Top 11 Senior Environmental Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a senior environmental engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and proficiency in the field. Certifications can also show potential employers that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a particular job. Additionally, certifications can help distinguish an individual from other applicants and give them an edge when it comes to getting hired. Furthermore, certifications can provide recognition from their peers and industry organizations, which can lead to additional career opportunities. Finally, certifications can be used as evidence of continued professional development and commitment to the profession.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Senior Environmental Engineers and explains how they can help to further their career.

What are Senior Environmental Engineer Certifications?

Senior environmental engineer certification is an advanced level of professional certification for environmental engineers. It is designed to recognize the achievements of those who have attained a high level of expertise in their field and demonstrate a commitment to continuing education. This type of certification requires that applicants have at least five years of experience in the field and complete a rigorous exam.

Having senior environmental engineer certification can provide numerous benefits to those working in the field. It provides recognition for their experience, knowledge, and skillset, which can help them advance their career or attract potential employers. Additionally, it serves as evidence that one has achieved a higher level of competency and can be trusted to solve complex environmental issues. Finally, having this certification may open doors to new opportunities in the industry, such as consulting or teaching positions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for senior environmental engineer certification in your state or region, as they may vary. Additionally, look into professional organizations and their credentialing programs, which can help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry best practices.

Related: What does a Senior Environmental Engineer do?

Top 11 Senior Environmental Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Senior Environmental Engineers today.

1. Certified Environmental Engineer (CEE)

A Certified Environmental Engineer (CEE) is a professional designation for environmental engineers who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. It is awarded by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES). CEEs are recognized as having the knowledge, experience, and commitment to protect public health and safety, and the environment.

To become certified as a CEE, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by AAEES. The exam consists of two parts: a written component that tests knowledge in general environmental engineering principles, and a practical component that tests skills related to specific environmental engineering activities. The exam is offered twice per year at select locations throughout the United States.

The cost of becoming certified as a CEE varies depending on the location where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 to $2,000 for registration fees, study materials, travel expenses, etc. Additionally, AAEES requires that applicants maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years.

In summary, becoming certified as a CEE requires passing an exam administered by AAEES which can cost up to $2,000 in total fees and requires ongoing maintenance through continuing education credits every three years.

2. Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA)

A Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in environmental auditing. The CPEA designation is awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to qualified individuals who have met the requirements for certification.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and work experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the IIA's Code of Ethics. Applicants must also complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing professional education every three years in order to maintain their certification.

The process of becoming a CPEA typically takes between 6-12 months. The first step is to obtain the necessary educational qualifications and work experience. Once these are obtained, applicants can then register for the exam with the IIA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate from the IIA confirming their status as a CPEA.

The cost of becoming a CPEA varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD including registration fees and study materials.

3. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the management of hazardous materials. This certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The CHMM credential is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of hazardous materials management.

The CHMM program requires applicants to have at least three years of documented experience in hazardous materials management, as well as a minimum level of education. In addition, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as safety and health, environmental regulations, hazardous waste management, emergency response, and risk assessment.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CHMM exam. During this time period, applicants should review their experience and education records to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for the exam. They should also review all relevant material related to hazardous materials management, including books, websites, and courses offered by IHMM or other organizations.

The cost for taking the CHMM exam varies depending on whether or not you are an IHMM member. For non-members, the cost is $450; for members it is $350. There may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or purchasing study materials.

In order to become certified as a CHMM, applicants must successfully pass the examination administered by IHMM. Once certified, individuals can use their credentials to demonstrate their expertise in hazardous materials management and pursue career opportunities in this field.

4. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who specializes in the identification, evaluation, and control of environmental health hazards in the workplace. CIHs are trained to recognize, evaluate, and recommend controls for potential hazards such as chemical exposure, biological agents, radiation, noise, and physical stressors. They also help employers develop safety programs to protect workers from these hazards.

It typically takes two to four years of study and experience to become a CIH. To qualify for certification, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene or a related field such as occupational safety or environmental health. In addition, they must have at least five years of professional experience in the field of industrial hygiene.

