Top 11 Health Inspector Certifications

Certifications are important for health inspectors in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to the profession and an expert level of knowledge. A health inspector who has obtained certifications is more likely to be considered for job opportunities over other applicants without them. Certifications can provide health inspectors with recognition and credibility, which can help employers make hiring decisions. They also show that a health inspector is up-to-date on current industry standards and regulations, which is essential for protecting public health.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Health Inspectors and explains how they can help to advance a health inspector's career.

What are Health Inspector Certifications?

Health inspector certification is a type of professional certification that is awarded to individuals who have met certain educational, experience, and competency requirements. This certification serves as an official recognition of the individual's knowledge and expertise in health inspection principles and practices. Health inspectors are responsible for ensuring that food establishments and other public spaces comply with local health regulations. They inspect facilities for sanitation, pest control, food safety, proper labeling, and other related matters.

Having a health inspector certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and gain credibility with employers or clients. It also provides assurance that they have the necessary expertise to perform their duties effectively. With this certification, health inspectors can show employers that they have the appropriate knowledge and skills to identify potential health hazards in food establishments or other public places. Additionally, this credential can give them access to more job opportunities as it demonstrates their professionalism and qualifications. Moreover, having a health inspector certification can provide them with greater job security since employers may be more inclined to retain certified professionals over those without certifications.

Pro Tip: Always make sure to stay up to date on the most recent health inspector certification requirements in your state. Different states may have different requirements, so it is important to ensure that you are meeting all of the necessary qualifications.

Related: What does a Health Inspector do?

Top 11 Health Inspector Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Health Inspectors today.

1. Food Safety Manager Certification

Food Safety Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide food safety professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a safe and healthy food supply. It is designed for individuals who are responsible for overseeing the food safety programs in their establishments. The certification is typically obtained through an accredited organization such as the National Restaurant Association or the Food Safety Institute of America.

The certification process usually takes about two weeks, depending on the organization offering it. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, food safety regulations, and sanitation standards. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of proper food handling techniques and be able to identify potential hazards in a kitchen setting.

The cost of obtaining Food Safety Manager Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally, it can range from $200-$500 USD, although some organizations may offer discounts or scholarships for those who qualify. Additionally, some employers may reimburse employees for part or all of the cost of certification if they are able to show that they have successfully completed the program.

Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by taking continuing education courses or passing a recertification exam. This helps ensure that they remain up-to-date on industry best practices and current regulations related to food safety management.

2. Food Handler Certificate

A Food Handler Certificate is a certificate that is issued to individuals who have completed a food safety training program. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to safely handle and prepare food in accordance with public health regulations. The certificate is typically valid for three years, after which time the individual must retake the training course in order to renew their certification.

In order to obtain a Food Handler Certificate, individuals must complete an approved food safety training program. These programs are typically offered by local health departments or other organizations that specialize in providing food safety education. The length of the program varies, but most take between four and eight hours to complete. During the course, participants will learn about proper food handling techniques, how to prevent contamination and cross-contamination of foods, and how to properly store and cook foods.

The cost of obtaining a Food Handler Certificate varies depending on where you take the course. Most courses cost between $20-$50 USD per person. In some cases, employers may cover the cost of the certificate for their employees as part of their employee benefits package.

Once an individual has successfully completed a food safety training program, they will receive their Food Handler Certificate from the organization that provided the course. This certificate should be kept in a safe place as it needs to be presented upon request when applying for jobs or entering certain establishments such as restaurants or grocery stores that require proof of certification before allowing entry onto their premises.

3. HACCP Certification

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification is an internationally recognized food safety management system. It identifies potential hazards in the production, processing, and handling of food products, and establishes control measures to prevent or reduce those hazards. The goal of HACCP is to ensure that food products are safe for consumption.

The certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. To get certified, a company must develop a HACCP plan that meets the requirements of the applicable regulatory standards. This includes identifying potential hazards in their processes, establishing critical control points (CCPs) to monitor those hazards, setting limits for each CCP, developing corrective actions if any CCPs are exceeded, verifying that the plan is working correctly, and documenting all activities related to the plan.

The cost of getting HACCP certified varies depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the organization's processes and how much assistance they need from external consultants or auditors. Generally speaking, it can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars.

4. ServSafe Certification

ServSafe Certification is a food safety certification program that is designed to help ensure the safety of food served in restaurants and other food service establishments. The program is administered by the National Restaurant Association (NRA). It provides training and testing for individuals who work in the foodservice industry, including chefs, cooks, servers, managers, dishwashers and other personnel.

