Top 10 Safety Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a safety director in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to excellence and provide employers with proof that the applicant has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage safety programs. Certifications also allow employers to evaluate applicants based on their qualifications and expertise, rather than just their experience. This can help employers identify qualified candidates more quickly, which can save time and money during the hiring process. Additionally, certified safety directors often have higher salaries than those without certifications, making them attractive to employers who want to invest in high-quality employees.

This article reviews the top certifications for Safety Directors and explains how they can contribute to a safety director's career by providing knowledge, credibility, and professional growth.

What are Safety Director Certifications?

Safety Director Certification is a specialized program designed to help individuals become certified safety directors in the workplace. The certification is offered by a variety of organizations, including the National Safety Council and the American Society of Safety Professionals. This certification is intended for those who are already working in the field of safety and health, as well as those looking to move into this field.

The certification helps individuals gain a greater understanding of safety laws, regulations, and best practices. This knowledge can then be used to create safer work environments and reduce risks. Those who have earned safety director certification are better equipped to identify potential hazards before they become serious problems. They can also help ensure that employees follow all applicable safety standards and regulations.

Safety Director Certification also provides individuals with an understanding of how their decisions will affect the overall success of their organization’s safety program. By earning this certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to making sure that their organization has a safe working environment for its employees. This can help employers attract qualified applicants with experience in safety management, which could lead to improved employee morale and productivity.

In addition to providing recognition for successful professionals in the field of safety management, Safety Director Certification can also provide additional career opportunities for those who have completed it. Having this certification on your resume may make you more attractive to potential employers or even open up doors for advancement within your current company or organization.

Pro Tip: When seeking safety director certification, make sure to research the requirements and ensure that you have met all the necessary criteria. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes in safety regulations and guidelines in order to remain certified.

Related: What does a Safety Director do?

Top 10 Safety Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional credential offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP is designed to recognize safety professionals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the practice of safety. It is the highest level of recognition available for safety professionals.

To become a CSP, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive examination. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in safety, health, or environmental management or related field from an accredited college or university; four years of professional-level safety experience; and 40 hours of continuing education within the five years prior to application.

The CSP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as risk assessment, hazard control, program management, legal compliance, and communication. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $350 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, they will be awarded their CSP designation. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and must be maintained through continuing education credits earned during that time period.

2. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

The Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a professional certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a basic level of knowledge and understanding in the field of safety. The ASP certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to safety, their understanding of safety principles, and their ability to apply these principles in practice.

To become an ASP, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements. You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, plus one year of full-time safety experience or two years of part-time safety experience. You also must pass the ASP exam, which covers topics such as risk management, hazard recognition and control, legal compliance, and emergency response planning.

The ASP exam is administered by BCSP and can be taken online or in person at designated testing centers throughout the United States. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost for the exam is $225 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official ASP certification from BCSP.

In summary, becoming an Associate Safety Professional requires meeting certain educational and experience requirements, passing the ASP exam administered by BCSP, and paying a fee of $225 USD for the exam itself.

3. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional designation awarded by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). It is an internationally recognized certification for industrial hygienists who demonstrate mastery of the principles and practices of industrial hygiene. The CIH credential indicates that the holder has met the ABIH’s rigorous requirements for education, experience, and examination.

It typically takes applicants between two to four years to complete all of the requirements necessary to become a CIH. In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene or a related field, plus at least three years of full-time work experience in industrial hygiene. They must also pass an exam administered by ABIH.

To apply for certification, applicants must submit an application form, pay an application fee, provide proof of their educational qualifications and work experience, and pass the examination. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on factors such as whether you are already a member of ABIH or need to become one before applying for certification. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 in total fees to become certified as a CIH.

4. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the management of hazardous materials. This certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The CHMM certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the regulations, policies, and practices related to hazardous materials management.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all the requirements for the CHMM certification. The first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in a related field such as environmental science, occupational safety, or industrial hygiene. After completing this requirement, applicants must then pass a series of examinations administered by IHMM. These exams cover topics such as hazardous waste management, emergency response planning, and environmental regulations.

Once an applicant has passed all required examinations, they must submit an application for CHMM certification along with proof of their educational background and relevant experience in hazardous materials management. Once approved by IHMM, applicants will be awarded the CHMM designation.

The cost for obtaining the CHMM certification varies depending on factors such as geographic location and whether or not an applicant has previously taken any IHMM-administered exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 to become certified as a CHMM.

5. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) is a professional designation for individuals who specialize in the development, implementation, and management of safety programs. OHSTs are responsible for ensuring that workers are safe from hazards in the workplace, such as chemical exposure, hazardous materials, and other potential risks. They also monitor safety compliance and investigate accidents to determine their cause.

It typically takes two years of study to become an OHST. Most programs require students to complete courses in occupational health and safety regulations, risk assessment, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, hazard communication, and emergency planning. In addition to classroom instruction, students must also complete internships or field experience to gain hands-on knowledge of the profession.

In order to become an OHST, you must first meet certain educational requirements. You must have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field from an accredited college or university. You may also need to pass an exam administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for certification through BCSP.

The cost of becoming an OHST varies depending on the program you choose and any additional certifications you may need. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $2,000 - $10,000 per year depending on your program of choice. Additional costs may include books and materials as well as exam fees associated with certification.

6. Certified Construction Safety Technician (CCST)

Certified Construction Safety Technician (CCST) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in construction safety. The CCST certification is administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

The CCST certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as hazard recognition, safety management systems, legal compliance, and emergency response planning. To be eligible for the CCST exam, applicants must have at least four years of experience in construction safety or related fields.

