Top 11 Safety Officer Certifications

Certifications for safety officers are important in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's knowledge and commitment to safety standards and protocols. Employers want to be sure that their safety officer has the skills and qualifications necessary to protect their employees, customers, and property. Certifications also provide employers with confidence that the safety officer has a thorough understanding of industry regulations, employer policies, and best practices related to workplace safety. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements which help ensure that the safety officer stays up-to-date on industry changes and advancements.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Safety Officers and explains how they can help to advance a safety officer's career.

What are Safety Officer Certifications?

Safety officer certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have completed a program of study in safety management, safety engineering, and related disciplines. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of safety principles and practices, as well as their commitment to promoting workplace safety.

Having a certified safety officer on staff can be beneficial for any business or organization. These individuals are trained to recognize potential hazards and develop strategies for mitigating risks and preventing accidents. They are also able to provide guidance on the proper use of protective equipment and procedures for responding to dangerous situations. Certified safety officers are able to keep workers informed about changes in regulations or industry standards that could affect their work environment.

In addition, certified safety officers can help businesses save money by identifying areas where they may be overspending on safety resources or providing suggestions on how processes can be improved to reduce risk. They can also provide valuable insight into developing new strategies for improving workplace productivity while maintaining safe working conditions. Having a certified safety officer on staff can also improve employee morale by demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing safe working conditions for its employees.

Pro Tip: When considering a safety officer certification program, make sure to research the requirements of the program and verify that the provider is accredited. This will ensure that you are receiving quality training and certification from a reliable source.

Related: What does a Safety Officer do?

Top 11 Safety Officer Certifications

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

1. OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification

OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification is a voluntary program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is designed to provide safety and health training to workers in the construction industry. The 10-hour course covers topics such as fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and more. The 30-hour course covers additional topics such as excavation and trenching safety, materials handling, fire prevention, accident investigation and more.

The 10-hour course typically takes two days to complete while the 30-hour course usually takes four days. Both courses are offered online or in a classroom setting. Online courses can be completed at your own pace while classroom courses may require you to attend class for a certain number of hours each day.

To get OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification, you must successfully complete an approved training program from an authorized provider. You can find authorized providers on OSHA’s website or by contacting your state's OSHA office. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$300 for the 10-hour course and $150-$500 for the 30-hour course.

2. National Safety Council (NSC) Certified Safety Officer

The National Safety Council (NSC) Certified Safety Officer (CSO) program is a professional certification program that provides safety professionals with the knowledge and skills to help employers reduce workplace risks and create safe work environments. The CSO program is designed for safety professionals who want to advance their careers by demonstrating their expertise in safety management.

The CSO certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard identification, injury prevention, incident investigation, and safety management systems. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the field of occupational safety or a related field.

To apply for the CSO certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of experience and payment of the application fee ($225). After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email notification with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants will receive an email confirmation with further instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time. The cost of taking the exam is $400.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will be awarded a certificate from NSC recognizing them as a Certified Safety Officer (CSO). This certificate can be used to demonstrate expertise in safety management and can open up opportunities for career advancement within organizations that require a certified safety officer on staff.

3. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program that recognizes safety professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to practice safety at an advanced level. The CSP is one of the most respected and sought-after certifications in the safety profession.

The CSP certification process takes approximately three years to complete. During this time, applicants must meet certain qualifications, such as having a minimum of four years of safety work experience and passing a comprehensive exam. Applicants must also submit letters of reference from employers or colleagues who can attest to their professional competence in safety management.

To get started on the path to earning your CSP, you must first become an ASSP member and then apply for the CSP examination. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to complete two courses: Fundamentals of Safety Management and Professional Practices in Occupational Safety and Health. After completing these courses, you will be eligible to take the CSP exam.

The cost for taking the CSP exam is $495 for ASSP members and $595 for non-members. This fee covers all materials related to taking the exam including study guides, practice tests, registration fees and any other costs associated with taking the exam.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also fulfill continuing education requirements every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

4. Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is a professional certification for safety professionals. It is the first step in becoming a certified safety professional and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to safety. The ASP certification is designed to recognize those who have achieved a level of competency in the practice of safety, health, and environmental protection.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the ASP certification. To be eligible for the ASP certification, individuals must meet one of the following criteria: 1) have a bachelor's degree or higher in occupational safety and health or related field; 2) have at least four years of experience in safety, health, and environmental protection; or 3) have completed an approved BCSP program.

