Top 11 Safety Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a safety consultant in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the safety consultant has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to do the job. Certifications can also help demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continuing education in safety-related topics. Additionally, certifications can provide assurance to employers that the safety consultant is up to date on industry standards and best practices. Finally, certifications can help differentiate a safety consultant from other applicants who may not have the same credentials or level of experience.

The article reviews the top certifications for Safety Consultants and explains how they can help to advance a safety consultant's career.

What are Safety Consultant Certifications?

Safety consultant certification is a credential issued by organizations such as the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in safety management and/or occupational health. It is an important element for any individual seeking to pursue a career in safety and health, as it provides tangible evidence of their knowledge and experience in the field. Employers often require safety consultants to hold this certification when they hire them, so having this credential can open up job opportunities that may otherwise not be available.

In addition to providing proof of expertise, safety consultant certification also offers other benefits to those seeking a career in safety and health. Having this certification indicates that the individual has met certain standards set forth by professional organizations, which can help them stand out among other applicants for jobs. Additionally, some employers may offer higher salaries or additional responsibilities to individuals with this credential due to their greater level of expertise. Finally, being certified demonstrates commitment to the profession and may provide opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field.

Pro Tip: When selecting a safety consultant for certification, look for an individual or organization that has a proven track record and the relevant qualifications to ensure that they are qualified to provide the best advice and services. Additionally, be sure to research their background and references in order to verify their experience and credentials.

Related: What does a Safety Consultant do?

Top 11 Safety Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is the highest level of safety certification available and is recognized worldwide.

The CSP credential is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of safety principles, practices, standards, regulations, and technology. To be eligible for the CSP credential, individuals must have a minimum of four years of safety experience in a professional capacity.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all requirements for the CSP credential. This includes completing an approved academic program or obtaining equivalent work experience in safety-related fields; passing an exam administered by BCSP; and meeting continuing education requirements every three years to maintain certification.

The cost for the CSP credential varies depending on the applicant’s background and experience. The fee for taking the exam alone ranges from $400-$600 USD. Other costs may include fees associated with submitting an application, obtaining transcripts or other documents needed for verification purposes, and any additional fees charged by BCSP for processing applications or maintaining records.

2. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who specializes in the identification, evaluation, and control of environmental hazards in the workplace. CIHs are experts in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards that can cause illness or injury to workers. They are responsible for developing strategies to protect workers from exposure to these hazards.

In order to become a CIH, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion includes questions on topics such as industrial hygiene principles, toxicology, sampling methods, and regulations. The practical portion involves hands-on activities such as air sampling and hazard recognition.

The amount of time it takes to become a CIH varies depending on the individual’s experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it takes approximately one year of full-time study to prepare for the exam. Individuals can also opt for part-time study if they have other commitments or cannot dedicate full-time hours to studying for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CIH depends on several factors including membership fees with ABIH and any additional courses or materials needed for preparation. In general, expect to pay around $2,000-$3,000 USD for all associated costs related to becoming a CIH.

3. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) is a professional certification for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of occupational health and safety. This certification is offered through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The OHST certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that an individual has the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to effectively manage workplace safety programs.

To become an OHST, individuals must meet certain requirements including: having a minimum of three years of experience in the field; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education related to occupational health and safety; passing a written exam; and submitting a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field.

The cost for obtaining the OHST certification varies depending on whether or not you are already certified by BCSP. For those who are not currently certified, there is an initial application fee of $250 plus an additional fee for each component of the exam ($150 for each part). The total cost can range from $450-$600 depending on how many components you need to complete.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for obtaining the OHST certification.

4. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to provide safety professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in their field. The ASP certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard recognition, safety management systems, and occupational health and safety regulations.

The ASP certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete. Candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements set by BCSP before registering for the exam. These requirements include having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in safety, health or environmental science from an accredited university or college; completion of at least two years of professional experience in safety; and completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education in safety-related topics within the last three years.

