Top 10 Product Safety Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for product safety engineers in the job market because they provide employers with assurance that an individual is knowledgeable and qualified to perform the tasks required of them. Certifications can also demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development, as well as a dedication to staying up-to-date on relevant industry trends and standards. By having certifications, product safety engineers can stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to be successful in the role. Additionally, certifications may enable product safety engineers to work in larger corporations or for clients who require specific certifications for their projects.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Product Safety Engineers and explain how they can contribute to a product safety engineer's career.

What are Product Safety Engineer Certifications?

Product safety engineer certification is a form of professional accreditation that helps to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of product safety engineering. It is typically awarded after an individual has completed a series of courses, taken exams, and had their work reviewed by a board of experts in the field. This type of certification can help individuals demonstrate their qualifications for employment or advancement in the product safety engineering field. It can also provide employers with confidence that they are hiring qualified professionals who understand the principles and regulations necessary to ensure safe products. In addition, having this type of certification may be beneficial when applying for certain positions or advancing within a company as it shows that an individual is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest standards and regulations pertaining to product safety.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for product safety engineer certification before beginning the application process. This includes understanding the experience and educational qualifications needed, as well as any other requirements for achieving certification. Additionally, it is important to note that some organizations may require additional certifications or certifications from specific institutions in order to be eligible for certain positions.

Related: What does a Product Safety Engineer do?

Top 10 Product Safety Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Product Safety Engineers today.

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification granted by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP is the highest level of safety professional certification available in the United States. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate competency and knowledge in the practice of safety management.

To become a CSP, an individual must have at least four years of full-time safety experience, pass an exam, and meet other requirements set by the BCSP. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazard recognition and control, safety program management, occupational health, and environmental protection.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first apply for eligibility through BCSP's website. Once approved for eligibility, applicants can register for the exam and pay a fee of $450. The exam itself takes about four hours to complete.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will be awarded their CSP designation from BCSP. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education units (CEUs) or taking another exam.

2. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who specializes in the prevention of occupational illnesses and injuries through the identification, evaluation, and control of workplace hazards. CIHs are experts in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling potential health hazards associated with industrial processes, materials, and products. They also develop strategies to reduce or eliminate hazardous exposures in the workplace.

To become a CIH requires a combination of education and experience. The minimum educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of relevant work experience to be eligible for certification.

To obtain the CIH credential, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as air sampling techniques, ventilation systems, toxicology principles, noise control methods, radiation protection principles, ergonomics principles, hazard communication programs, personal protective equipment selection criteria and more.

The cost for taking the ABIH exam varies depending on when you register for it but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. After passing the exam and meeting all other requirements for certification, applicants must pay an annual fee to maintain their credential which is currently set at $150 USD per year.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification granted by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE credential is highly sought after by employers and demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform quality engineering roles.

The CQE certification process typically takes between 3-6 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of quality engineering principles and practices. In addition to the exam, applicants must have at least eight years of relevant work experience in quality engineering or related fields.

The cost of obtaining the CQE certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose with ASQ. The basic membership fee is $150 USD and includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as discounts on other products and services. Additional fees may be required if you choose to enroll in a review course or take additional practice exams.

4. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the management of hazardous materials. CHMM certification is awarded by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The CHMM credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and competency in hazardous materials management.

To obtain the CHMM certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with at least 24 semester hours of coursework in environmental safety and health topics, such as hazardous materials management, environmental law, industrial hygiene, occupational safety and health, environmental science, or related fields. In addition to educational requirements, applicants must also have at least three years of full-time experience in hazardous materials management within the past 10 years.

The process for obtaining the CHMM certification involves completing an application form and submitting it to IHMM along with documentation verifying educational background and work experience. Once the application is approved by IHMM staff, applicants are eligible to take the CHMM exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of hazardous materials management. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants are awarded their CHMM certification.

The cost for obtaining a CHMM certification varies depending on whether you are already an IHMM member or not. For non-members, the total cost is $625 USD; this includes a $100 application fee and a $525 examination fee. For members of IHMM, the total cost is $475 USD; this includes a $75 application fee and a $400 examination fee.

In total it can take up to several months to obtain your CHMM certification depending on when you submit your application and how quickly you complete your exam preparation process.

5. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional certification offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in fire protection engineering, fire prevention, and related disciplines. The CFPS credential is sought after by employers in the fire protection industry, as it demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and provides assurance that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job effectively.

The CFPS program consists of three parts: a written exam, an oral examination, and a work experience requirement. The written exam covers topics such as fire protection engineering principles, fire dynamics, building construction, hazard analysis, code enforcement and more. The oral examination tests an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Finally, applicants must demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience in order to be eligible for certification.

To become certified as a CFPS requires passing all three parts of the program. The written exam can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center or through online proctoring services. The oral examination is administered by NFPA staff or designees at select locations throughout the United States.

The cost for becoming certified as a CFPS varies depending on the applicant's location and other factors. Generally speaking, the total cost for taking all three parts of the program ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

6. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certificate Program

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certificate Program is a professional development program that provides safety professionals with the opportunity to gain recognition for their knowledge and expertise in the field of safety. The program consists of three levels: Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), and Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP).

The CSP certification is the most advanced level and requires a minimum of four years of documented safety experience, plus a passing score on the CSP examination. This certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years. The ASP certification requires two years of documented safety experience, plus a passing score on the ASP examination. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years. The GSP certification requires one year of documented safety experience, plus a passing score on the GSP examination. This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years.