Once these eligibility requirements are met, applicants must pass a written exam administered by BCSP. The exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions covering topics such as hazard recognition, risk assessment, control methods, legal compliance, emergency preparedness and response planning, and management systems.

The cost for taking the ASP exam varies depending on whether you are a BCSP member or non-member. For members it costs $225 USD while non-members pay $325 USD. Additionally there is a $50 USD fee to apply for the exam regardless of membership status.

5. Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification program for individuals who have the knowledge and skills to manage hazardous materials safely and in compliance with applicable regulations. The CHMM credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge of hazardous materials management, including risk assessment, safe storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and emergency response.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the requirements for the CHMM credential. To become certified as a CHMM, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam administered by IHMM.

To get your CHMM credential, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set out by IHMM. These include: having at least four years of full-time work experience in hazardous materials management; completing at least 30 hours of approved continuing education; passing a comprehensive written examination; and submitting an application for certification along with applicable fees.

The cost for the CHMM credential varies depending on the type of program you choose. The basic program costs $500 plus applicable taxes, while the accelerated program costs $750 plus applicable taxes. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake any exams or submit additional documents during the process.

6. International Board of Environmental Health and Safety Auditors (IBEHS) Registered Environmental Health and Safety Auditor (REHSA)

The International Board of Environmental Health and Safety Auditors (IBEHS) Registered Environmental Health and Safety Auditor (REHSA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of environmental health and safety auditing. The REHSA credential provides assurance that an individual has the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to conduct effective environmental health and safety audits.

To become an IBEHS REHSA, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience in the field of environmental health and safety auditing or related fields, as well as passing a written examination administered by IBEHS. In addition, applicants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years to maintain their REHSA status.

The process for obtaining the IBEHS REHSA credential typically takes several months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application form along with required supporting documents such as transcripts, work experience verification forms, and other materials. Once this information is reviewed by IBEHS staff, applicants will be notified if they are eligible to take the written exam. After passing the exam, applicants will then receive their official certificate from IBEHS confirming their status as a Registered Environmental Health and Safety Auditor.

The cost for obtaining the IBEHS REHSA credential varies depending on factors such as location, but generally ranges between $500-$1,000 USD. This cost includes all associated fees such as application processing fees, examination fees, continuing education credit fees, etc.

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

The 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 recognizing signs of illness and injury, responding to medical emergencies, administering first aid, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). The certification is valid for two years.

To get the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, you must complete a course offered by the American Red Cross or an authorized provider. The courses are typically 8-12 hours long and include both classroom instruction and hands-on skills practice. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion from the American Red Cross or an authorized provider.

The cost of the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification varies depending on the location, type of course taken, and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $50-$200.

8. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Certificate

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Certificate is a professional certification program that provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate competence in fire prevention and safety. This certificate is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals in the field of fire prevention and safety.

The NFPA Fire Prevention Certificate is a self-paced program that can be completed in as little as 3 months. The program consists of six modules which cover topics such as fire science, building construction, hazardous materials, emergency planning, risk assessment and mitigation, and fire protection systems. Each module includes an online assessment that must be passed before moving on to the next module. Upon successful completion of all six modules, participants are awarded the NFPA Fire Prevention Certificate.

The cost for the NFPA Fire Prevention Certificate program varies depending on whether you choose to take the course online or attend an in-person seminar. Online courses typically range from $500-$1000 while attending an in-person seminar will cost around $1500-$2000.

To get started with the NFPA Fire Prevention Certificate Program, applicants must first register for the program through the NFPA website. Once registered, applicants will receive access to all six modules and assessments needed to complete the course. After completing all six modules and passing each assessment with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded their certificate from the NFPA.

9. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) Certification

Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated competency in the field of occupational health and safety. The OHST certification is a voluntary credential that requires successful completion of an examination administered by BCSP.

