Top 11 Safety Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for safety coordinators in the job market because they demonstrate a professional level of knowledge, experience and expertise in safety-related topics. In addition to providing employers with assurance that a safety coordinator is qualified for the position, certifications also show potential employers that the individual has taken initiative to expand their knowledge and stay on top of industry trends. Certifications can increase an individual’s competitiveness in the job market and open up opportunities for advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Safety Coordinators and explain how they can help in developing a successful career.

What are Safety Coordinator Certifications?

Safety coordinator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge, skills and abilities in safety management. It is offered by various organizations and is often required for certain safety positions or certifications. This certification helps to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary qualifications to serve as a safety coordinator in any workplace setting.

The safety coordinator certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage workplace safety. The certification requires individuals to understand and be able to apply principles of risk assessment, hazard identification, accident prevention, emergency response planning and other important topics related to occupational health and safety. Having this certification can help employers make sure they are hiring qualified personnel who have the expertise needed when it comes to managing workplace safety. It also helps employers ensure their workers are adequately trained in safe work practices and procedures, which can help reduce accidents, injuries and illnesses on the job. In addition, having certified personnel can help improve morale among employees since they know their employer takes their safety seriously.

Pro Tip: When considering a Safety Coordinator Certification program, be sure to look for one that offers comprehensive instruction in the areas of health and safety, risk management, and OSHA regulations. Additionally, make sure the program is approved by your state's Department of Labor or other relevant regulatory body.

Related: What does a Safety Coordinator do?

Top 11 Safety Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification that recognizes safety professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and competency in the practice of safety management. The CSP credential is awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the safety profession.

The CSP certification process involves completing an application, passing an exam, and meeting education and experience requirements. To be eligible for the CSP exam, applicants must meet certain criteria including having a bachelor’s degree in safety or related field, at least four years of professional safety experience, and 40 hours of continuing education credits within five years prior to applying for the exam.

The CSP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as occupational health and safety principles, hazard recognition and control methods, emergency preparedness planning, environmental health and safety regulations, industrial hygiene principles, ergonomics principles, workplace violence prevention strategies, risk assessment techniques and more. The exam is administered twice a year in April and October.

The cost to apply for the CSP exam is $250 plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once approved to take the exam, applicants will need to pay an additional fee of $395 plus any applicable taxes or fees. The total cost to become certified as a CSP is approximately $645 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The ASP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have attained a basic level of knowledge in the safety profession. This certification is intended for those who are new to the field or those who need to demonstrate their commitment to safety and health.

It typically takes four to six months of study and preparation to obtain the ASP certification. Candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as hazard recognition, risk assessment, safety management systems, and legal requirements.

The cost of obtaining the ASP certification varies depending on location and type of course taken. Generally, it costs between $400-$800 for the application fee, exam fee, and study materials.

In order to get certified as an Associate Safety Professional (ASP), you must meet certain criteria including: having at least one year of work experience in a safety-related field; completing an approved training program; passing the ASP examination; and paying all applicable fees.

3. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has been trained and certified to recognize, evaluate, and control workplace hazards that can cause injury, illness, or death. These hazards include chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic factors. The CIH uses scientific principles to identify hazardous conditions in the workplace and recommend corrective measures to help protect workers from these hazards.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become a CIH. This includes completing an accredited industrial hygiene program at an accredited college or university and passing the certification exam administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene or a related field with 12 semester hours of coursework in industrial hygiene topics.

The cost for taking the CIH exam varies depending on where you take it and whether you are a member of ABIH. Generally speaking, it costs around $750-$1000 USD for non-members to take the exam. There may also be additional fees associated with applying for certification or maintaining your certification status as a CIH.

In addition to taking the exam, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements before they can become certified as a CIH. Generally speaking, applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience in industrial hygiene or related fields prior to taking the exam.

4. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technologists (OHST) are professionals who specialize in the prevention of workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. They work to ensure that employees are safe and healthy while on the job by developing safety programs, conducting safety inspections, and providing training for workers about safe practices. OHSTs may also investigate accidents or incidents to determine their causes and recommend corrective actions.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become an OHST. Most colleges offer a two-year program leading to an Associate's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety Technology or a related field. After completing the degree program, individuals must pass a certification exam administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

The cost of becoming an OHST varies depending on the college or university you attend. Tuition costs can range from $5,000-$20,000 per year depending on the school you choose. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the BCSP certification exam which is currently $225 USD.

In addition to formal education and certification, most employers prefer that OHSTs have at least one year of experience working in occupational health and safety before applying for positions.

5. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the management of hazardous materials. The CHMM certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination administered by IHMM.

The CHMM certification requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in safety, health, environmental science, engineering or another related field. Applicants must also have at least three years of full-time work experience in hazardous materials management or related fields. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam with IHMM.

The CHMM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as hazardous materials regulations and compliance; hazard assessment and control; waste management; emergency response planning; storage, handling and transportation; and environmental protection.

The cost to take the CHMM exam varies depending on whether you are an IHMM member or non-member. For non-members, the fee is $400 USD plus a $50 application fee. For members, the fee is $300 USD plus a $50 application fee. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD for both members and non-members.

6. Certified Environmental, Health and Safety Trainer (CET)

A Certified Environmental, Health and Safety Trainer (CET) is a professional who has been certified by an accredited organization to teach environmental, health and safety courses. This certification is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to effectively deliver training programs in the areas of environmental, health and safety.

It typically takes approximately one year to complete the requirements for CET certification. The process includes completing a series of courses in environmental, health and safety topics such as hazardous materials management, occupational health and safety regulations, industrial hygiene, risk management, emergency preparedness and response, etc. In addition to coursework, candidates must also pass a written exam administered by an accredited organization.

