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Top 11 Janitorial Supervisor Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications for a janitorial supervisor are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and expertise in their field. In addition, certifications give employers more confidence that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage janitorial staff and operations. They also provide evidence that the individual is committed to continuing their education in order to stay up-to-date on industry best practices. Finally, certifications can help make an individual stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Janitorial Supervisors and explain how they can enhance a janitorial supervisor's career.

What are Janitorial Supervisor Certifications?

Janitorial supervisor certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of an experienced janitorial supervisor. This certification validates an individual’s expertise in the areas of janitorial supervision, including safety, sanitation, personnel management, and customer service. It also provides employers with a way to measure the qualifications of their janitorial staff.

By obtaining this certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism in the field of janitorial services. This can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within their organization. Additionally, it can give them more credibility when dealing with customers or clients by showing that they have taken the time to obtain additional training in order to provide quality service.

The certification also provides supervisors with access to resources and continuing education opportunities that can help them stay up-to-date on current industry trends and best practices. This can be valuable for staying ahead of competitors and ensuring that their facilities are kept clean and safe for employees and customers alike. Moreover, having this certification can give supervisors an edge when negotiating salary or benefits packages with employers due to its recognition as a mark of distinction within the industry.

Pro Tip: When obtaining janitorial supervisor certification, make sure you are up to date on all relevant safety regulations and best practices. This will help ensure that your team is working in a safe and compliant environment.

Related: What does a Janitorial Supervisor do?

Top 11 Janitorial Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Building Services Manager (CBSM)

Certified Building Services Manager (CBSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the management of building services. The program is administered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed for facility managers, building engineers, and other professionals who are responsible for managing the operations of buildings and facilities.

The CBSM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as facility management principles, maintenance planning, budgeting and financial management, energy management, customer service, safety and security, sustainability practices, and communication skills. The exam is offered twice a year at various locations across the United States.

To become certified as a CBSM you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of experience in building services or related fields. You must also complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts or letters of reference. Once approved by IFMA you will be able to register for the exam.

The cost of the CBSM certification varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $400 - $600 USD. This includes the cost of registration fees, study materials, and the exam fee itself.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official CBSM certificate which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Custodial Supervisor (CCS)

Certified Custodial Supervisor (CCS) is a certification program designed to provide custodial supervisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their staff and ensure the highest quality of service. The CCS program is administered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA).

The CCS certification requires completion of a three-day training program, which covers topics such as safety, customer service, cleaning methods, and equipment. Participants must also pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as a CCS, individuals must first register for the ISSA's online training courses or attend one of their regional trainings. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you choose online or in-person training. In addition, there are fees associated with taking the exam at the end of the course.

The amount of time it takes to get your CCS certification depends on how quickly you complete your training and pass your exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to complete all requirements for certification.

3. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in environmental health services, such as food safety, hazardous materials management, and water quality. The CEST certification is valid for three years and requires recertification every three years.

To become certified, applicants must have at least one year of experience in an environmental health field or a related field, complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education within the past three years, and pass the NEHA CEST examination with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety, hazardous materials management, water quality, air quality, solid waste management, pest control, and public health laws.

The cost to take the CEST exam is $225 for members of NEHA or $275 for non-members. This fee includes the cost of the exam application and processing fees. After passing the exam, there is an annual recertification fee of $50 for members or $75 for non-members.

4. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certification is a voluntary process of certifying products and services that meet public health and safety standards. It is an independent, non-profit organization that works to protect public health and safety by developing standards, testing products, and providing certification services for food service equipment, water treatment systems, dietary supplements, and other consumer products.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to get NSF Certification. The process involves submitting an application to the NSF with product information such as model numbers, dimensions, materials used in construction, etc. Once the application is received by the NSF it will be reviewed for compliance with applicable standards. If the product meets all requirements then it will be certified.

To get NSF Certification you must submit an application along with product information and pay a fee. The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of product being tested and can range from $500-$3,000 per item or system being tested.

5. OSHA 10-Hour Health and Safety Training

OSHA 10-Hour Health and Safety Training is an online course designed to provide workers with basic safety and health information. It covers topics such as hazard recognition, hazard control, and the rights of workers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). The course is intended to help employers comply with OSHA regulations and reduce workplace hazards.

The OSHA 10-Hour Health and Safety Training typically takes around 10 hours to complete. It can be completed in one sitting or over multiple sessions. The training is offered online through approved providers, such as the American Red Cross or OSHA Education Centers.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour Health and Safety Training varies depending on the provider. Generally, it ranges from $50-$100 per person. Some providers may offer discounts for groups or bulk purchases.

6. Hazardous Material Handling Certification

Hazardous Material Handling Certification is a certification that certifies an individual to safely and properly handle hazardous materials. It is important for anyone who works with hazardous materials, such as chemicals, explosives, or radioactive materials, to have the proper training and certification.

The length of time it takes to get Hazardous Material Handling Certification varies depending on the type of material being handled and the level of certification needed. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete the necessary courses and obtain the certification.

To get Hazardous Material Handling Certification, you must first complete an approved course in hazardous materials handling. This course will cover topics such as safety protocols, storage requirements, disposal methods, emergency procedures, and more. After completing the coursework, you must pass a written exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of Hazardous Material Handling Certification depends on the type of material being handled and the level of certification needed. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the material being handled and the level of certification required.

