Top 11 Health and Safety Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important factor for a health and safety manager to have in the job market. Certifications demonstrate to employers that the individual has taken the initiative to gain additional knowledge and skills in the field of health and safety, which will help them better perform their job duties. Additionally, certifications provide validation that the individual has been trained in relevant topics such as hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and OSHA compliance. Lastly, having certifications adds to a health and safety manager’s credibility and can potentially open more career opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Health and Safety Managers and explains how they can contribute to a health and safety manager's career.

What are Health and Safety Manager Certifications?

Health and safety manager certification is a professional designation that validates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of health and safety management. This certification demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of current health and safety regulations, principles, policies, procedures, and practices. It also shows that they have the necessary skills to effectively manage workplace safety programs.

The certification can be a great asset for individuals working in the field of health and safety management. It can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions, as employers are often looking for people with specialized knowledge in this area. Having this certification can also open up more opportunities for career advancement within the field of health and safety management. Additionally, it can provide peace of mind to employers who want to ensure their employees are adequately trained to handle any potential health or safety issues that may arise in the workplace. Furthermore, by having this certification, individuals will be able to stay up-to-date on best practices in order to protect their employees from harm.

Pro Tip: Earn a health and safety manager certification to improve your chances of success in the field. A certification can demonstrate your understanding of health and safety management principles, as well as provide you with the necessary credentials to be eligible for higher-level positions. Additionally, it can provide you with an opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry.

Related: What does a Health and Safety Manager do?

Top 11 Health and Safety Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Health and Safety Managers today.

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize safety professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in the practice of safety and health. The CSP credential is widely accepted as the standard for safety professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

To become a CSP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of four years of full-time safety experience and passing an exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and an oral component. You must pass both components in order to receive your CSP certification.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are taking it for the first time or if you are retaking it. The fee for taking the exam for the first time is $250 USD, while retaking it costs $150 USD.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete all requirements necessary to obtain your CSP certification. This includes studying for and passing both components of the exam, submitting your application, obtaining letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues, and paying any applicable fees.

2. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has earned certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). The CIH credential is recognized worldwide as the premier certification for industrial hygienists.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive examination administered by the ABIH. The educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety or industrial hygiene, or a closely related field, from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must have at least four years of professional experience in the field of industrial hygiene.

The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as toxicology, environmental health, ergonomics, sampling techniques, instrumentation and control systems. The practical exam tests an applicant’s ability to solve problems related to industrial hygiene.

The cost to take the CIH exam varies depending on when and where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $1,000 to take the exam plus any applicable fees associated with taking it at a particular testing center. It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam after all prerequisites have been met.

3. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to provide recognition to safety professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of safety. The ASP certification is intended for those who are new to the profession, or those who have some experience but not enough to qualify for the higher level certifications.

The ASP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as safety management systems, hazard identification and control, occupational health and safety regulations, and workplace safety programs. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to obtain the ASP certification, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in the field of safety or a related field, as well as completing at least 24 hours of formal education in safety topics. Applicants must also submit an application form and fee before taking the exam.

The cost for obtaining the ASP certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for both the application fee and exam fee.

4. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) is a professional designation granted by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). OHSTs are responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating and managing safety and health programs in the workplace. They work to ensure that employers comply with applicable laws, regulations, codes and standards related to occupational safety and health.

It typically takes two years of study to become an OHST. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety or health sciences from an accredited college or university. Additionally, individuals must pass the OHST examination administered by BCSP.

To become an OHST, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by BCSP. These include having at least four years of full-time experience in safety or health management or a combination of education and experience that totals four years. After meeting these requirements, individuals can submit their application for certification to BCSP along with all required documentation such as transcripts and proof of experience. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then successfully complete the OHST examination within three years from the date of acceptance.

The cost for becoming an OHST varies depending on individual circumstances but generally ranges from $450-$1,000 USD including application fees, exam fees and any other associated costs such as continuing education credits needed to maintain certification status.

5. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program that provides risk management professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, assess, and manage risks. The CRM program is offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI) and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The CRM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as risk identification, assessment, control, and management. It also includes case studies and real-world examples of how to apply these concepts in practice. The exam tests your understanding of the material covered in the course.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CRM program. To get started, you must first register for the online course on GRMI's website. Once you have completed the course, you can then register for the exam. You will need to pass both parts of the program in order to become certified as a Risk Manager.

The cost of taking the CRM program varies depending on where you take it and how many courses you take at once. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD for all materials required for certification.

6. Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM)

Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM) is a professional certification program designed to help safety professionals demonstrate their knowledge of hazard control and management. The CHCM certification is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

The CHCM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of four years of safety experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or management role. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard recognition, accident investigation, and OSHA regulations.

The CHCM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. The exam fee is $400 for BCSP members and $500 for non-members.

To apply for the CHCM certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their safety experience and payment for the exam fee. Once the application has been approved, candidates may register for the exam online or by mail. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CHCM certificate from BCSP.

7. Certified Environmental, Health, and Safety Technician (CET)

Certified Environmental, Health, and Safety Technician (CET) is a certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the fields of environmental health and safety. The CET certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as hazardous materials management, occupational health and safety regulations, industrial hygiene, emergency response planning, and risk assessment.

The CET certification typically takes about three months to complete. During this time, individuals must study for the exam and submit their application to the BCSP. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $200-$400. To become certified as a CET you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

Once certified as a CET you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge in environmental health and safety practices to employers or clients. You will also gain access to job opportunities that require certification in this field.

8. Certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)

Certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) is a certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in construction health and safety. CHST certification is intended for those who have at least four years of professional experience in construction health and safety or a related field.

The CHST exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as: hazard recognition, hazard control, safety program management, safety training, occupational health, ergonomics, environmental protection, emergency planning/preparedness/response, industrial hygiene monitoring/sampling techniques and more. To be eligible to take the exam you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have four years of professional experience in construction health and safety or a related field; OR
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with 12 semester hours in safety-related courses; OR
• Hold an associate degree from an accredited institution with 18 semester hours in safety-related courses; OR
• Have completed 24 semester hours in safety-related courses from an accredited institution.

The cost for taking the CHST Exam is $350 USD. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center throughout the United States. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete. Once you pass the exam you will receive your official CHST certification card within six weeks after passing the exam.

9. International Board of Environmental Health and Safety Practitioners (IBEHSP)

The International Board of Environmental Health and Safety Practitioners (IBEHSP) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for environmental health and safety practitioners. The board was established to provide a professional standard of excellence in the field of environmental health and safety. It is recognized by many employers, organizations, and governments as the leading certification body for environmental health and safety professionals.

To become certified through IBEHSP, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having a minimum of five years of experience in the field, passing an exam, and completing continuing education credits. The process typically takes around six months to complete.

The cost of becoming certified through IBEHSP varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 USD to become certified by IBEHSP. This cost includes the application fee, exam fee, and any other associated costs required to complete the certification process.

10. American Society of Safety Professionals’ Certificate in General Industry Safety & Health (ASSP-GIHSCertified)

The American Society of Safety Professionals’ Certificate in General Industry Safety & Health (ASSP-GIHSCertified) is a professional certification program designed to recognize safety and health professionals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to practice in the field. The certificate is awarded after successful completion of an exam that tests knowledge and application of safety and health principles, practices, and regulations.

The program consists of two courses: one focused on general industry safety and health topics, and another focused on specific industry-related topics. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, with an additional 10 hours for the final exam. The total cost for both courses is $495.

To earn the ASSP-GIHSCertified certificate, individuals must pass both courses with a minimum score of 70% or higher on each course's final exam. Upon successful completion, individuals will receive an official certificate from ASSP that recognizes their achievement.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements before they can be certified. These include having at least one year of full-time experience in a safety or health profession; being a member in good standing with ASSP; and having completed any applicable continuing education requirements as specified by ASSP.

The ASSP-GIHSCertified certification is valid for three years from the date it was earned. To maintain certification status, individuals must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education activities every three years.

11. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Certificate in Occupational Medicine Practice Management Program (NIOSH-COMPMP).

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Certificate in Occupational Medicine Practice Management Program (NIOSH-COMPMP) is a comprehensive online program designed to provide health care professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to manage an occupational medicine practice. The program consists of six courses, which cover topics such as medical record keeping, legal issues, risk management, billing and coding, and patient safety. The program is offered through the NIOSH Education Center at the University of Cincinnati.

The program takes approximately 12 months to complete. Each course lasts for four weeks and includes lectures, discussions, case studies, and other activities. Participants must complete all six courses in order to receive their certificate. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from NIOSH recognizing their successful completion of the COMPMP program.

In order to be eligible for the NIOSH-COMPMP program, applicants must have a degree in medicine or another related field. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in an occupational medicine practice setting.

The cost of the NIOSH-COMPMP program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not students choose to take advantage of any discounts that may be available. Generally speaking, each course costs between $400-$500 per credit hour plus applicable fees.

Do You Really Need a Health and Safety Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. You do not need a Health and Safety Manager Certificate to work in the health and safety field. However, having one can be beneficial in many ways.

A Health and Safety Manager Certificate provides employers with proof that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage health and safety in their workplace. This can give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs, as employers are more likely to trust someone who has been properly trained in this area.

Having a certificate also shows dedication to your profession, which is something employers look for when hiring new employees. It demonstrates that you take your job seriously and are willing to invest time and money into furthering your education. Furthermore, having a certificate will make it easier for you to get promoted or move up within your company, since employers are more likely to favor those with specialized qualifications.

Finally, having a Health and Safety Manager Certificate allows you to stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards and regulations, so that you can ensure that your workplace is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. This helps protect both the employer and employees from potential legal liability issues related to health and safety risks in the workplace.

In conclusion, while having a Health and Safety Manager Certificate is not absolutely necessary for working in this field, it can be beneficial in many ways by providing employers with proof of your qualifications, demonstrating dedication to the profession, making it easier for career advancement, and helping ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Related: Health and Safety Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Health and Safety Manager Certifications

1. What is a Health and Safety Manager Certification?

A Health and Safety Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the management of health and safety programs within their organization. The certification program includes courses, exams, and/or work experience that must be completed in order to become certified.

2. How do I become a Certified Health and Safety Manager?

In order to become a certified health and safety manager, you must complete an approved training program or coursework in health and safety management. Additionally, you may need to pass an examination administered by an accredited certifying body such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

3. What topics are covered in the certification exam?

The certification exam tests your knowledge on topics such as risk assessment, accident investigation and reporting, hazard control strategies, emergency response planning, legal compliance requirements, OSHA regulations, and more.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all the necessary requirements for certification depending on the individual’s training program or coursework.

5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

Yes, most certifications require that you renew your credential every 3-5 years in order to maintain your current status as a Certified Health and Safety Manager. Renewal typically involves completing additional continuing education credits or taking additional exams