Once these eligibility requirements have been met, candidates can register for the exam online through BCSP’s website. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and costs $450 USD to take. After successfully passing the exam, candidates will receive their official ASP certificate within six weeks.

The cost of pursuing an Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification varies depending on factors such as study materials purchased, travel expenses incurred while attending seminars or conferences related to safety topics, and any other associated costs related to preparing for the exam. Generally speaking, it is estimated that obtaining an ASP certification will cost between $1,000-$2,000 USD.

5. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of fire protection engineering. The CFPS program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

It typically takes around two years to become a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. To obtain the certification, candidates must complete an approved fire protection engineering degree program or equivalent experience, pass an examination administered by NFPA, and meet other requirements as specified by NFPA.

To get started on the path to becoming a CFPS, you will need to register with NFPA and pay an application fee of $200. Once your application is approved, you will be given access to study materials and will be eligible to take the exam when it’s offered. The exam fee is $450 for members of NFPA and $550 for non-members.

Once you pass the exam, you will need to submit proof of continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain your CFPS certification. In addition, you may be required to pay an annual renewal fee of $50 for members and $100 for non-members.

6. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a certification program offered by the International Board of Environmental Health and Safety (IBOEHS). This credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of hazardous materials management principles and practices. The CHMM program requires a combination of coursework, experience, and passing an exam.

The CHMM program consists of two levels: the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager-In-Training (CHMMI-T). The CHMMI-T is for those who are new to hazardous materials management or are in the process of gaining experience in this field. The CHMM is for those who have achieved expertise in hazardous materials management.

To become certified as a CHMM, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in hazardous materials management, completing an approved 40-hour training course, and passing the IBOEHS exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit their application to IBOEHS for review and approval.

The cost to apply for the CHMM certification varies depending on the level chosen. For the CHMMI-T level, it costs $350 plus applicable taxes; for the CHMM level, it costs $500 plus applicable taxes. Both fees include access to online study resources and one attempt at taking the exam. Additional attempts at taking the exam cost an additional $100 each time.

It typically takes around six months from start to finish to become certified as a CHMM once all eligibility requirements have been met and an application has been submitted.

7. Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)

Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) is a certification program designed to provide safety professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to reduce hazards in construction sites. The CHST certification is administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

The CHST certification requires applicants to have a minimum of four years of safety experience in the construction industry. This experience must include a combination of both on-the-job and formal education in safety, health, or environmental management. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident investigation, OSHA regulations, and safety management systems.

The CHST certification process typically takes about two months to complete. During this time, applicants will need to submit their application form along with proof of their safety experience and any other required documents. Once these documents are approved, applicants will be scheduled for an exam date at one of BCSP’s testing centers located throughout the United States.

The cost for the CHST certification program varies depending on the number of years of experience you have in the field. The fee for applicants who have less than four years of experience is $500, while those who have more than four years can expect to pay up to $1,000 for the program.

8. Certified Environmental Trainer (CET)

Certified Environmental Trainer (CET) is a certification program designed to help individuals become more knowledgeable and proficient in environmental education. This certification program is offered by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). The CET program provides comprehensive training on the fundamentals of environmental education, including how to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, develop educational materials, and facilitate learning experiences.

The CET program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as environmental education principles, teaching strategies, communication techniques, and lesson planning. The in-person workshop focuses on hands-on activities and practice sessions for developing educational materials.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the CET program from start to finish. To get certified, you must complete both the online course and the in-person workshop. You must also pass a final exam at the end of the program.

The cost of the CET program varies depending on your location and whether or not you are eligible for any discounts or scholarships. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$700 USD to complete the entire certification process.

9. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). The CRMP program is designed to provide risk management professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risks in their organizations. It focuses on developing an understanding of risk management principles, processes, and best practices.

The CRMP program consists of three levels: Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Advanced Certified Risk Manager (ACRM), and Master Certified Risk Manager (MCRM). Each level requires completion of a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as risk identification, assessment, control, monitoring, reporting, communication, and governance.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all three levels of the CRMP program. However, some individuals may be able to complete the program in less time depending on their prior experience and knowledge.