The ServSafe Certification program consists of an online course and an exam. The online course typically takes about 8 hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and pace. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and must be taken at a proctored test center. Individuals must score at least 75% on the exam in order to receive their certification.

To get ServSafe Certification, individuals must first register for the course online or through their local NRA Chapter office. Once registered, they will receive access to the online course material as well as instructions on how to take the exam. After completing the course material and passing the exam with a score of 75%, individuals will receive their ServSafe Certification card in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of ServSafe Certification varies depending on where you take it and what type of package you purchase. Prices typically range from $50-$200 USD for both the online course and exam fee combined.

5. Certified Professional Food Safety (CPFS)

Certified Professional Food Safety (CPFS) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The CPFS certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in food safety, sanitation, and hygiene. It is intended for those who are responsible for managing food safety programs in restaurants, grocery stores, catering services, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other food service establishments.

The CPFS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, safe food handling practices, HACCP principles, and food safety regulations. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at a NEHA-approved testing center.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam. Applicants should study topics such as microbiology, personal hygiene practices, temperature control methods, cleaning/sanitizing procedures, and pest control measures. Additionally, it is recommended that applicants become familiar with the FDA Food Code or any local/state regulations related to food safety.

The cost of the CPFS certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with NEHA. For non-members of NEHA the cost is $425 USD; members pay $325 USD; students pay $175 USD; and government employees pay $225 USD.

6. Certified Environmental Health Technician (CEHT)

Certified Environmental Health Technician (CEHT) is a credential offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in environmental health. The CEHT is an important certification for those working in public health, environmental health, and related fields.

The CEHT requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as food safety, water quality, hazardous materials, air quality, and pest management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of full-time work experience in the field of environmental health or a related field.

The cost of taking the CEHT exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD to take the exam. In addition to the cost of taking the exam, there may also be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or registering for review courses.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your CEHT certification from NEHA. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

7. Certified Pool/Spa Inspector (CPI)

A Certified Pool/Spa Inspector (CPI) is a professional who has been certified by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) to inspect and evaluate swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and other water features for safety and compliance with local codes. The certification process involves completing an online course and passing an exam. The course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete and the exam takes approximately 2 hours. After passing the exam, you are awarded your CPI certification.

To get certified as a CPI, you must first register online with the NSPF. You will then be directed to purchase the course materials which cost $249 USD. Once purchased, you will have access to the online course which includes videos, quizzes, and a final exam. After completing all of these requirements and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your CPI certification from the NSPF.

8. Certified Sanitarian (CS)

Certified Sanitarian (CS) is a professional certification granted by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The CS designation is a mark of excellence that demonstrates an individual's commitment to the field of environmental health and safety. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in their profession.

To become a Certified Sanitarian, an individual must meet certain requirements, including: completing an accredited educational program, passing the NEHA Certified Sanitarian Examination, and having at least two years of full-time experience in environmental health and safety. The educational program must be approved by NEHA and may include courses such as food safety, water quality, hazardous materials management, public health law, epidemiology, environmental chemistry, or other related topics.

The NEHA Certified Sanitarian Examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety regulations, water quality standards, hazardous materials management principles, public health laws and regulations, epidemiology principles and practices, environmental chemistry principles and practices, or other related topics. The exam fee is $225 USD.

Once all requirements are met and the exam has been successfully completed with a score of 75% or higher on each section of the exam (150 points total), the applicant will be awarded the CS designation from NEHA.

9. Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS)

A Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) is a professional who specializes in the protection of public health by preventing and controlling environmental hazards. REHS/RSs are trained to identify, evaluate, and control environmental health risks in order to protect the public from potential harm. They work in a variety of settings including local, state and federal agencies, private consulting firms, industry, universities, and hospitals.

In order to become an REHS/RS, individuals must first meet the educational requirements established by their state or jurisdiction. Most states require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an environmental health related field such as environmental science or public health. In addition to this educational requirement, some states may also require additional coursework or training specific to the practice of environmental health.

Once the educational requirements have been met, individuals must then pass a national certification exam administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). This exam covers topics such as food safety, water quality management, hazardous materials management and waste management. After passing the exam, individuals are awarded their Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) certification.

