Top 10 Safety Advisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a safety advisor in the job market as they demonstrate expertise and knowledge in the field. Certifications provide evidence that the safety advisor is up to date on all relevant regulations, guidelines and best practices pertaining to workplace safety. Certifications can also give employers confidence that the safety advisor has the necessary skills and qualifications to provide accurate advice and guidance to ensure a safe working environment. In addition, certifications may be required by employers for certain positions or roles, making them an essential part of any job search.

This article reviews top certifications for Safety Advisors and explains how they can help to advance their career in the field of safety.

What are Safety Advisor Certifications?

Safety advisor certification is a program designed to help individuals acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to become an effective safety advisor. This certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to pursue a career in safety or health management, or for those who are already working in the field and want to further their knowledge and expertise.

The certification process typically involves completing an approved course of study that covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard communication, accident investigation, and workplace safety training. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will receive a certificate indicating their achievement of safety advisor certification.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants in the field by showing employers that they have the knowledge and experience necessary to promote safe work practices within their organization. It can also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to workplace safety, which is an increasingly important factor for many employers when making hiring decisions. Lastly, it provides a great opportunity for professionals already working in the field to expand their knowledge base and add value to their current positions.

Pro Tip: When selecting a safety advisor for certification, make sure to review their qualifications and experience. It is important to ensure that the safety advisor has the necessary expertise and knowledge to provide accurate guidance and advice on safety-related topics. Additionally, it is recommended to verify that the safety advisor is certified by an accredited organization and has up-to-date certifications in order to guarantee the best possible service.

Related: What does a Safety Advisor do?

Top 10 Safety Advisor Certifications

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

1. OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification is a training program designed to provide workers with safety and health information that can help them identify and reduce workplace hazards. The program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers basic safety topics such as hazard identification, personal protective equipment, fire prevention, electrical safety, fall protection, machine guarding, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a final exam to receive their certification.

The OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification typically takes about 10 hours to complete. It can be completed in one day or spread out over multiple days depending on the student’s preference. To get certified, individuals must register for the course through an approved provider such as OSHAcademy or 360training.com.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $50-$150 USD per person.

2. National Safety Council (NSC) Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

The National Safety Council (NSC) Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of safety. The CSP credential is designed to provide employers with assurance that their safety professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills to keep their workforce safe.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete the requirements for the CSP certification. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of four years of full-time safety experience, complete an approved safety course or program, pass a comprehensive exam, and maintain continuing education credits.

To get the CSP certification, applicants must first submit an application to the NSC along with proof of work experience and educational credentials. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then take and pass the comprehensive exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CSP designation.

The cost of obtaining the CSP certification varies depending on where you live and how you choose to pursue it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for all associated fees such as application fees, exam fees, course costs and continuing education credits.

3. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM)

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage safety in the workplace. The CSM designation is awarded to those who have successfully completed a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of safety management.

It typically takes 1-2 years to complete the requirements for the CSM certification. To become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of full-time safety experience and having completed an approved safety-related college degree or equivalent coursework. Applicants must also pass the ASSP Certified Safety Manager exam, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazard recognition and control, occupational health and safety regulations, emergency preparedness and response, and workplace safety audits.

The cost for the CSM certification varies depending on whether you are an ASSP member or nonmember. For members, it costs $350 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee; for nonmembers it costs $550 for both fees combined. Additionally, there are other fees associated with maintaining your certification such as continuing education credits and annual renewal fees.

4. American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of industrial hygiene. It is the highest level of certification available for industrial hygienists and is recognized internationally.

To become certified as a CIH, applicants must meet certain requirements which include: having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate science or engineering discipline; at least four years of full-time professional experience in the practice of industrial hygiene or a related field; passing an examination administered by ABIH; and completing continuing education credits every five years to maintain their certification.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete all the requirements necessary to become certified as a CIH. The cost for becoming certified can vary depending on the applicant's current educational background and experience. Generally, it costs around $1,100 USD to apply for the certification exam, plus additional fees for study materials and any other applicable fees.

5. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) Certification

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) Certification is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards. The OHST certification is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). This certification program is designed for individuals who are responsible for implementing safety programs in industrial, construction, or healthcare settings.

It typically takes about two years to complete the OHST certification process. Candidates must first pass an examination that covers topics such as hazard recognition and evaluation, safety management systems, occupational health and safety regulations, and emergency response planning. After passing the exam, candidates must complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education credits within three years in order to maintain their certification status.

To get certified as an OHST, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational health or safety-related field from an accredited institution; four years of full-time work experience in occupational health or safety; or a combination of education and experience totaling at least eight years. You must also pass the BCSP’s OHST exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of becoming an OHST can vary depending on your individual circumstances. The fee for taking the exam is $450 plus any applicable taxes. In addition to this fee, you may need to pay for course materials or continuing education credits if you choose to pursue them.

6. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Protection Technician Certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Protection Technician Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the fire protection industry. It is designed to provide employers with a means to identify qualified technicians and demonstrate their commitment to quality service.

To get this certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the fire protection industry, or have completed an NFPA approved training program. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the NFPA. The exam covers topics such as fire codes and standards, inspection and testing procedures, system design principles, and safety practices.

The certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete all necessary paperwork, take the exam, and submit their application for review by the NFPA. Once approved, applicants will receive their certificate in the mail within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$500 USD.

