Top 10 Environmental Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for environmental technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a technician’s knowledge, experience and commitment to their field. They also provide employers with an assurance that the technician is qualified to perform the duties of the job and is current on best practices and regulations. Certifications can help technicians stand out from other applicants and can be used as evidence of expertise in a particular area. Additionally, certifications may be required for some jobs, such as those involving hazardous materials.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Environmental Technicians and explain how they can benefit an environmental technician's career.

What are Environmental Technician Certifications?

Environmental Technician Certification is a type of certification that verifies a person’s knowledge and expertise in environmental science, engineering, and technology. The certification process involves passing an exam administered by the National Environmental Training Association (NETA). This exam tests an individual’s knowledge on topics such as air quality, water quality, hazardous materials management, pollution control, waste management, and more.

Having an Environmental Technician Certification can help individuals gain recognition for their knowledge in the field and demonstrate their commitment to professional development. It also can provide them with a competitive edge when applying for positions or promotions in the field. In addition, having this certification can give individuals access to specialized job opportunities that require specialized skills or experience. Furthermore, obtaining this certification may make individuals eligible for certain grants or funding opportunities related to environmental work. Finally, it may help individuals stay up-to-date on current environmental regulations and standards through continuing education courses offered by NETA.

Pro Tip: It is important to research the various environmental technician certifications available in order to ensure you are obtaining the certification that best meets your needs. Additionally, it is important to make sure the certification program is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Doing this will ensure you have access to the most up-to-date information and resources on environmental safety and health.

Related: What does an Environmental Technician do?

Top 10 Environmental Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Environmental Technician (CET)

Certified Environmental Technician (CET) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Training Association (NETA). The CET program is designed to provide environmental technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties in an environmentally responsible manner. The certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as hazardous materials management, environmental regulations, and safety practices.

The CET certification process typically takes about four months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete an online training course and then take the final exam. The course consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as hazardous waste management, air quality monitoring, water treatment systems, and more. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass the final exam with a score of at least 70%.

To become certified as a CET, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least one year of experience in environmental health and safety or related fields. They must also be able to demonstrate knowledge of environmental regulations and have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education in the past two years. Applicants should also have basic computer skills and be familiar with Microsoft Office products.

The cost for becoming certified as a CET varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. If you choose to take the online training course through NETA, it will cost $599 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. If you prefer to take an approved self-study course instead, that will cost $499 USD plus applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there is a $150 USD fee for taking the final exam regardless of which option you choose.

2. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience and expertise in the management of hazardous materials. The CHMM credential is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in the hazardous materials management field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass an examination administered by IHMM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as environmental regulations, safety practices, emergency response, waste management, risk assessment and more.

The process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing for the exam as soon as possible by reviewing study materials provided by IHMM or taking an online course.

The cost for the CHMM certification program varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of IHMM. For members, it costs $425 for the application fee plus $100 for each exam part taken; for nonmembers, it costs $625 for the application fee plus $150 for each exam part taken.

3. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who specializes in the prevention of occupational and environmental health hazards. The CIH designation is granted by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

To become certified, an individual must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene or a related field such as engineering, chemistry, biology, or physics. In addition, individuals must have at least five years of experience working in industrial hygiene and pass an examination administered by ABIH.

The application process for certification typically takes 4-6 months to complete. The cost of certification varies depending on the type of application and can range from $400-$1,000.

Once certified, CIHs are required to maintain their certification through continuing education requirements and periodic recertification exams every five years.

4. Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA)

A Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of environmental auditing. The CPEA program is administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

The CPEA certification requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in environmental auditing, as well as an understanding of the principles and practices of environmental auditing. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as environmental regulations, audit techniques, and risk management.

To obtain the CPEA certification, applicants must complete an application form and submit it to the IIA for review. Once accepted, applicants must pay a fee to take the exam. The cost for the exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the IIA, but typically ranges from $350-$600 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CPEA certification. This process usually takes about four to six weeks after submitting your application and passing the exam.

5. Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP) is a professional who has demonstrated expertise in the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. The certification is issued by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) and recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field.

To become certified, an individual must complete a comprehensive training program approved by IHMM, pass an exam administered by IHMM, and maintain continuing education requirements. The training program typically consists of 40-50 hours of instruction, which can be completed online or in a classroom setting. The exam covers topics such as hazardous materials regulations, emergency response planning and operations, hazard identification and risk assessment, waste management practices, safety management systems, and environmental compliance.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Online courses may cost between $500-$1,000 while classroom courses may cost up to $2,000. Additionally, there is an application fee of $150 and an annual renewal fee of $100.

Overall, it typically takes 3-6 months to complete all requirements for CHMP certification.

6. Certified Environmental Health and Safety Technician (CEHST)

Certified Environmental Health and Safety Technician (CEHST) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in the field of environmental health and safety. It is offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

The CEHST program consists of two parts: an online course and a written exam. The online course covers topics such as hazardous materials management, risk assessment, and occupational health and safety regulations. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of environmental health and safety principles, practices, and regulations.

