Top 10 Safety Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a safety supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field. They also demonstrate that the individual has taken the time to seek out additional training and education, which can be an attractive quality to employers. Additionally, certifications provide validation of an individual’s qualifications and experience, which can help them stand out from other applicants. Finally, having certifications may make a safety supervisor more eligible for promotion or higher salary opportunities.

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

What are Safety Supervisor Certifications?

Safety supervisor certification is a type of credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to workplace safety and their ability to effectively lead and manage safety programs. By completing a certification program, individuals learn the necessary skills to create and maintain a safe working environment for employees. This includes understanding how to identify hazards, assess risks, plan for safety, implement safety measures, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. With this knowledge, professionals can develop effective strategies for preventing accidents and injury in the workplace.

Safety supervisor certification can help employers by providing staff with the necessary skills to reduce their risk of liability associated with workplace injuries. It also helps ensure that supervisors are properly equipped to lead safety initiatives in the workplace. Completing a certification program also offers individuals the opportunity to advance their careers by demonstrating their commitment to workplace safety through credentials. With this certificate, they can become more competitive in the job market when seeking new positions or promotions within their current organization.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the safety supervisor certification requirements in your state or province before enrolling in any certification program. It is important to ensure that the program you choose meets the necessary criteria and covers all aspects of safety supervision.

Related: What does a Safety Supervisor do?

Top 10 Safety Supervisor Certifications

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

1. OSHA 10-Hour Safety Supervisor Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Safety Supervisor Certification is a certification program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It provides supervisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, reduce, and prevent workplace hazards. The 10-hour course covers topics such as hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, accident investigation, personal protective equipment, fire safety, machine guarding, electrical safety, ergonomics and more.

The OSHA 10-Hour Safety Supervisor Certification program typically takes two days to complete. During the course of instruction, participants will receive an overview of OSHA standards and regulations related to their industry. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final exam, participants will receive an official OSHA 10-Hour Safety Supervisor Certificate.

To get certified in OSHA 10-Hour Safety Supervisor Certification you must first register for a class through an approved provider. There are many providers offering this certification online or in person. Prices vary depending on the provider but typically range from $100 - $200 USD.

Once you have registered for a class you will need to attend all sessions and pass a final exam in order to receive your certificate. After receiving your certificate you may be required to renew it every three years depending on your employer’s requirements.

2. National Safety Council (NSC) Certified Safety Supervisor

The National Safety Council (NSC) Certified Safety Supervisor (CSS) is a certification program that provides safety professionals with the knowledge and skills to identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards. The program is designed for safety supervisors or those who have been assigned safety responsibilities in their organization. It is a comprehensive course that covers topics such as hazard recognition, risk assessment, incident investigation, ergonomics, emergency preparedness and response, and occupational health and safety regulations.

The NSC Certified Safety Supervisor program takes approximately four days to complete. It consists of two days of classroom instruction followed by two days of hands-on training in a simulated work environment. Participants must pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive certification.

To get certified as an NSC Certified Safety Supervisor, individuals must first register for the course online or by phone. Once registered, they will be sent a study guide and materials to prepare for the exam. After completing the course and passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, participants will receive their official certification from the NSC indicating they are now an NSC Certified Safety Supervisor.

The cost of becoming an NSC Certified Safety Supervisor varies depending on where you take the course but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

3. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certified Safety Supervisor

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Certified Safety Supervisor is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in safety management. This certification provides employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skills to effectively manage safety programs.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the requirements for the ASSP Certified Safety Supervisor certification. The requirements include completing an application, passing a written examination, and providing evidence of at least two years of full-time safety experience or equivalent part-time experience.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application with proof of their qualifications. Once approved, applicants must pass a written exam administered by ASSP. The exam covers topics such as accident prevention, hazard recognition and control, emergency response planning, occupational health and safety regulations, and more. After successfully passing the exam, applicants must provide evidence of their safety experience in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the ASSP Certified Safety Supervisor program varies depending on whether you are an ASSP member or non-member. For members, the cost is $200 plus a $50 application fee; for non-members it is $250 plus a $50 application fee.

4. Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) Certified Safety Supervisor

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) Certified Safety Supervisor (CSS) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in hazardous materials management. The certification program is designed to provide employers with assurance that their safety supervisors have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage hazardous materials operations.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as hazardous materials regulations, safety policies and procedures, emergency response planning, waste management practices, and risk assessment techniques. After completing the training program, applicants must pass a written examination administered by IHMM.

The training program typically takes three days to complete and costs approximately $1,500 for tuition and fees. Once an applicant has successfully completed the training program and passed the written exam, they will receive their CSS certification from IHMM. The cost of the exam is not included in the tuition fee and must be paid separately.

Once certified, CSSs are required to renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the written examination. Renewal fees vary depending on how many credits are earned or if a retake of the written examination is required.

5. Environmental Health and Safety Professional (EHSP) Certification

Environmental Health and Safety Professional (EHSP) Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in environmental health and safety. It is designed to validate the competency of individuals who work in the field of environmental health and safety.

The EHSP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the field, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. The certification process includes passing an exam that covers topics such as hazardous materials management, safety regulations, emergency response planning, and risk assessment.

The EHSP certification typically takes about two months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of education and experience. Once accepted, applicants can register for the exam through the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The exam fee is $225 for NEHA members and $275 for non-members.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their official EHSP certificate from NEHA. This certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal fees are $175 for NEHA members and $225 for non-members.

6. International Board of Environmental Health and Safety Management Systems (IBEHSMS) Certified Safety Supervisor

The International Board of Environmental Health and Safety Management Systems (IBEHSMS) Certified Safety Supervisor is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage safety in their organizations. It is designed for supervisors, managers, and other personnel responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining safety programs.

The IBEHSMS Certified Safety Supervisor program consists of an online course that covers topics such as safety management systems, hazard identification and control, incident investigation techniques, emergency response planning, occupational health and safety regulations, risk assessment techniques, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an official IBEHSMS Certificate of Completion.

The course typically takes about 8-12 hours to complete. To get certified as a Safety Supervisor through IBEHSMS you must first complete the online course. Once you have completed the course you can then apply for certification by submitting your application form along with a copy of your certificate of completion to IBEHSMS.

The cost for the IBEHSMS Certified Safety Supervisor program is $195 USD plus applicable taxes.

7. National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) Certified Environmental Health & Safety Supervisor

The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) Certified Environmental Health & Safety Supervisor (CEHSS) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of environmental health and safety. The CEHSS certification is designed to provide supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage their staff and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

It typically takes up to two years to obtain the CEHSS certification. To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved training program and pass an examination administered by NAEP. Applicants must also demonstrate at least three years of experience in the field of environmental health and safety management.

The cost for obtaining the CEHSS certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,500-$5,000 USD.

In addition to completing the required training and passing the exam, applicants must also maintain their certification through continuing education activities every three years in order to remain certified.

8. American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Certified Industrial Hygienist

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential is a professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of the science and practice of industrial hygiene. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and proficiency in the field of industrial hygiene. The CIH credential is recognized by employers and regulatory agencies as an indication of expertise in the field.

To become a CIH, candidates must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive exam administered by AIHA. Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene or related sciences from an accredited college or university, plus four years of full-time experience in the practice of industrial hygiene. Candidates with less than four years of experience may be eligible if they have additional education or training relevant to the practice of industrial hygiene.

The cost for taking the CIH exam varies depending on whether you are an AIHA member or non-member. For members, the cost is $375; for non-members it is $575. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering all aspects of industrial hygiene such as chemical safety, ventilation systems, ergonomics, radiation protection, hazardous materials management, air sampling techniques, noise control engineering, occupational health programs and more. The total time allotted for completing the exam is four hours.

Once you have passed the exam, you will need to submit an application to AIHA along with verification documents demonstrating your educational background and work experience in order to receive your CIH certification. After your application has been approved by AIHA’s Certification Board, you will be awarded your CIH certificate and can use the designation “CIH” after your name when referring to yourself professionally.

9. International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Accredited Instructor

The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Accredited Instructor is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills to effectively develop, deliver, and evaluate instruction in continuing education and training programs. The IACET Accredited Instructor designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the IACET Accredited Instructor Program.

