an Environmental Services Supervisor do?

Top 10 Environmental Services Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Environmental Services Supervisor (CESS)

Certified Environmental Services Supervisor (CESS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of environmental services supervisors. This certification is offered by the International Association of Healthcare Environmental Services (IAHES).

The CESS program is composed of two parts: a written exam and an on-site assessment. The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as infection control, safety, hazardous materials management, regulatory compliance, and customer service. The on-site assessment evaluates the supervisor’s ability to manage staff and resources, as well as their understanding of environmental services policies and procedures.

To become certified, applicants must complete both parts of the CESS program within 18 months. They must also have at least three years of full-time experience in environmental services or healthcare facility management. Applicants must also submit proof of completion for an approved training course in infection control or hazardous materials management.

The cost for the CESS program varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. The online version costs $375 while the in-person version costs $475 plus travel expenses.

2. Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician (CHEST)

Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician (CHEST) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional knowledge and skills of environmental services technicians working in the healthcare industry. The CHEST program was created by the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE).

The CHEST certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to healthcare environmental services. To be eligible for the CHEST exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience in healthcare environmental services or a related field.

The CHEST exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as infection control, safety protocols, cleaning techniques, hazardous materials management, and more.

To obtain the CHEST certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of taking the exam is $195 for AHE members and $245 for non-members.

3. Certified Environmental Manager (CEM)

Certified Environmental Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of environmental management professionals. The CEM program is administered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

The CEM program is designed to assess and validate an individual's knowledge and experience in environmental management, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge in a real-world setting. To receive the CEM certification, applicants must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of environmental management principles and practices.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CEM certification process. Applicants must first submit an application form and fee to IHMM, which will be reviewed for eligibility. If accepted, applicants then have up to three years to complete the required coursework and examinations.

The cost of obtaining the CEM certification varies depending on the applicant's level of experience. For those with little or no experience in environmental management, it can cost up to $1,500 for all necessary courses and exams. For those with more experience in this field, it may cost less than $1,000 for all required materials.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years in order to remain eligible for recertification.

4. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and expertise in hazardous materials management. The CHMM credential is intended for professionals who are involved in the management of hazardous materials, including those who work with hazardous waste, chemicals, and other hazardous materials.

The CHMM certification requires a minimum of three years of full-time experience working with hazardous materials. Candidates must also pass an examination that covers topics such as safety and health regulations, environmental laws and regulations, risk assessment and management, emergency response planning, and hazardous materials transportation.

To obtain the CHMM certification, candidates must first register with IHMM. After registration is complete, candidates must submit an application for review and pay a fee. Once approved by IHMM, candidates can then schedule their exam date. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the type of membership selected when registering with IHMM. For non-members, the cost ranges from $450 - $750 depending on the type of examination taken (initial or recertification). For members of IHMM, the cost ranges from $250 - $550 depending on the type of examination taken (initial or recertification).

5. Certified Indoor Air Quality Professional (CIAQP)

A Certified Indoor Air Quality Professional (CIAQP) is an individual who has obtained a professional certification from the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). The CIAQP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of indoor air quality (IAQ). This includes expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and controlling IAQ problems.

The CIAQP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive written examination that covers topics such as building science, ventilation systems, indoor air pollutants, sampling methods, and control strategies. Applicants must also demonstrate at least two years of professional experience related to IAQ.

The exam typically takes around four hours to complete and can be taken at any ACAC-accredited testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the location but typically ranges between $300-$400 USD. Once the exam is passed, applicants must pay an annual fee of $95 USD to maintain their certification status.

In addition to passing the written examination, applicants must also submit documentation verifying their IAQ-related work experience and agree to abide by a code of ethics established by ACAC.

6. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who specializes in the prevention of workplace health hazards. They evaluate and control potential exposures to chemical, physical, and biological agents that may cause illness, injury, or death. CIHs use their knowledge of industrial hygiene principles and practices to protect workers from hazardous conditions in the workplace.

To become a CIH, one must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health or related field and have at least five years of relevant work experience. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). The exam is offered twice a year and consists of three parts: general knowledge questions, case studies, and essay questions.

The cost for the ABIH exam varies depending on whether you are an ABIH member or non-member. For members, it costs $450 while non-members pay $600. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 for both members and non-members.

Once certified, CIHs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every five years. These credits can be earned through attending conferences or workshops related to industrial hygiene topics as well as taking online courses or reading articles related to industrial hygiene topics.

7. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional credential for green building professionals. It was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the LEED green building rating system and its application in the design, construction, and operation of buildings.

The LEED Green Associate credential is valid for two years from the date of issue. To maintain the credential, individuals must earn 15 continuing education credits every two years through USGBC-approved courses or activities.

To become a LEED Green Associate, individuals must pass an exam that covers core concepts related to green building practices and principles, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the LEED Green Associate exam, individuals must first purchase a study guide from USGBC's website or an approved third-party provider. The cost of the study guide varies depending on which version you choose; however, it typically ranges between $200-$300 USD. After purchasing the study guide and completing all required coursework or self-study activities outlined in it, individuals can then register to take the exam at a local testing center or online through Prometric Testing Services (the cost of this exam is $250 USD).

8. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Certification

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of safety professionals. It is an internationally recognized credential that provides safety professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to safety excellence.

To become certified by ASSE, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam. The amount of time it takes to obtain ASSE certification depends on the applicant's individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more to complete all the requirements for certification.

In order to become certified by ASSE, applicants must first meet the education and experience requirements. These include having a minimum of a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, as well as 3-5 years of professional experience in occupational health and safety. Once these requirements are met, applicants must then register for and pass the ASSE Professional Safety Certification Exam (PSC). This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazard recognition and control, risk assessment and management, legal compliance, emergency preparedness and response, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, workplace safety programs, etc.

The cost of obtaining ASSE certification varies depending on the individual applicant's circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 or more depending on the type of application submitted (e.g., initial vs renewal), any applicable fees associated with taking the PSC exam (e.g., registration fee), etc.

9. Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Certification

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes and rewards colleges and universities for their commitment to sustainability. AASHE Certification is designed to recognize institutions that have made significant progress towards integrating sustainability into their operations, academics, and campus culture. It also provides an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate their leadership in sustainability to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community.

The process of obtaining AASHE Certification typically takes about one year from start to finish. During this time period, institutions must complete a self-assessment of their sustainability initiatives across all three dimensions: operations, academics, and campus culture. This assessment includes identifying existing initiatives as well as areas where additional work needs to be done. Once the self-assessment is complete, institutions must submit an application package that includes documentation of their efforts in each dimension as well as a plan outlining how they will continue to make progress on sustainability initiatives over the next five years.

Once the application has been reviewed by AASHE’s review team, institutions are notified if they have achieved certification or not. If certified, institutions receive a certificate recognizing their achievement along with access to resources such as webinars and other educational materials related to sustainability in higher education.

The cost for AASHE Certification varies depending on an institution’s size and type; however, it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD per year for large universities and $500 - $1,000 USD per year for small colleges or community colleges.

10. National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certificate in Environmental Health

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certificate in Environmental Health is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of environmental health practitioners. The certificate is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to the profession, as well as their expertise in environmental health.

To obtain the NEHA Certificate in Environmental Health, applicants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education courses related to environmental health topics, including food safety, water quality, air quality, hazardous materials management, and public health law. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination administered by NEHA.

The cost of obtaining the NEHA Certificate in Environmental Health varies depending on the number of continuing education courses taken and whether or not you are already a member of NEHA. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $100-$300 for non-members and $50-$200 for members.

In terms of timeline, it typically takes about six months to one year to complete all requirements for the certificate. This includes completing all required continuing education courses and taking and passing the exam administered by NEHA.

Do You Really Need a Environmental Services Supervisor Certificate?

No, you do not need an Environmental Services Supervisor Certificate to work as a supervisor in the environmental services field. However, having the certificate can increase your job prospects and provide you with a competitive advantage over other applicants. It will also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and give you access to additional professional development opportunities.

The Environmental Services Supervisor Certificate is offered by many colleges and universities in the United States. It typically requires completion of coursework related to environmental services management, such as topics on waste management, hazardous materials handling, water pollution control and air quality management. The courses are designed to prepare students for careers as environmental services supervisors or managers.

Having the Environmental Services Supervisor Certificate can make you more attractive to potential employers because it demonstrates that you have knowledge in this area and that you are up-to-date with current industry trends and regulations. Additionally, employers may prefer candidates who have completed a certificate program because they know that those individuals have received a higher level of training than someone without one. Furthermore, having a certificate can open doors to other professional opportunities such as consulting or teaching roles within the industry.

In conclusion, while having an Environmental Services Supervisor Certificate is not necessary for working in this field, it can be beneficial both professionally and personally. It provides an opportunity for further education and career advancement while demonstrating commitment to the profession. Therefore, if you are considering a career in environmental services management or supervision, it is worth considering obtaining this certificate so that you can stand out from other applicants and gain access to additional professional opportunities.

Related: Environmental Services Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Environmental Services Supervisor Certifications

1. What is an Environmental Services Supervisor Certification?

Answer: An Environmental Services Supervisor Certification is a professional certification that verifies the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the environmental services industry. The certification program includes training on topics such as hazardous materials management, safety and health regulations, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices. It is designed to ensure that supervisors have the necessary knowledge to safely manage hazardous materials and protect the environment.

2. Who is eligible for an Environmental Services Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Individuals who are employed as environmental services supervisors, or those who are looking to become certified in this field, are eligible for this certification program. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of experience and/or education in environmental studies or related fields.

3. How do I apply for an Environmental Services Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The application process for the certification involves submitting an application form, completing pre-requisites such as a criminal background check and drug test, submitting proof of experience and/or education in environmental studies or related fields, passing a written exam, and paying the applicable fee.

4. How long does it take to obtain an Environmental Services Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The time frame for obtaining certification depends on individual circumstances such as prior experience or educational background; however, most applicants can expect to receive their certification within six months of applying.

5. What are the benefits of having an Environmental Services Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Certified individuals will be able to demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence in their field as well as their dedication to protecting public health and conserving natural resources by meeting stringent standards set by regulatory agencies. Additionally, certified individuals may also be able to access higher-level positions with greater salaries and improved job security due to their expertise in this field.