Top 11 Sanitation Worker Certifications

Certifications are important for sanitation workers because they demonstrate that the worker has completed specialized training and has the knowledge and skills needed to perform the job safely and effectively. Employers will often look for certifications when hiring new sanitation workers, as it shows that the worker is qualified to work in this field. Additionally, certifications can help sanitation workers stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of getting a job. In some cases, certifications may even lead to higher pay or better working conditions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Sanitation Workers and explain how they can enhance a sanitation worker's career.

What are Sanitation Worker Certifications?

Sanitation worker certification is an accreditation program designed to recognize workers for their knowledge and expertise in the field of sanitation. The certification is awarded by organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the American Public Health Association (APHA). It is designed to help ensure that sanitation workers are knowledgeable about current industry standards, procedures, and regulations. This can help them better perform their job duties and protect public health.

The certification program requires that sanitation workers demonstrate knowledge in a wide range of topics related to sanitation, including food safety and hygiene, hazardous materials handling, waste management, pest control, record keeping, and more. After completing the coursework required to earn their certification, workers must pass an examination administered by NSF or APHA in order to receive their certification.

Having sanitation worker certification can be beneficial for individuals looking to advance their careers in the industry. It can also help employers identify qualified applicants when hiring new staff members. In addition, having certified personnel on staff can help organizations meet regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.

Pro Tip: Make sure that your sanitation workers are properly certified before they start work. Certification ensures that they are aware of safety protocols, know how to properly handle hazardous materials, and understand the rules and regulations related to their job. Having certified sanitation workers on staff can help reduce liability and ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Related: What does a Sanitation Worker do?

Top 11 Sanitation Worker Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Sanitation Workers today.

1. OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Training

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Training is a program designed to provide workers with an understanding of the safety and health hazards they face on construction sites. The program covers topics such as fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, and more. It is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely in the construction industry.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Training course typically takes two days or 10 hours to complete. The course can be taken online or in a classroom setting at approved training centers across the United States.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50 - $200 per person.

To find an approved training center near you, visit osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction_10hr/.

2. Hazardous Materials Management Certification

Hazardous Materials Management Certification (HMMC) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to safely manage hazardous materials. HMMC is designed to help employers meet their regulatory requirements for managing hazardous materials and ensure the safety of employees, customers, and the environment.

The HMMC program consists of two parts: a written exam and an on-site assessment. The written exam covers topics such as hazardous material identification, storage, handling, disposal, emergency response planning, and environmental regulations. The on-site assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It typically takes about four months to complete the HMMC program. To get started, individuals must first register for the program by completing an application form and paying an application fee. Once registered, individuals will receive study materials and access to online practice exams to help prepare for the written exam. After passing the written exam, individuals will be eligible to take the on-site assessment.

The cost of obtaining HMMC certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

3. Certified Sanitation Worker (CSW)

A Certified Sanitation Worker (CSW) is a professional who has been trained and certified to perform sanitation tasks in commercial food establishments. The CSW certification program is administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

The CSW certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, pest control, and other related topics. The exam tests knowledge of food safety principles and practices.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the online course and pass the exam. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals must submit their application for certification along with a fee of $125. Once approved, they will receive their official certificate from NEHA.

The CSW certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. To maintain certification, individuals must complete continuing education credits every three years or retake the exam every five years.

4. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies products and services in the food, water, health science, and consumer goods industries. The NSF certification process is designed to ensure that products meet public health and safety standards. It also provides assurance to consumers that the product they are purchasing meets certain standards of quality.

To get NSF certification, a company must submit its product or service to the NSF for review. The review process typically takes between four and six weeks, depending on the complexity of the product or service. During this time, an NSF representative will evaluate the product or service against established criteria and guidelines. If all requirements are met, then the product or service will be certified by NSF International.

The cost of getting NSF certification depends on several factors such as type of product/service being certified, number of tests required for certification, etc. Generally speaking, companies can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for their initial application fee plus any additional testing fees associated with their product or service. Companies may also need to pay annual renewal fees in order to maintain their certification status with NSF International.

5. Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM)

A Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in food safety. The CFSM certification is administered by the National Restaurant Association and is recognized by many state and local health departments.

The CFSM certification requires an individual to pass an exam that covers topics such as food safety regulations, personal hygiene, food contamination prevention, pest control, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. To prepare for the exam, individuals can take a training course offered by the National Restaurant Association or other approved providers.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to receive your CFSM certification after passing the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of taking the CFSM exam varies depending on where you take it and who administers it. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$200 to take the exam.

6. ServSafe Food Handler Certificate

ServSafe Food Handler Certificate is a food safety certification program administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to educate food handlers on how to safely store, prepare, and serve food. The program consists of an online course and a proctored exam.

The online course typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete and covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross contamination, temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, safe food storage, and more. After completing the course, participants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their ServSafe Food Handler Certificate.

To get a ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, individuals must first register for the program through the NRAEF website or through an approved training provider. Once registered, individuals can access the online course materials and take the proctored exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of a ServSafe Food Handler Certificate varies depending on where you take the class and whether you purchase additional materials or services such as study guides or practice exams. Generally speaking, it will cost around $50-$100 for the online course and exam.

7. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of food safety hazards. It is a preventive approach to food safety that focuses on identifying and controlling potential biological, chemical, or physical hazards in the production process. HACCP certification provides assurance that food products are safe to consume.

The process of obtaining HACCP certification involves completing a Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls (HARPC) plan. This plan must identify potential hazards, determine critical control points, establish critical limits, develop monitoring procedures, create corrective actions, and verify the effectiveness of the system. The HARPC plan must be reviewed by a qualified HACCP auditor before certification can be granted.

The amount of time it takes to obtain HACCP certification depends on the complexity of the HARPC plan and other factors such as staff availability and training needs. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months to complete all the necessary steps for certification.

To get started with HACCP certification, you will need to contact an accredited certifying body such as NSF International or SGS North America. These organizations offer comprehensive services including consulting, training, auditing, and certification services for companies seeking HACCP accreditation.

The cost of obtaining HACCP certification varies depending on the size of your business and other factors such as consulting fees or travel costs associated with audits. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $2,000-$5,000 for initial setup costs and annual renewal fees ranging from $500-$1,500 per year.

8. Certified Professional in Infection Prevention and Control (CPIPC)

Certified Professional in Infection Prevention and Control (CPIPC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in infection prevention and control. The CPIPC certification is offered through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC).

The CPIPC certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience working in the field of infection prevention and control, as well as having completed at least 75 hours of continuing education credits in the field. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as epidemiology, infection prevention strategies, surveillance systems, healthcare-associated infections, and outbreak management.

The process to obtain the CPIPC certification typically takes between four to six months. To get started on the process, applicants must first submit an application along with required documentation such as proof of experience and continuing education credits. After submitting their application materials, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program or not.

Once accepted into the program, applicants will need to register for and take the CPIPC exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPIPC certification from CBIC.

The cost for obtaining a CPIPC certification varies depending on whether you are a CBIC member or non-member. For members, it costs $325 USD while for non-members it costs $425 USD.

9. Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an international collaboration between the leading food safety experts from retail, manufacturing and food service companies. It provides a framework for organizations to assess and benchmark their food safety management systems against recognized best practices. GFSI certification is designed to help organizations ensure that their products are safe for consumers and meet regulatory requirements.

GFSI certification requires an organization to demonstrate compliance with the GFSI’s Benchmarking Requirements Document (BRD). This document outlines the requirements for a comprehensive food safety management system, including hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), prerequisite programs, personnel training, product traceability, supplier approval, and other topics. Organizations must also demonstrate continual improvement in order to maintain their certification status.