7. Green Cleaning Professional Certification

Green Cleaning Professional Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a certified green cleaning professional. The certification is offered through the Green Clean Institute (GCI) which is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to promoting green cleaning practices in commercial and residential settings.

The Green Cleaning Professional Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course covers topics such as green cleaning products, equipment, techniques, and safety protocols. It also includes information about environmental regulations and best practices for reducing environmental impacts associated with cleaning. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

The on-site assessment is conducted by a GCI-certified assessor who evaluates the individual’s knowledge of green cleaning principles, techniques, and products. This assessment usually lasts between 2-4 hours depending on the size of the facility being assessed.

To get certified, individuals must successfully complete both the online course and on-site assessment. Once completed, they will receive their official Green Cleaning Professional Certification from GCI which is valid for three years from date of issue.

The cost for the Green Cleaning Professional Certification program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $350-$500 USD.

8. LEED Green Associate Certification

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate Certification is a professional credential offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have knowledge of green building principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the LEED Rating System. The certification demonstrates that a person has the skills necessary to contribute to green building projects and initiatives.

The LEED Green Associate exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within two hours. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 170 or higher out of 200 points.

To prepare for the exam, applicants should review USGBC's LEED Reference Guide and take an accredited LEED Green Associate training course. There are several online courses available for purchase, ranging from one-day seminars to more comprehensive multi-week courses.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a USGBC member or not. For non-members, it costs $200 USD; for members, it costs $150 USD.

9. Sustainable Cleaning Practices Certification

Sustainable Cleaning Practices Certification is a certification program designed to help ensure that cleaning professionals are using sustainable practices in their work. The certification program is administered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) and requires successful completion of a self-paced online course.

The course covers topics such as green cleaning products, waste management, water conservation, energy conservation, and indoor air quality. It also provides guidance on how to properly use and store cleaning products, how to select environmentally friendly products and services, and how to create an effective green cleaning plan.

The certification process typically takes about 4-6 hours to complete depending on the individual’s experience level. To get certified, individuals must first register for the course through ISSA’s website and then complete all of the required modules within the time frame given. Once all of the modules have been completed successfully, individuals will receive their Sustainable Cleaning Practices Certification.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on whether or not an individual is already a member of ISSA. For non-members, the cost is $99 USD; for members it is $79 USD.

10. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to and manage an emergency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services arrive. It is designed for people of all ages, from lay responders to healthcare providers.

The certification program consists of two parts: a classroom-based training session and a hands-on skills session. The classroom-based training covers basic first aid, CPR, AED use, choking relief, and other topics related to responding to an emergency situation. The hands-on skills session allows participants to practice their newly acquired knowledge on manikins.

The length of the class depends on the type of certification being sought (e.g., basic or advanced). Generally speaking, it takes around 4 hours to complete the course.

To get certified, individuals must attend an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification course taught by an authorized instructor. These courses are offered at various locations throughout the United States and can be found online or through local community centers and hospitals.

The cost for certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and where it is taken. Generally speaking, basic certification costs around $50-$100 while more advanced certifications cost more.

11. Advanced Janitorial Supervision Training

Advanced Janitorial Supervision Training is a program designed to provide janitors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and supervise their staff. It covers topics such as communication, problem-solving, customer service, budgeting, scheduling, safety and health regulations, and human resources. The training typically takes two days to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.

To get Advanced Janitorial Supervision Training, individuals can contact their local janitorial service provider or look for online training programs. Depending on the program chosen, the cost of the training can range from free to several hundred dollars.

Do You Really Need a Janitorial Supervisor Certificate?

The short answer is, it depends. If you are applying for a job as a janitorial supervisor, then having a certificate may be required or preferred by the employer. However, if you have significant experience in the field and can demonstrate your knowledge and skills without the certificate, then it may not be necessary.

In general, having a certificate shows that you are committed to the profession and have taken an active effort to gain additional knowledge and training. This can be very beneficial when it comes to competing with other applicants for a position. The certificate also serves as proof of your qualifications; employers may view it as evidence that you have what it takes to do the job successfully.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a janitorial supervisor certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and what the employer is looking for in an applicant. It’s important to research the job requirements thoroughly before deciding if obtaining a certificate is necessary or beneficial for your particular situation.

Related: Janitorial Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Janitorial Supervisor Certifications

1. What is the purpose of a Janitorial Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Janitorial Supervisor Certification provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities related to the management and supervision of janitorial staff. It also serves as a benchmark for employers when considering candidates for janitorial supervisory positions.

2. Where can I find out more information about Janitorial Supervisor Certifications?

Answer: Information about Janitorial Supervisor Certifications can be found on the websites of various organizations such as the International Sanitary Supply Association, Cleaning Management Institute and Building Service Contractors Association International.

3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Janitorial Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Generally, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the janitorial field and be able to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as safety and health regulations, personnel management, operations management and environmental stewardship.

4. How long does it take to complete a Janitorial Supervisor Certification program?

Answer: The length of time required to complete a certification program varies by organization but typically takes between 6-12 months or longer depending on the complexity of the program requirements.

5. What are some benefits of having a Janitorial Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Having a certification demonstrates professional competency in managing janitorial staff and can help individuals advance their careers within the industry, increase job opportunities and provide credibility when dealing with customers or clients. Additionally, many organizations offer discounts on insurance premiums or other benefits to individuals who hold certifications in their profession.

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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