The CCST exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $395. Candidates can register for the exam through the BCSP website or by calling their toll-free number. After registering, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online testing system and take the exam.

Once a candidate passes the CCST exam, they will receive their official certificate from BCSP within six weeks. The certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years in order to maintain active status as a Certified Construction Safety Technician.

7. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional certification program developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is designed to recognize and promote the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who have demonstrated mastery of fire protection engineering principles and practices.

The CFPS program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Master. The Associate level requires a minimum of two years' experience in fire protection engineering or related fields; the Professional level requires five years' experience; and the Master level requires ten years' experience. All levels require passing an examination administered by NFPA.

The CFPS program is open to anyone with an undergraduate degree in fire protection engineering or a related field. To become certified at any level, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as fire dynamics, building construction, fire detection and suppression systems, hazard analysis methods, risk assessment techniques, and code enforcement principles.

The cost for the CFPS exam varies depending on the level you are taking it for. The Associate level exam costs $200; the Professional level exam costs $400; and the Master level exam costs $600.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CFPS exams. During this time you should study material from NFPA's Fire Protection Engineering Handbook as well as other resources that cover topics such as building construction, fire dynamics, code enforcement principles, hazard analysis methods, risk assessment techniques, etc. Additionally, you may want to consider taking a review course offered by NFPA or another organization to help prepare you for the exams.

8. Certified Environmental Trainer (CET)

Certified Environmental Trainer (CET) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective environmental educators and trainers. The program was developed by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The CET program consists of two components: an online course, which provides comprehensive information on environmental issues, and a hands-on training session that focuses on how to effectively communicate environmental topics to diverse audiences. The online course takes approximately 12 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. The hands-on training session is typically held over one or two days and includes interactive activities such as role playing, case studies, and group discussions.

To become certified, you must complete both components of the CET program and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. You will also need to submit an application form with the appropriate fee ($250 for individuals or $500 for organizations). Once you have successfully completed all requirements, you will receive your CET certificate from NEEF.

The CET certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by completing additional training modules or attending refresher courses offered by NEEF.

9. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional designation offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in risk management and an understanding of best practices in the field. The CRMP program is intended for those who are currently working in, or aspiring to work in, risk management-related roles.

The CRMP program consists of three parts: a self-study course, a proctored exam, and a portfolio review. The self-study course provides an introduction to risk management principles and best practices, as well as detailed instruction on how to apply them. The proctored exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course. Finally, the portfolio review assesses your ability to apply what you have learned in practical situations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three components of the CRMP program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete the self-study course and prepare for the proctored exam and portfolio review.

To get certified as a CRMP, you must first register with GRMI and pay a fee of $1,495 USD. This fee covers all three components of the program: self-study course, proctored exam, and portfolio review. Once registered, you will be assigned an account manager who will provide guidance throughout your certification journey.

10. Registered Environmental Manager (REM).

Registered Environmental Manager (REM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in environmental management. REMs are responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of environmental management systems (EMS). They also provide guidance on regulatory compliance and advise organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact.

The process of becoming a Registered Environmental Manager involves taking an exam administered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The exam covers topics such as hazardous materials management, hazardous waste management, air pollution control, water pollution control, and emergency response planning. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and requires a passing score of 70%.

To become a Registered Environmental Manager, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience working in the field of environmental management or related areas; completing at least 24 hours of IHMM-approved continuing education credits within the past two years; and submitting a completed application form with supporting documentation. Once all requirements are met, you will receive your certification from IHMM.

The cost to become a Registered Environmental Manager varies depending on the type of certification sought. Generally speaking, it can range from $200 to $500 for the initial application fee plus any applicable continuing education fees.

Do You Really Need a Safety Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are applying for. If you are applying for a job that requires a safety director certificate, then yes, you do need one. However, if you are applying for a job that does not require a safety director certificate, then it may not be necessary.

Safety director certificates are typically required for positions such as health and safety manager, workplace safety coordinator, or other similar roles within an organization. These certificates demonstrate to employers that the applicant has the knowledge and skills necessary to keep employees safe in their workplace. This is especially important when dealing with hazardous materials or working in dangerous environments where there is an increased risk of injury or illness.

In addition to providing proof of knowledge and skill in safety management, having a safety director certificate can help boost your resume by showing potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further your professional development in this field. It shows that you are dedicated to learning about workplace safety and taking steps to ensure the well-being of those under your supervision.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a safety director certificate depends on the type of job you are applying for. If it is required for the position, then it is essential that you obtain one; however, if it is not required but could still be beneficial, then it may be worthwhile investing in obtaining one anyway.

Related: Safety Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Director Certifications

1. What is a Safety Director Certification?

Answer: A Safety Director Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in safety management and leadership. It is designed to give safety professionals the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage workplace safety programs, policies, and procedures.

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

Answer: In order to become certified as a Safety Director, you must meet certain qualifications, such as having a minimum of 5 years of experience in safety management or related field and passing an exam administered by an accredited certifying body.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Safety Director?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a certified Safety Director include increased job opportunities and salary potential, improved credibility within your organization, recognition from peers and employers for your commitment to safety excellence, and greater confidence in your ability to lead safety initiatives.

4. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required for maintaining your certification as a Safety Director. Typically this includes attending workshops or seminars on occupational health and safety topics as well as completing online courses or other forms of self-study related to the field of safety management.

5. Do I need any special training before taking the exam?

Answer: Although not required, it is highly recommended that you complete some form of pre-exam training prior to taking the exam for certification as a Safety Director. This could include attending workshops or seminars on occupational health and safety topics or completing online courses or other forms of self-study related to the field of safety management.