To get certified as a CET you must first find an accredited organization that offers the certification program. You will then need to complete all of the necessary coursework and exams required by that organization. Once you have completed all of these requirements you will then be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Environmental, Health and Safety Trainer varies depending on which organization you choose to obtain your certification from. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD depending on the number of courses taken and other associated fees.

7. Certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)

Certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) is a professional certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to construction safety and health.

The CHST program requires applicants to meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of four years of full-time safety experience in the construction industry. Applicants must also have completed at least 24 hours of formal safety training or have an associate’s degree or higher in occupational safety and health.

In order to obtain the CHST credential, applicants must pass a two-part exam. The exam consists of a written portion and a practical application portion. The written portion covers topics such as hazard recognition, control methods, legal issues, accident investigation, and recordkeeping. The practical application portion tests an applicant’s ability to apply the knowledge they have learned in the written exam.

The cost for the CHST program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online or paper version of the exam. The online version costs $395 while the paper version costs $450. It typically takes about three months for an individual to complete all of the requirements for certification once they have applied for it.

8. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification awarded by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). The CRMP credential is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in risk management, including the ability to identify, assess, and manage risks.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CRMP program. To obtain the CRMP credential, candidates must pass an exam administered by GRMI. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and management. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in risk management or related fields.

The cost of the CRMP program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 for the entire program which includes registration fees and study materials.

9. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals with a comprehensive knowledge of fire protection principles and practices. The CFPS credential is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the fire protection profession.

The CFPS program consists of two parts: a written exam, and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as fire prevention, fire suppression systems, building construction, hazardous materials management, and emergency response planning. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of NFPA codes and standards in areas such as sprinkler systems, alarm systems, smoke control systems, and special hazard systems.

The entire CFPS program can be completed in approximately one year. To get started on the path to becoming certified, applicants must first complete an application form found on the NFPA website. Once approved for the program, applicants have up to 12 months to take both exams.

The cost of the CFPS program varies depending on where you take your exams; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. This fee includes both exams and any study materials required for successful completion of the program.

10. Certified Emergency Response Coordinator (CERC)

Certified Emergency Response Coordinator (CERC) is a certification program designed to provide emergency responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coordinate emergency response operations during a crisis. The CERC program is offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

The CERC certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to NIMS, Incident Command System (ICS), Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS), and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management. The courses are designed to teach participants how to effectively manage an incident or disaster from start to finish. Participants will learn how to create an effective incident command system, develop multi-agency coordination plans, and manage an emergency operations center.

The CERC certification program takes approximately 40 hours of instruction and testing time. This includes both online and in-person instruction. The cost for the entire course is $1,500, which covers all four courses, materials, and testing fees.

To become certified as a CERC, applicants must complete all four courses within one year of starting the program. Upon completion of all four courses, applicants must pass a final exam in order to receive their official certification from FEMA.

11. OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Certifications

OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Certifications are occupational safety and health training courses offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The 10-Hour course is intended for entry level workers, while the 30-Hour course is more comprehensive and designed for supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility.

The 10-Hour course takes approximately ten hours to complete, while the 30-hour course takes about 30 hours to complete. Both courses cover a variety of topics related to workplace safety, such as hazard communication, fall protection, electrical safety, confined spaces, personal protective equipment (PPE), machine guarding, ergonomics and more.

To get certified in either program, individuals must attend an approved OSHA training provider. There are many providers offering both the 10-Hour and 30-Hour certifications online or in person. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider; however, most providers charge around $100-$200 per certification.

Once an individual completes the course they will receive an official OSHA card that verifies their completion of the program. This card is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

Do You Really Need a Safety Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a safety coordinator certificate to be a safety coordinator. However, having this type of certification can make you a more attractive candidate for the position and can help you stand out from other applicants. It also shows that you are serious about your career as a safety coordinator and that you are committed to learning more about safety regulations, protocols, and best practices.

Having a safety coordinator certificate can also provide employers with the assurance that they have hired someone who is knowledgeable in the areas of safety compliance and risk management. The certificate will demonstrate your knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to occupational health and safety. Additionally, it will show that you have the skills necessary to implement an effective safety program in the workplace.

In summary, having a safety coordinator certificate is not necessary to be employed as a safety coordinator; however, it can be beneficial in helping you secure employment in this field. It will show potential employers that you are serious about your commitment to safety compliance and risk management as well as demonstrate your knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to occupational health and safety.

Related: Safety Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Safety Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Safety Coordinator Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of safety management. The certification demonstrates that the individual has met certain standards of excellence in safety management, such as understanding applicable regulations, developing effective policies and procedures, and training employees on safety topics.

2. How do I become a Certified Safety Coordinator?

Answer: To obtain a Safety Coordinator Certification, you must complete a certified program offered by an accredited organization or institution. These programs typically include courses in safety management, risk assessment, safety systems design, and emergency response planning. Once you have completed the program and passed any required examinations, you will receive your certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Safety Coordinator?

Answer: As a Certified Safety Coordinator, you can demonstrate to employers that you are knowledgeable about safety management principles and practices. This can help you stand out among other job applicants and give you an edge when negotiating salary or job duties. Additionally, having this certification may open up new opportunities for career advancement within the field of safety management or related areas such as industrial hygiene.

4. Is there an expiration date for the Safety Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require periodic renewal or recertification to maintain current status. The exact requirements vary depending on the issuing organization; however, many organizations require recertification every two years or so in order to remain valid.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Safety Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, yes - most organizations require that individuals have some prior experience in the field of safety management before they can be eligible for certification programs. Additionally, some organizations may also require proof of completion of specific educational courses related to safety management prior to applying for certification programs.