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

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification is a certification program that teaches individuals how to respond to and manage medical emergencies. It covers topics such as how to recognize signs of illness or injury, how to administer first aid, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). The certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by taking a refresher course.

To get certified, individuals must complete an in-person training course offered by the American Red Cross or an authorized provider. The course typically takes about six hours to complete and includes hands-on practice with a mannequin. After completing the course, participants must pass a written exam and demonstrate their skills in CPR and AED use.

The cost of certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $50-$100 per person.

8. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-Approved Respiratory Protection Program Administrator

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-Approved Respiratory Protection Program Administrator is a certification program that provides training to individuals who will be responsible for administering a respiratory protection program in the workplace. This certification is designed to ensure that those administering the program have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement, manage, and evaluate a respiratory protection program.

It typically takes about one month to complete the certification process. The first step is to complete an online application with NIOSH. Once completed, applicants must attend an in-person training session at an approved location. The duration of this training session varies depending on the type of respirator being used in the workplace. After completing the training, applicants must then pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining NIOSH-approved Respiratory Protection Program Administrator certification varies depending on the type of respirator being used in the workplace and the length of time it takes to complete the coursework and exam. Generally speaking, costs can range from $500-$1,000 USD per person.

Once certified as a NIOSH-approved Respiratory Protection Program Administrator, individuals must re-certify every three years by completing additional training or passing another written exam.

9. International Risk Management Institute’s Associate in Risk Management (ARM) Certification

The Associate in Risk Management (ARM) certification is an internationally recognized credential that provides risk management professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risk. The ARM program is offered by the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI), a leading provider of educational resources for the risk management industry.

The ARM program consists of three courses: ARM 54, ARM 55, and ARM 56. Each course must be completed within one year of starting the program. Upon completion of all three courses, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to earn the ARM designation.

To get started on the path to earning your ARM certification, you must first complete an online application form and submit it along with payment for the applicable fees. The total cost of the program is approximately $2,000 USD; this includes registration fees and exam fees.

Once you have been accepted into the program, you will receive access to IRMI's online learning platform which contains all of the materials needed to successfully complete each course. You will also be assigned an instructor who can provide guidance throughout your studies as well as answer any questions you may have about the material or exams.

Upon successful completion of all three courses and passing of the comprehensive exam, you will receive your official ARM certification from IRMI. This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed through continuing education credits or by retaking the comprehensive exam every five years.

10. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovator Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovator Certification is a certification program designed to protect public health by ensuring that individuals who work on pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities are trained in lead-safe work practices. This certification is required for contractors and other professionals who perform renovation, repair, or painting activities that may disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities.

The certification process typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete. To become certified, applicants must take an 8 hour training course from an EPA approved trainer, pass a written exam, and submit the completed application form to the EPA. The cost of the training and exam vary depending on the provider, but can range from $150-$300.

Do You Really Need a Safety Advisor Certificate?

Yes, if you are working in an industry that requires a safety advisor certificate, then it is important to obtain one. A safety advisor certificate indicates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a safe working environment for employees and customers. It also demonstrates your commitment to safety and compliance with regulations and laws.

The safety advisor certificate is designed to provide employers with assurance that they are hiring someone who can identify potential hazards, create strategies to mitigate risks, and educate employees on proper safety protocols. It also helps employers determine whether or not an individual has the appropriate qualifications for the job. In addition, having a safety advisor certificate can help you stand out among other job applicants when seeking employment in industries where this certification is required.

In order to obtain a safety advisor certificate, you must complete a course of study approved by your state’s occupational health and safety department. The course may include topics such as hazard identification, risk assessment, accident investigation, emergency response planning, fire prevention and protection training, hazardous materials handling procedures, OSHA standards compliance audits, ergonomics training, and more. After completing the coursework successfully, you will receive the certification from your state’s occupational health and safety department.

Overall, having a safety advisor certificate is beneficial for anyone who wants to work in any industry that requires this type of certification. It provides employers with assurance that they are hiring someone who has the knowledge and skills necessary to keep everyone safe on the job site while complying with relevant regulations and laws.

Related: Safety Advisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Advisor Certifications

1. What is a Safety Advisor Certification?

A Safety Advisor Certification is a credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of safety practices, regulations, and procedures. It is typically earned through a combination of formal education and extensive experience in the field of safety.

2. How do I become certified as a Safety Advisor?

In order to become certified as a Safety Advisor, you must first meet the qualifications set forth by the certifying body. This usually involves completing an accredited training program, passing an examination, and demonstrating your knowledge and expertise through practical experience in the field.

3. How long does it take to obtain Safety Advisor Certification?

The amount of time required to obtain Safety Advisor Certification varies depending on the level of certification desired and the certifying body’s requirements. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all necessary steps for certification.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining a Safety Advisor Certification?

Achieving a Safety Advisor Certification provides numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, greater credibility amongst peers, and more respect from employers. Additionally, being certified may also provide access to higher-level positions or specializations within safety-related organizations or industries.

5. How often must I renew my Safety Advisor Certification?

Renewal requirements vary depending on the certifying body but typically involve completing continuing education courses or demonstrating current competency in order to maintain certification status. For example, some certifying bodies may require renewal every two years while others may require renewal every four years or longer