Top 11 Safety Manager Certifications

Certifications for safety managers are important in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to safety and provide employers with assurance that a safety manager has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage workplace safety. Having certifications also shows potential employers that the safety manager is up-to-date on industry standards and regulations, which can be beneficial when it comes to minimizing risk and ensuring compliance. Additionally, certifications can demonstrate to employers that the safety manager is capable of staying abreast of changes in the field, which can make them more attractive as a candidate.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Safety Managers and explain how they can help advance a safety manager's career.

What are Safety Manager Certifications?

Safety Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide safety professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage safety programs in their organizations. Through this certification, safety professionals can gain an understanding of how to develop, implement and maintain effective safety programs that meet or exceed applicable regulations. This certification also provides individuals with the ability to evaluate potential risks and develop appropriate strategies for reducing or eliminating those risks.

By obtaining a Safety Manager Certification, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in safety management and increase their value as an employee. Certified Safety Managers are able to effectively assess potential hazards and create strategies for minimizing those risks. They can also develop emergency response plans, conduct investigations into accidents and incidents, create training programs, emphasize workplace safety practices, and provide first aid when necessary. The certification also provides individuals with the knowledge needed to understand current regulations, standards and best practices related to workplace safety.

Overall, Safety Manager Certification helps individuals demonstrate their commitment to workplace safety and ensures that they have the skills necessary to protect employees from potential harm. With this certification, employers can rest assured that they are hiring qualified candidates who are knowledgeable about creating safe working environments for their staff members.

Pro Tip: When considering a safety manager certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly and ensure that it is accredited by an organization recognized by OSHA. Also, check to see if there are any prerequisites or continuing education requirements associated with the program. Finally, inquire about the cost of the certification and any additional fees associated with renewal or recertification.

Related: What does a Safety Manager do?

Top 11 Safety Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP is the highest level of safety certification available in the United States and is recognized as a symbol of excellence in the field of safety.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and agree to abide by BCSP’s Code of Ethics. It typically takes between two and four years to complete all the necessary steps to become certified.

In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in safety, health, environmental science, industrial hygiene or related disciplines; at least four years of full-time safety work experience; and 40 hours of formal safety training. Applicants must also pass the CSP Examination administered by BCSP.

The cost to apply for certification is $450 USD for members of BCSP or $650 USD for non-members. The CSP Examination fee is $450 USD for members or $650 USD for non-members. There are additional fees associated with maintaining your certification status over time.

2. Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a professional designation offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The ASP is designed to recognize safety professionals who have achieved a basic level of competency in the safety field. It is intended for those who are just beginning their careers in safety and health, or those who have been in the field for a few years but lack formal education or experience.

The ASP requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of safety principles, practices, and regulations. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazard recognition, accident investigation, risk assessment, and safety program management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become an ASP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of full-time work experience in the safety field or completing a BCSP-approved academic program related to occupational safety and health. You must also submit an application form and fee to take the exam.

The cost of taking the ASP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of BCSP or not. For non-members, it costs $395 USD; for members, it costs $295 USD.

3. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the field of industrial hygiene. Industrial hygienists specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that can cause illness or injury to workers. They are responsible for identifying potential health risks and developing strategies to reduce or eliminate them.

It typically takes two to three years of work experience and study to become a CIH. The process begins by completing an accredited program in industrial hygiene, safety, or environmental health sciences. After completing the educational requirements, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

To obtain certification, applicants must submit an application with proof of education and experience as well as payment of the required fees. The ABIH also requires applicants to complete continuing education credits every five years in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost for obtaining a CIH certification varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

4. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of occupational health and safety. OHSTs are responsible for identifying potential hazards, evaluating risks, developing strategies to reduce or eliminate hazards, and monitoring workplace safety programs. They may also provide guidance on emergency preparedness plans and compliance with applicable regulations.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for an OHST designation. The program includes courses in industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, ergonomics, environmental health and safety, risk assessment, and other related topics. To become certified as an OHST, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

The cost of becoming an OHST varies depending on the program you choose to pursue. Most programs require tuition fees and other associated costs such as textbooks and study materials. Some programs may also require additional fees for certification exams or membership dues with professional organizations such as BCSP.

Overall, becoming an Occupational Health and Safety Technologist requires dedication to learning the necessary skillset to ensure safe working conditions for employees in all industries.

5. Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)

Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) is a certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CHST certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge of safety principles, practices, and procedures related to construction work.

It takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for the CHST certification. To become certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having at least four years of safety experience in construction or a related field. Applicants must then pass an exam that covers topics such as hazard recognition and control, occupational health and safety regulations, accident investigation, and emergency preparedness.

The cost for the CHST certification varies depending on the type of application submitted. The full fee for an online application is $350 USD while the fee for a paper application is $400 USD. There are additional fees associated with late applications and re-exams.

6. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in managing hazardous materials. The CHMM certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). To become certified, individuals must demonstrate knowledge and experience in areas such as hazardous materials regulations, risk assessment and management, emergency response planning, and environmental compliance.

The process to become certified takes approximately 3-6 months. To get started, individuals must submit an application to the IHMM. Once the application is approved, they must pass a comprehensive exam covering various topics related to hazardous materials management. After passing the exam, applicants are required to submit proof of their experience in hazardous materials management before being awarded the CHMM credential.

The cost of becoming a CHMM varies depending on whether or not you are already an IHMM member. For non-members, it costs $650 for the exam fee and $200 for the application fee. For members, it costs $400 for the exam fee and $100 for the application fee.

7. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The CFPS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in fire protection engineering and related fields.

The CFPS program requires that applicants have a minimum of three years of documented experience in fire protection engineering, or a related field, and must pass an examination covering the NFPA’s body of knowledge for fire protection specialists. The exam consists of two parts: the written portion and the practical application portion.

The written portion consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as fire prevention, building codes and standards, fire dynamics, fire safety systems, and more. The practical application portion requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in the written exam by completing various tasks related to fire protection engineering.

It typically takes six months or longer to complete all requirements for the CFPS certification. To get started, you must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost to become certified as a CFPS depends on several factors including whether you are applying through a university or through NFPA directly. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified as a CFPS depending on which route you take.

8. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). The CRM designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in risk management. It is intended for professionals with a minimum of five years' experience in the field of risk management, and it requires mastery of both theoretical and practical aspects of risk management.

The CRM program consists of two parts: an online course and an examination. The online course covers topics such as financial markets, derivatives, enterprise risk management, operational risk management, credit risk management, and more. The examination tests the candidate's knowledge on these topics and also assesses their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The cost for the CRM program varies depending on whether you are taking the online course or the examination only. The cost for the online course is $1,995 USD and includes access to GARP's Learning Management System (LMS), which provides study materials and practice tests. The cost for the examination only is $595 USD.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CRM program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week.

9. Certified Environmental, Health & Safety Trainer (CET)

A Certified Environmental, Health & Safety Trainer (CET) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide instruction on environmental, health and safety regulations and best practices. The certification is provided by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

To become a CET, an individual must first complete an approved training program. This involves completing a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction and/or online courses covering topics such as hazardous materials management, air quality, water quality, and occupational safety. Once the training is completed, the individual must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by NEHA.

The cost of becoming a CET depends on the type of course taken. Online courses typically range from $500-$1000 while in-person courses can be more expensive. The exam fee is $200 for members of NEHA and $300 for non-members.

Once certified, CETs are required to renew their certification every five years by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits within that time period.

10. Registered Environmental Manager (REM)

Registered Environmental Manager (REM) is a professional credential offered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP). It is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and commitment to environmental management. The REM credential is designed for professionals in the field of environmental management, including those working in government agencies, private industry, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.

The REM designation requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of environmental regulations and their ability to effectively manage environmental programs. To be eligible for the REM credential, applicants must meet the following criteria: possess a minimum of five years of experience in environmental management; hold at least a bachelor's degree in an environment-related field; pass an examination administered by NREP; and submit three letters of recommendation from qualified professionals.

The process of obtaining the REM credential typically takes between four and six months. During this time, applicants must complete an application form, submit all required documents (including transcripts), take the exam, and receive approval from NREP. Once approved, applicants will receive their official certificate and be listed on the NREP website as a Registered Environmental Manager.

The cost to obtain the REM credential varies depending on the applicant's location and other factors. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1000 USD to obtain this certification.

11. Accident Investigation Certification Board (AICB).

The Accident Investigation Certification Board (AICB) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification to qualified accident investigators. AICB certification is recognized by employers as a mark of excellence in the field of accident investigation and safety management.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in accident investigation and safety management, and must pass a written exam administered by the AICB. The exam covers topics such as accident causation, investigative techniques, report writing, and safety management principles.

The process of obtaining AICB certification typically takes six to eight months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts or resumes. Once the application is approved, applicants can register for the exam and schedule a date for taking it.

The cost of obtaining AICB certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence and other factors. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400 to $600 USD. This fee covers the cost of the exam registration fee, study materials, and other administrative costs associated with becoming certified.

Do You Really Need a Safety Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a safety manager certificate to work as a safety manager. However, having one can be beneficial in certain circumstances and may even give you an edge over other applicants when applying for safety management positions.

Having a safety manager certificate can show employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the safety operations of their business. It also demonstrates that you’re serious about being a successful safety manager and have taken the time to invest in your professional development. Furthermore, it can help you stand out from other applicants who don’t have the same certification.

In addition to this, having a safety manager certificate can open up doors for further career advancement within the industry. It could lead to better job opportunities or even promotions within your current organization if they value the additional qualifications that come with having such a certification.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that while having a safety manager certificate may be advantageous in some cases, it isn’t essential for all roles. Ultimately, employers will still consider your experience and skills when making hiring decisions so it’s important to make sure these areas are up-to-date and relevant too.

Related: Safety Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Manager Certifications

Q1. What is Safety Manager Certification?

A1. Safety Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of safety management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have met the highest standards of excellence in safety management and can provide leadership and guidance to organizations on all aspects of safety-related issues.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Safety Manager?

A2. To become certified as a Safety Manager, you must meet certain requirements, such as completing a minimum number of hours of safety training and passing an exam administered by an accredited organization. After meeting these requirements, you will receive your certificate from the certifying organization.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Safety Manager?

A3. Becoming a certified Safety Manager provides several benefits, including increased knowledge and understanding of safety regulations, improved job prospects and higher salary potential, recognition from peers, access to exclusive resources and more career opportunities.

Q4. How long does it take to become a certified Safety Manager?

A4. The time frame for becoming a certified Safety Manager depends on the specific requirements set forth by the certifying agency or organization; however, it usually takes between one to two years to complete all necessary courses and exams required for certification.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with becoming a certified Safety Manager?

A5. Yes, there may be costs associated with becoming a certified Safety Manager; these may include fees for application processing, registration fees for exams or seminars, travel expenses if attending off-site training programs or conferences, etc..