To become certified as a CEHST, candidates must complete the online course and pass the written exam with a score of at least 70%. The online course typically takes about 40 hours to complete, depending on the student’s prior knowledge. The written exam is administered at testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost for becoming certified as a CEHST varies depending on the provider offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 to become certified as a CEHST.

7. Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)

Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of erosion and sediment control. The CPESC certification is administered by the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).

To obtain the CPESC certification, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it with required documentation. Once the application has been approved, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as soil erosion processes, stormwater management, sediment control practices, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete. After passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through a practical demonstration of their skills in an approved setting.

The cost of obtaining the CPESC certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of IECA. For non-members, the total cost is $500 ($350 for the application fee and $150 for the exam fee). For members of IECA, the total cost is $400 ($250 for the application fee and $150 for the exam fee).

8. Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS)

Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) is a certification program offered by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). The CPSS certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in soil science and its related disciplines. It is intended to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of professional competence, as well as to promote public confidence in the practice of soil science.

The process to become certified takes approximately one year and consists of three steps: completing an application, passing an exam, and submitting documentation of professional experience. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in soil science or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also have at least two years of professional experience in soil science or a related field.

To apply for the certification, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with the required documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once the application has been approved, applicants must take and pass the Certified Professional Soil Scientist Exam. This exam covers topics such as soil physics, chemistry, biology, fertility management, land use planning, environmental protection and conservation practices.

Once applicants have passed the exam they must submit documentation that verifies their professional experience in order to be granted certification status. This documentation may include resumes or CVs that detail their work history as well as letters from employers verifying their job responsibilities.

The cost for applying for the CPSS certification varies depending on whether you are a member of SSSA or not. For non-members it costs $100 plus $50 per year for each additional year of experience up to five years; for members it costs $50 plus $25 per year for each additional year up to five years.

9. Registered Environmental Manager (REM)

A Registered Environmental Manager (REM) is a professional certification program that provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of environmental management. The REM certification is offered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), and is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and skill in the areas of environmental compliance, risk assessment, and pollution prevention.

The REM certification requires successful completion of an examination that tests knowledge in the areas of environmental law, regulations, and standards; environmental management systems; risk assessment; pollution prevention; and hazardous materials management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the REM certification exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements as well as have at least four years of professional experience in the field of environmental management. Applicants should also submit references from two employers or supervisors who can attest to their work experience in this field.

The cost for taking the REM certification exam is $450 USD per attempt. After successfully passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 USD for maintaining your REM certification status.

10. National Registry of Environmental Professionals Certification (NREPT)

The National Registry of Environmental Professionals Certification (NREPT) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to practice in the field of environmental protection. The NREPT certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in their chosen field, as well as to provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for NREPT certification. To become certified, applicants must first meet certain educational and experience requirements, then pass an exam administered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals. Once certified, individuals must maintain their credentials through continuing education credits and professional development activities.

The cost for obtaining NREPT certification varies depending on the applicant's individual circumstances. Generally, applicants can expect to pay a one-time fee for application processing and exam fees, as well as annual renewal fees for maintaining their credentials.

Overall, obtaining NREPT certification is an important step for those looking to advance their career in the environmental protection field. It provides recognition of one's expertise and helps demonstrate commitment to professional growth and development.

Do You Really Need a Environmental Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and the field you are interested in pursuing. If you are looking to gain skills specifically related to environmental technology, then an environmental technician certificate might be beneficial. The certificate will likely provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of environmental technology, from monitoring and testing procedures to regulations and compliance standards. It may also provide hands-on experience with equipment commonly used in the field.

On the other hand, if you already have some experience or knowledge in the field, then you may not need a certificate. Depending on your goals, it may be more beneficial for you to pursue additional education or training in a specific area of interest instead. For example, if you are interested in working as an environmental consultant, it might be more useful for you to pursue a degree or specialized certification related to that profession.

Ultimately, whether or not an environmental technician certificate is right for you depends on what type of career path you want to pursue and how much time and money you are willing to invest into your education and training. If a certificate is necessary for entry into your desired field, then it would likely be worth considering obtaining one. However, if it is not required or necessary, then there may be other educational options available that could better meet your needs and interests.

Related: Environmental Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Environmental Technician Certifications

1. What is an environmental technician certification?

Answer: An environmental technician certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in the field of environmental protection. It typically involves passing an exam that covers topics such as hazardous materials, air quality, water quality, waste management, and safety.

2. Who should pursue an environmental technician certification?

Answer: Environmental technicians are typically hired by government agencies, private companies, and consulting firms to help protect the environment from human activities. The certification is beneficial for those who want to gain expertise in the field or advance their career.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can open up more job opportunities, increase your salary potential, demonstrate your expertise to employers and clients, and give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

4. What type of training do I need to become certified?

Answer: To become certified as an environmental technician, you will need to complete educational courses related to the environment and pass a comprehensive exam administered by an accredited organization or agency. You may also need to have some hands-on experience in the field as well as complete continuing education courses every few years in order to maintain your certification status.

5. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how much experience and training you already have in the field as well as how quickly you can complete the required coursework and exam preparation. Generally speaking, it usually takes 6 months or longer for someone with no prior experience or training to become fully certified as an environmental technician.