The time it takes to obtain GFSI certification depends on each individual organization's current level of compliance with the BRD. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months up to two years or more to become certified. The process typically involves conducting a gap analysis of existing systems and processes against the BRD requirements; developing corrective action plans; implementing new procedures; training staff; and finally undergoing a third-party audit by an accredited certification body.

The cost of obtaining GFSI certification varies depending on many factors such as size of organization, scope of operations, number of sites needing certification, complexity of processes involved etc. Generally speaking, costs can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands or even more depending on the scope involved.

10. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional certification program offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the field of green building and sustainability. The LEED Green Associate credential serves as a foundation for those interested in pursuing higher levels of expertise in green building and sustainability, such as LEED Accredited Professional (AP) or LEED Fellow status.

The LEED Green Associate exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions that cover the principles and concepts behind green building practices, including energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and other sustainable design strategies. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and is offered at testing centers throughout the United States.

To get your LEED Green Associate credential, you must first pass the exam with a score of 170 or higher out of 200 points. After passing the exam, you will need to submit an application to USGBC along with proof of your educational background and experience in green building. Once approved, you will receive your certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of taking the LEED Green Associate exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$250 USD per attempt.

11. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Management Training

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Management Training is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals, businesses, and organizations understand the regulations and requirements associated with managing hazardous waste. The training covers topics such as identifying hazardous waste, proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, and more.

The EPA Waste Management Training typically takes between two to three days to complete, depending on the complexity of the material being covered. The training can be taken in person or online through an approved provider. In-person courses are often offered by local universities, community colleges, or other organizations that specialize in environmental education. Online courses are available from various providers including the EPA itself.

The cost for taking the EPA Waste Management Training will vary depending on where you take it and what type of course you choose. In-person courses may cost anywhere from $100-$500 per day while online courses may range from $50-$200 per course.

In addition to completing the training, individuals must also pass an exam in order to obtain certification as a Hazardous Materials Manager (HMM). This certification is required for anyone who works with hazardous materials or manages hazardous waste operations. The cost of this exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $150-$300.

Do You Really Need a Sanitation Worker Certificate?

Sanitation workers play an important role in keeping our communities clean and safe. They are responsible for collecting and disposing of waste, ensuring that it is properly disposed of in a way that does not harm the environment. While the job of a sanitation worker does not require formal certification, obtaining one can be beneficial for those who wish to advance their career in this field.

A sanitation worker certificate demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform their duties. It also shows employers that they have taken the time to learn about proper waste disposal methods and understand the regulations associated with this profession. This can help them stand out from other applicants during the hiring process and can open up additional professional opportunities.

In addition to providing educational value, a sanitation worker certificate can also provide job security. Many employers may prefer to hire individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to safety by obtaining a certificate in the field. This could potentially make it easier for individuals to find long-term employment or even secure promotions within their current positions.

Finally, having a sanitation worker certificate can make it easier for individuals to network with other professionals in this field. By taking part in classes or seminars related to waste management, they may be able to build relationships with other knowledgeable professionals who could provide valuable advice and resources as they progress through their career path.

Overall, obtaining a sanitation worker certificate is not required for those seeking employment in this field but can certainly be beneficial if you want to further your career or gain more knowledge about proper waste disposal techniques.

Related: Sanitation Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Sanitation Worker Certifications

1. How do I become a sanitation worker?

Answer: To become a sanitation worker, you must complete the necessary training and obtain certification from your state or local government. You will also need to meet any other requirements set by your employer or local government.

2. What are the requirements for sanitation worker certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the state or jurisdiction but typically include completing an approved training program, passing an exam, obtaining a valid driver’s license and providing proof of age and identity. Additionally, some states may require background checks and/or drug tests.

3. What is the cost of certification?

Answer: Certification costs vary by state and can range from $50 to $500 or more depending on the requirements in your area.

4. How long does it take to receive certification?

Answer: The length of time depends on the complexity of the application process in your area but typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

5. Do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications must be renewed every 1-3 years depending on your state or locality's regulations.