To get certified as a CRMP you must first meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least five years of experience in risk management or related fields; have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field; have completed the required coursework; pass the examinations for each level; and submit an application to GRMI for review.

The cost of obtaining the CRMP certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing. For example, the cost for completing all three levels is approximately $3,000 USD while completing only the Certified Risk Manager level costs around $1,000 USD.

10. Certified Ergonomics Associate (CEA)

Certified Ergonomics Associate (CEA) is a certification program offered by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in ergonomics and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices of ergonomics. The CEA certification is available for both professionals and non-professionals.

The CEA program consists of two parts: an online examination and a practical assessment. The online examination covers topics such as ergonomic principles, design considerations, human performance, safety management, risk assessment tools, and other related topics. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply ergonomic principles to real-world situations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CEA program. Applicants must first register for the exam through BCPE’s website. Once registered, applicants can begin studying for the online examination using study materials provided by BCPE or purchased from third-party vendors. After passing the online examination, applicants must then complete the practical assessment within six months of passing the exam.

The cost of obtaining a CEA certification varies depending on whether you purchase study materials from third-party vendors or not. If you do not purchase any additional materials, it will cost approximately $400 USD to register for the exam and $200 USD for the practical assessment fee. If you choose to purchase additional study materials from third-party vendors, you may incur additional costs depending on which vendor you use.

11. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of auditing principles, techniques, and processes. The CQA certificate is recognized as the standard in quality auditing worldwide.

The CQA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam covers topics such as auditing fundamentals, quality systems, management responsibility, audit planning and preparation, audit execution and reporting, corrective action and follow-up, and statistical sampling.

To become a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time work experience in quality assurance or related fields; passing the CQA exam; and completing an approved education program or achieving a minimum score on an approved assessment test.

The cost to take the CQA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to register for the exam. This fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams and sample questions.

Do You Really Need a Safety Consultant Certificate?

Safety is an important part of any business, no matter the size or industry. As a result, safety consultants are highly valued and sought after in many industries. While there are no specific educational requirements for becoming a safety consultant, having a Safety Consultant Certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field.

In general, having a Safety Consultant Certificate will give you an edge over other potential candidates when applying for jobs. It demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about safety standards and regulations, as well as best practices in workplace safety. This can also help employers assess your ability to provide valuable advice and guidance on how to improve their current safety protocols. Additionally, it can be used to show that you understand the importance of workplace safety and are dedicated to keeping employees safe from harm.

Having a Safety Consultant Certificate may also provide opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field. This can be beneficial if you ever need additional resources or advice on any particular safety issues that arise in your work. Furthermore, it can open up doors to new opportunities such as speaking engagements at conferences or seminars related to workplace safety topics.

In conclusion, having a Safety Consultant Certificate is certainly an asset when looking for work in this field. It shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to learn more about workplace safety and have the necessary qualifications to offer valuable advice on improving their current practices. Additionally, it provides networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry and opens up new opportunities such as speaking engagements at conferences or seminars related to workplace safety topics.

Related: Safety Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Consultant Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a safety consultant?

Answer: To become a safety consultant, you must have a minimum of two years' experience in the safety field, possess a relevant qualification such as a degree in occupational health and safety or related fields, and obtain certification from an accredited safety consulting organization.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a safety consultant?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified as a safety consultant depends on the certifying organization and the type of certification you are seeking. Generally, certification can take anywhere from three months to one year.

3. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my safety consultant certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that you complete continuing education courses every few years in order to maintain your certification status.

4. What types of organizations offer safety consultant certifications?

Answer: There are several organizations that offer safety consultant certifications, including the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and International Association of Safety Professionals (IASP).

5. How much do safety consultants typically charge per hour?

Answer: The cost of hiring a safety consultant varies based on experience level and geographic location. Generally speaking, however, rates range from $75-$200 per hour depending on the complexity of the project or task at hand.