Top 10 Environmental Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an environmental specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They also provide employers with assurance that the candidate has met certain standards, is qualified to perform certain tasks, and can be trusted to handle difficult or challenging situations. Certifications also give environmental specialists an edge over other candidates who do not have certifications, as employers may view them as more reliable and trustworthy. Additionally, certifications can help environmental specialists stand out from the competition when competing for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Environmental Specialists and explain how they can help enhance an environmental specialist's career.

What are Environmental Specialist Certifications?

Environmental specialist certification is a professional designation for those who work in the field of environmental protection and conservation. It demonstrates a level of expertise and knowledge in the area, and is often required for certain jobs or promotions. This certification can help professionals demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment and show that they have the necessary skills to do so. With this certification, professionals can gain greater credibility, job security, better pay, and more opportunities for advancement. It also allows them to stay up-to-date on current regulations and best practices in the field. In addition, it provides a networking platform where professionals can exchange ideas with other certified environmental specialists.

Pro Tip: When considering an environmental specialist certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications of each program to ensure that it meets your needs. Additionally, look into any continuing education or renewal requirements that may be necessary to maintain the certification.

Related: What does an Environmental Specialist do?

Top 10 Environmental Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Environmental Manager (CEM)

Certified Environmental Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in environmental management, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge in a practical setting. The CEM program is based on AEE's body of knowledge, which covers topics such as air quality management, water quality management, hazardous materials management, waste management, and more.

The CEM program requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in environmental management or related fields. Applicants must also pass an examination that tests their proficiency in the areas covered by AEE's body of knowledge. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the CEM certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their professional experience and a fee. The fee for the CEM certification varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence; it typically ranges from $500-$750 USD. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CEM certificate within four weeks.

2. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification that demonstrates the holder has a comprehensive knowledge of hazardous materials regulations and management practices. The CHMM certification is awarded by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

To obtain the CHMM certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an exam. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in safety, health, environmental science or engineering, or a related field. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in hazardous materials management or two years of full-time experience if they hold a graduate degree in one of the required fields.

The CHMM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as hazardous waste management, emergency response planning, air quality management and environmental compliance. The exam takes four hours to complete and costs $450 for IHMM members and $550 for non-members. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their CHMM certification which is valid for five years.

3. Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA)

A Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA) is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in environmental auditing. The CPEA certification is awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and requires passing a comprehensive exam.

The exam covers topics such as: environmental regulations, risk assessment, audit techniques, sampling methods, data analysis, report writing, and corrective action plans. The exam also includes a practical component which tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CPEA exam. Candidates should have a strong understanding of environmental regulations and principles as well as experience conducting environmental audits or working in an environment-related field.

To become certified, candidates must register with IIA and pay the required fees ($500 for members of IIA or $800 for non-members). Once registered, candidates can access study materials online including practice exams and sample questions. After studying for the exam, candidates can schedule their test date at one of IIA's testing centers located throughout the US.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you are an IIA member or not; however, it generally costs between $500-$800 USD to become certified.

4. Certified Environmental Trainer (CET)

Certified Environmental Trainer (CET) is a professional designation offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in environmental health training. The CET program provides certification for trainers who have completed an approved training course and passed a comprehensive examination.

The CET program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an in-person proctored exam. The self-study course covers topics such as environmental health, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, and risk communication. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the self-study course, candidates are eligible to take the proctored exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and must be taken at an approved testing center.

In order to become certified as a CET, applicants must pass both the self-study course and the proctored exam with a score of 70% or higher. Candidates may retake either portion of the program if they fail to meet this requirement.

The cost for the Certified Environmental Trainer program varies depending on whether you choose to take the self-study course alone or with the proctored exam included. The cost for just the self-study course is $295 USD, while taking both portions together costs $395 USD.

5. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has met the educational, experience, and examination requirements of the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). This certification is recognized as the highest level of professional achievement in industrial hygiene. CIHs are experts in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that can cause worker injury or illness.

To become a CIH, individuals must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene or a related science field such as chemistry, engineering, or biology; four years of full-time work experience in the practice of industrial hygiene; and pass an exam administered by ABIH. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an open-book essay section.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on whether you are already an ABIH member ($350) or if you need to join ($450). The fee also includes the cost of study materials and the exam fee. It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the exam.

6. Certified Environmental Scientist (CES)

Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the practice of environmental engineering and science.

The CES certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in environmental engineering and science through a combination of education, experience, and exam performance. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental-related field such as environmental engineering, environmental science, or related disciplines. They must also have at least four years of relevant work experience in the field.

To obtain the CES certification, applicants must pass both an open-book written exam and a closed-book practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as water resources management, air pollution control, hazardous waste management, solid waste management, ecology, and public health. The practical exam tests applicants on their ability to solve real-world problems using their knowledge of environmental engineering principles.

The cost for the CES certification program varies depending on the type of exam taken (written or practical) and whether or not you are an AAEES member. Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$400 USD for non-members to take either the written or practical exams. For AAEES members, it costs between $200-$350 USD for either exam.