The cost of becoming an REHS/RS varies depending on the state or jurisdiction in which you live. Generally speaking it can cost anywhere from $100-$500 for application fees and exam fees associated with obtaining your certification. It can take up to 6 months from start to finish for individuals to become certified as an REHS/RS depending on how quickly they complete their required coursework and pass their certification exam.

10. National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Professional Food Manager Certification Program

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Professional Food Manager Certification Program is a certification program designed to provide food service professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety of their customers. The program is recognized by many state and local health departments as an acceptable form of food safety training and certification.

The program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical demonstration. The written exam covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, pest control, HACCP principles, and other related topics. The practical demonstration requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to safely prepare food in a commercial kitchen setting.

The NEHA Professional Food Manager Certification Program typically takes between four and six weeks to complete depending on the individual's availability for study time and test scheduling. Candidates must first register for the program through NEHA's website or by calling their customer service department. After registering, candidates will be provided with access to online study materials which they can use to prepare for the written exam. Once ready, candidates can schedule their exam at one of several approved testing centers across the country.

Once both parts of the program have been successfully completed, candidates will receive their NEHA Professional Food Manager Certification card in the mail within 4-6 weeks after completion of the program. The cost for this certification varies depending on where you take your exams; however, it typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

11. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) is a professional certification organization that provides food safety training and certification for food service professionals. The NRFSP offers two levels of certification: the Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) and the Certified Professional Food Handler (CPFH).

The CPFM is designed for those responsible for managing food safety in a commercial food service establishment. It requires successful completion of an accredited course and passing an exam. The CPFH is designed for those who handle, prepare, or serve food in a commercial food service establishment. It requires successful completion of an accredited course and passing an exam.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to get certified after completing the required coursework and passing the exam. To get certified, you must first complete an approved course from an accredited provider such as ServSafe, Prometric, or 360training. After completing the course, you must pass a proctored exam at a testing center near you. Once you have passed the exam, your certificate will be issued within 4-6 weeks from the date of your test.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking and from which provider you take your courses from. Generally speaking, it costs between $100-$200 to get certified with either the CPFM or CPFH certifications through NRFSP.

Do You Really Need a Health Inspector Certificate?

Yes, you do need a health inspector certificate if you are planning to work in the food service industry. This certification is required by law and serves as proof that you have been trained in proper food safety and sanitation practices. It also demonstrates to employers that you are knowledgeable about the regulations set by local, state, and federal government agencies regarding food safety.

Health inspectors are responsible for ensuring that restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses, and other food service establishments abide by all relevant laws and regulations. They inspect kitchens, storage areas, preparation areas, serving areas, and dining facilities to make sure they meet acceptable standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Inspectors must be able to identify potential health risks associated with food preparation methods or ingredients used in the establishment.

Having a health inspector certificate shows potential employers that you are qualified to carry out inspections of their facilities. The certificate also proves that you understand the importance of following established guidelines for preventing contamination of food products. Employers may require additional training for employees who lack a health inspector certificate before allowing them to handle or prepare any food products on their premises.

In conclusion, having a health inspector certificate is essential if you want to work in the food service industry. Not only will it demonstrate your knowledge of relevant regulations but it will also help ensure that customers receive safe and sanitary meals when dining at your place of business.

Related: Health Inspector Resume Examples

FAQs About Health Inspector Certifications

1. How do I become a health inspector?

Answer: To become a health inspector, you will need to obtain certification from your local or state health department. You may also need to complete an accredited training program and meet other qualifications specific to the type of inspection work you wish to do.

2. What is the cost of becoming a health inspector?

Answer: The cost of becoming a health inspector varies depending on the type of certification required, as well as the region you live in. Generally speaking, however, it can range from several hundred dollars to over one thousand dollars for all necessary certifications and training programs.

3. What types of certifications are available for health inspectors?

Answer: Depending on the type of inspections you will be performing, there are various certifications that are available for health inspectors. These include food safety certifications such as ServSafe, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), and certified professional food safety manager; building inspections such as housing code enforcement; and environmental inspections such as hazardous materials management and wastewater management.

4. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: The frequency at which your certification must be renewed depends on the type of certification you have obtained and the requirements set forth by your local or state health department. Generally speaking, most certifications must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.

5. Are there any online courses available for obtaining a health inspector certification?

Answer: Yes, there are many online courses available that can help prepare you for obtaining a health inspector certification. These courses provide an overview of relevant topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation principles, public safety concerns, and more.