To get an ASSP certificate, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for each level of certification. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to take the exam by submitting an application to ASSP along with all required documentation and fees. After your application has been approved, you will be given access to study materials and information about upcoming exams. You will then need to register for an exam date and pay any applicable fees. Once you have completed your exam, your results will be sent to ASSP within four weeks, at which point they will review your results and issue your certificate if you passed.

The cost of getting an ASSP certificate depends on which level of certification you are seeking as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exam or renewing your certificate after it expires. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100-$400+ depending on which level of certification you are seeking and whether or not you need to take additional courses or exams in order to qualify for that particular level.

7. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) Certification

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) certification is a professional designation offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The OHST certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the occupational health and safety field.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the requirements for OHST certification. To become certified, applicants must demonstrate that they possess a minimum of two years of full-time experience in occupational health and safety practice, as well as pass an exam administered by BCSP. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of their education background related to safety practices or hold an Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential.

The cost of obtaining OHST certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for application fees and exam fees combined. Additionally, there may be other associated costs such as study materials or travel expenses if an applicant needs to take the exam at a testing center outside of their area.

8. American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certification

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to industrial hygienists in the United States and Canada. The ABIH Certification Program is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of industrial hygiene. Industrial hygienists are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards related to physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic agents.

It takes approximately two years to complete the certification process. The first step is to become eligible by meeting the educational and experience requirements set forth by ABIH. This includes having an accredited degree in industrial hygiene or a related field such as occupational health and safety, environmental science, or engineering and at least four years of relevant professional experience. Once eligibility has been established, applicants must pass an exam administered by ABIH which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as hazard recognition and control methods, sampling techniques, regulations and standards, safety management systems, and communication skills.

The cost of obtaining ABIH Certification varies depending on the type of application submitted. For example, the fee for a standard application is $450 while the fee for an expedited application is $650. Additional fees may apply if additional exams are required or if recertification is necessary after five years.

Overall, obtaining ABIH Certification can be a lengthy process but it provides valuable recognition for those who wish to pursue a career in industrial hygiene or demonstrate their knowledge in this field.

9. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certifications

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that is responsible for protecting human health and the environment. The EPA has established a certification program to ensure that products and services meet the highest standards of environmental protection.

EPA certifications are voluntary, third-party certifications that demonstrate compliance with specific environmental regulations or standards. To obtain EPA certification, companies must submit documentation and data to prove their product or service meets the requirements set forth by the EPA. This process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the application and how quickly all required information is provided.

To get an EPA certification, companies must first identify which type of certification they need based on their product or service. Once identified, they must submit an application along with any required supporting documents such as test results, product specifications, etc. Companies may also be required to pay a fee for processing or inspection costs associated with obtaining EPA certification. Fees vary depending on the type of certification being sought and can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Once all documentation is submitted and fees are paid, an inspector will review the materials and determine if all requirements have been met in order for a company to receive its EPA certification. If approved, companies will receive their official certificate which must be displayed prominently at their place of business in order to demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations.

10. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-Certified Respirator Fit Tester

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-Certified Respirator Fit Tester is a certification program that allows individuals to be certified as fit testers for respirators. This certification is needed in order to ensure that workers are properly fitted with the correct respirator. The certification process involves completing a training course, passing an exam, and demonstrating proficiency in fit testing.

The training course typically takes about two days and includes topics such as OSHA regulations, respirator types and selection, fit testing methods, and recordkeeping requirements. The exam consists of both written and practical components. After passing the exam, applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in fit testing by performing a number of tests on volunteers or employees wearing respirators.

To obtain NIOSH-Certified Respirator Fit Tester certification, applicants must complete the training course offered by an approved provider such as an employer or educational institution. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but can range from $100 to $500 per person. Once certified, individuals will need to renew their certification every three years by taking a refresher course or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Product Safety Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of product safety engineering you are interested in pursuing. For some positions, a Product Safety Engineer Certificate may be helpful or even required. However, if the position you are seeking does not require it, then it is not necessary to obtain one.

In general, a Product Safety Engineer Certificate is beneficial for those who want to specialize in product safety engineering and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. It can also serve as a way to set yourself apart from other job applicants and show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to increase your knowledge and become more qualified for certain positions.

It is important to note that many companies do not require a formal certificate in order to work as a product safety engineer. Instead, they may prefer experience or other qualifications such as an engineering degree or certification from another organization. Additionally, depending on the company and type of position you are applying for, specific industry experience or certifications might be required.

Ultimately, if you feel like obtaining a Product Safety Engineer Certificate would benefit your career goals, then it could be worth pursuing. However, if there is no requirement for one or it would not benefit your career goals significantly enough to justify the cost and effort involved in obtaining it, then it may not be necessary for you.

Related: Product Safety Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Product Safety Engineer Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Product Safety Engineer?

Answer: You will typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field such as industrial engineering or physics, with an emphasis on product safety engineering. In addition, some employers may require professional certifications from organizations such as the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) or the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI).

2. How do I obtain a Product Safety Engineering Certification?

Answer: You can obtain certification by completing an accredited program such as ASSE's Certified Professional in Product Safety (CPPS), or IAEI's Certified Electrical Inspector Program (CEIP). You will also need to pass an exam and meet other requirements specific to each certification program.

3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Product Safety Engineering Certification?

Answer: Yes, you will typically need at least two years of work experience in product safety engineering before you can apply for certification. Additionally, some certifying bodies may require you to have completed an approved course in product safety engineering prior to taking the certification exam.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Product Safety Engineering Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain a product safety engineering certification varies depending on the certifying body and type of program chosen. Some programs may require up to two years of study and preparation before taking the certification exam, while others may be completed in only several months’ time.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Product Safety Engineering Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that you complete regular continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification status. This is done in order to ensure that certified engineers stay up-to-date on industry standards and best practices for product safety engineering.