In total, it usually takes around 6 months to complete the entire CES certification process from start to finish.

7. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a certification awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP certification is the highest level of safety professional certification available in the United States and Canada. It is designed to recognize those individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and commitment to safety.

It typically takes at least two years of full-time work experience in the field of safety to be eligible for the CSP exam. To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard control, legal aspects of safety, and emergency planning and response. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have a bachelor’s degree or higher in safety or a related field from an accredited college or university.

To get the CSP certification, you will need to complete an application form and submit it along with all required documentation including transcripts from your college or university showing proof of your degree. You will also need to pay a fee for the exam which varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges between $400-$500 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from BCSP which can be used to demonstrate your expertise in safety management.

The cost of obtaining the CSP certification may vary depending on where you take the exam and any additional fees associated with preparing for it such as study materials or courses. However, most people find that investing in their professional development through obtaining this type of certification pays off in terms of increased job opportunities and higher salaries over time.

8. Registered Environmental Manager (REM)

A Registered Environmental Manager (REM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP). The REM program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in environmental management and compliance. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in environmental management.

To become certified as a REM, applicants must meet certain educational, experience, and training requirements. Applicants must have at least five years of full-time environmental management experience and must have completed at least 40 hours of approved continuing education courses related to environmental management topics. The application process also includes an online exam covering topics such as air quality, water quality, hazardous waste management, and emergency response planning.

The entire application process typically takes between six to eight weeks from start to finish. The cost for the REM certification program varies depending on the applicant's country of residence but generally ranges from $500-$800 USD.

9. American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)-Certified Environmental Engineer

The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) is a professional organization that provides certification to environmental engineers who demonstrate expertise in the field. The AAEES Certified Environmental Engineer (CEE) credential is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who practice environmental engineering.

To become a CEE, an individual must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related fields as well as five years of professional experience in the field. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the AAEES. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral presentation.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are already an AAEES member or not. For non-members, the fee is $1,000 for the written portion and $500 for the oral presentation. For members, it is $700 for the written portion and $300 for the oral presentation.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for and take both parts of the exam, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances. To get started with preparing for the exam, individuals should review all relevant materials provided by AAEES including study guides and sample questions. Additionally, they should consult with experienced professionals in their field to gain insight into what topics will be covered on the exam.

10. American Board of Industrial Hygiene-Certified Industrial Hygienist

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice industrial hygiene. The CIH credential is considered the highest level of professional recognition in industrial hygiene.

To become a CIH, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination administered by ABIH, and agree to abide by the ABIH Code of Ethics. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as engineering or chemistry, plus four years of full-time work experience in industrial hygiene or a related field. Applicants must also complete at least 40 hours of approved continuing education courses within five years prior to applying for certification.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for and take the CIH exam. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you are taking it and if you are an ABIH member or not. The fee for non-members is $650 USD while members pay $550 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with study materials or application processing fees.

Do You Really Need a Environmental Specialist Certificate?

Environmental specialists are professionals who help organizations and businesses comply with environmental regulations. They can also help companies develop strategies to reduce their environmental impact. An Environmental Specialist Certificate is a formal recognition of an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of environmental management.

Do you really need an Environmental Specialist Certificate? The answer depends on your goals and career aspirations, as well as the type of work you would like to do. If you are working in an organization that requires a certain level of expertise in order to remain compliant with environmental laws, then having an Environmental Specialist Certificate may be beneficial. It can demonstrate to your employer that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge required to effectively manage their operations.

If you are interested in taking on more challenging roles within the field, such as developing sustainability initiatives or consulting for other organizations, then having an Environmental Specialist Certificate could be even more important. This certification will show potential employers that you have a comprehensive understanding of relevant topics such as air quality, waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy sources. It can also demonstrate your commitment to professional development and prove that you are capable of delivering high-quality results.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an Environmental Specialist Certificate depends on your goals and desired career path. If you are looking for work in a regulated environment or want to take on more advanced roles within the field, then obtaining this certification may be beneficial for your career prospects.

Related: Environmental Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Environmental Specialist Certifications

1. What is an Environmental Specialist Certification?

Answer: An Environmental Specialist Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who possess the knowledge and skills required to assess, manage, and mitigate environmental risks and hazards.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Environmental Specialist Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an Environmental Specialist Certification demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and provides opportunities for career advancement in the field of environmental science. It also allows practitioners to stay informed about new developments in their field and provide evidence of their knowledge and expertise to potential employers or clients.

3. What qualifications do I need to become an Environmental Specialist?

Answer: To become an Environmental Specialist, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field, plus relevant experience in the field. Additionally, some certifying bodies may require applicants to pass exams or complete additional coursework before they can be certified.

4. How long does it take to become certified as an Environmental Specialist?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as an Environmental Specialist varies depending on the certifying body, but generally it takes several months to complete the necessary requirements for certification. Some certifying bodies may also offer accelerated programs for those who wish to obtain their certification more quickly.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as an Environmental Specialist?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the certifying body, but typically ranges from $500-$3000 USD for all necessary materials and exam fees combined.