The OHST certification exam covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard recognition, accident prevention, emergency response, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, safety management systems, and environmental compliance. It also includes questions on legal requirements and standards related to occupational health and safety. To be eligible for the OHST certification exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in the field of occupational health and safety or a related field.

The OHST certification exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD for BCSP members and $495 USD for non-members.

To maintain their OHST certification status, certified individuals must meet continuing education requirements every three years. This involves completing 30 hours of approved continuing education activities during each three-year cycle. The cost for recertification is $50 USD for BCSP members and $100 USD for non-members.

10. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Part 48 Training Certificate

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Part 48 Training Certificate is a certification that verifies a miner has completed the required safety and health training for their job. This training must be completed before a miner can enter any mine or work in any mining-related occupation. The MSHA Part 48 Training Certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue.

To get an MSHA Part 48 Training Certificate, miners must complete an approved course that covers all aspects of safety and health related to their job, including topics such as hazard recognition, emergency preparedness, and accident prevention. The course typically takes around 40 hours to complete, but the exact length will vary depending on the type of mine and the specific safety requirements.

The cost of getting an MSHA Part 48 Training Certificate will depend on the type of course taken and the provider offering it. Generally speaking, courses range from $150 to $500 per person.

11. International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) Basic Healthcare Security Officer Certification

The International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) Basic Healthcare Security Officer Certification is a certification program designed to provide healthcare security officers with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform their duties effectively. The program includes training in areas such as legal issues, risk assessment, emergency response, access control, patient safety and security technology.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process. To begin the process, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with a fee of $150. Once accepted into the program, students will receive an online course that covers all of the required topics. Students must then pass a written exam to earn their certification.

Once certified, healthcare security officers are qualified to work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the country. They are expected to be knowledgeable about laws and regulations related to healthcare security as well as have strong communication skills and be able to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.

The IAHSS Basic Healthcare Security Officer Certification is an important step in ensuring that healthcare facilities remain safe for patients and staff alike. It is also a great way for individuals interested in entering the field of healthcare security to demonstrate their commitment to safety and professionalism.

Do You Really Need a Safety Officer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of work you are doing and your current level of safety training. Safety officers are responsible for ensuring that a workplace meets all applicable health and safety regulations, so if you are working in an environment where there is significant risk of injury or illness, then having a Safety Officer Certificate may be beneficial.

A Safety Officer Certificate can provide proof to employers that you have been trained in workplace safety procedures and can demonstrate your commitment to safe practices. It also shows that you have a good understanding of the risks associated with certain types of activities and how to prevent them from occurring. In addition, having this certification can help boost your credentials when applying for jobs or promotions in a safety-related field.

However, if you are already knowledgeable about safety procedures and have experience working in a safe environment, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a Safety Officer Certificate. In some cases, employers may require additional training before hiring someone for a safety officer role. It is important to research the requirements for any job you are applying for before making any decisions about whether or not to pursue further education or certification.

Related: Safety Officer Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Officer Certifications

1. What is a Safety Officer Certification?

Answer: A Safety Officer Certification is an official recognition of an individual’s understanding and proficiency in safety management principles and practices. It is awarded by a professional organization to those individuals who have demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities related to safety management.

2. What types of Safety Officer Certifications are available?

Answer: There are several different types of Safety Officer Certifications available, including Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Health and Safety Technologist (CHST), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), and Occupational Health & Safety Technologist (OHST).

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Safety Officer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Safety Officer will vary depending on the type of certification being pursued as well as the individual’s prior experience with safety management principles and practices. Generally speaking, most certifications can be obtained within a few months with the appropriate preparation.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Safety Officer?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Safety Officer provides many benefits including increased job security, higher wages, improved credibility among employers, and recognition within the industry for your expertise in safety management principles and practices.

5. Do I need any special qualifications or experience to become certified as a Safety Officer?

Answer: Depending on the type of certification being pursued, some special qualifications or experience may be required in order to obtain certification as a Safety Officer. However, most certifications do not require any specific prerequisites other than having basic knowledge and understanding of safety management principles and practices.