To become an IACET Accredited Instructor, applicants must meet certain criteria including:

• Completion of the IACET Accredited Instructor Program;
• Submission of a completed application;
• Payment of the application fee;
• Satisfactory completion of a background check; and
• Demonstration of instructional design expertise through submission of lesson plans or other instructional materials.

The IACET Accredited Instructor Program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and a live virtual workshop. The online course covers topics such as instructional design principles, adult learning theory, assessment strategies, and more. The live virtual workshop provides an opportunity for participants to apply their knowledge by designing a lesson plan that meets IACET standards. The program takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

The cost for the program is $395 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials, participation in the live virtual workshop, and one year of membership in IACET with all its benefits. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an official IACET Accredited Instructor certificate as well as digital badges for use on professional websites or social media profiles.

10. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Protection Technician

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Protection Technician is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively install, inspect, test, maintain, repair and operate fire protection systems. The NFPA Fire Protection Technician certification is recognized by employers across the United States as a sign of competency in the field.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the requirements for the NFPA Fire Protection Technician certification. To become certified, individuals must first pass an exam administered by the NFPA. This exam covers topics such as fire prevention principles, codes and standards, fire protection system components, system design and installation techniques, inspection techniques and maintenance procedures. Once the exam has been passed successfully, individuals must then complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their certification status.

The cost of taking the NFPA Fire Protection Technician exam varies depending on where you take it; however it typically ranges from $100-$200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with completing continuing education courses in order to maintain certification status.

Do You Really Need a Safety Supervisor Certificate?

The short answer is yes. Even if you do not plan to work in a safety-related field, having a Safety Supervisor Certificate can be beneficial for anyone looking to advance their career. This certification demonstrates your commitment to safety and knowledge of safety regulations, which can open the door to better job opportunities and higher pay.

Having a Safety Supervisor Certificate shows potential employers that you are serious about safety and willing to take the initiative to become certified in safety practices. It also proves that you are knowledgeable and capable of managing the safety requirements of any workplace. Certification also demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn how to identify hazards and develop effective strategies for preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace.

In addition, having a Safety Supervisor Certificate may help you get hired more quickly than someone who does not have this certification. Employers may view a person with this certification as being more qualified than someone without it, making them stand out from other applicants. Furthermore, some employers prefer candidates with a Safety Supervisor Certificate because they know that these individuals are committed to following all applicable safety regulations and procedures.

Finally, having a Safety Supervisor Certificate may even provide additional benefits such as discounts on insurance premiums or access to specialized training programs. These benefits can be extremely valuable for those seeking advancement in their careers or who want to make sure they stay up-to-date on the latest industry developments.

In conclusion, having a Safety Supervisor Certificate is definitely worth considering if you are looking for ways to advance your career or gain an edge over other job seekers. This certification provides tangible evidence of your dedication to safety and understanding of regulations, making it an invaluable tool for anyone hoping to increase their professional value and secure better job opportunities.

Related: Safety Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Safety Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Safety Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Safety Supervisor Certification is a certificate that recognizes an individual's knowledge and skills in workplace safety, health and environmental management. It demonstrates their ability to identify, assess and manage risks associated with the workplace environment.

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

Answer: To become certified as a Safety Supervisor, you must complete an accredited safety supervisor training program and pass a certification exam. Some employers may also require additional on-the-job experience or continuing education courses.

3. What are the benefits of having a Safety Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Having a Safety Supervisor Certification provides recognition of your expertise in workplace safety and demonstrates your commitment to creating safe working environments for everyone involved. It can also give you an edge when applying for jobs and help you command higher salaries in the industry.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Safety Supervisor?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Safety Supervisor depends on the type of course you choose and how quickly you complete it. Generally, most courses can be completed in 6-12 months depending on your learning style and availability.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Safety Supervisor?

Answer: Yes, there are usually some prerequisites for becoming certified as a Safety Supervisor, such as having prior experience in health & safety or completing specific courses or qualifications related to the field. Check with your chosen training provider for more details about their specific requirements.