To get certified as an industrial hygienist, applicants must pass the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certification Examination. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as toxicology, sampling techniques, ventilation systems design and operation, indoor air quality assessment and control strategies, hazardous materials management and emergency response planning.

The cost of becoming a Certified Industrial Hygienist varies depending on the applicant's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking however it can range anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD for registration fees plus additional costs for study materials like textbooks or online courses.

5. Registered Environmental Manager (REM)

Registered Environmental Manager (REM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP). The program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in environmental management and protection. It is intended to provide assurance that those certified have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage environmental programs.

To become a REM, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements as well as pass an exam. Applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional work experience in environmental management or protection, and must have completed at least 60 semester hours of college coursework related to environmental issues. They must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as air quality, hazardous waste management, water quality, land use planning and regulation, risk assessment, sustainability principles, and more.

The process of becoming a REM typically takes several months from start to finish. After submitting an application with all required documentation and fees, applicants will be notified if they are eligible for the examination within four weeks. Once approved for the exam, applicants can register for the test through NREP’s website. The exam is administered twice per year in April and October in various locations across the United States.

The cost of becoming a REM varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you need additional study materials or resources. The registration fee for taking the exam is $450 plus any applicable taxes or other fees associated with your location. Additionally, there may be costs associated with purchasing study materials or attending review courses prior to taking the exam.

6. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize safety professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and skill in the field of safety. The CSP credential is recognized as one of the most prestigious credentials for safety professionals.

The CSP requires applicants to have a minimum of four years of full-time safety experience, a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, and completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education within the past three years. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard control, occupational health and safety regulations, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and emergency preparedness.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CSP exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and other materials related to safety management and taking practice exams. Additionally, many employers offer courses or seminars that can help prepare individuals for the exam.

The cost to obtain the CSP credential varies depending on where you take the exam. The fee for taking the exam is usually around $550-$600 USD plus any additional fees associated with registering for it.

7. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of energy management. The certification is administered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

To become a CEM, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy economics, and sustainability. Candidates must also have at least five years of professional experience in the field of energy management.

The exam takes about three hours to complete and costs $550 for AEE members and $650 for non-members. The exam can be taken online or in person at one of the AEE's testing centers. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their CEM certificate within four weeks.

The cost of becoming a CEM varies depending on whether you are an AEE member or not. For AEE members, it costs $550 for the exam plus an additional $75 annual fee to maintain your certification status. For non-members, it costs $650 for the exam plus an additional $150 annual fee to maintain your certification status.

8. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional certification program offered by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED AP credential recognizes individuals who demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building principles and practices, and have the skills to implement them in their work.

It typically takes about four months to become a LEED AP. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and completing the application process. To get started, you must first register with the USGBC and pay an application fee. Then, you will need to complete at least 15 hours of approved LEED education courses or seminars. After that, you can take the exam which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

The cost to become a LEED AP varies depending on which type of credential you are seeking (e.g., Building Design + Construction, Interior Design + Construction, Operations + Maintenance). Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 to register for the exam and apply for the credential. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake the exam or renew your credential after three years.

9. Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP)

A Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) is a credential awarded by the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP) to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of environmental practice. The QEP credential is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of excellence in their field and are committed to upholding standards of professional practice.

To become a QEP, applicants must demonstrate expertise in environmental science and engineering, regulatory compliance, project management, and other related topics. They must also pass an examination administered by IPEP that covers all aspects of environmental practice.

The process typically takes 6-12 months from application submission to completion. Applicants must first submit an application form along with documentation demonstrating their qualifications and experience. This includes transcripts from accredited universities or colleges, as well as proof of relevant work experience. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to complete coursework and pass the examination administered by IPEP.

The cost for becoming a QEP varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances but typically ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD for tuition fees and exam costs.

10. Certified Environmental Scientist/Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Scientist/Technician (CEST) is a professional certification program offered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP). The CEST certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of environmental professionals who are engaged in the practice of environmental science and technology.

The CEST certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the field, pass an examination, and meet other requirements. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as environmental laws, regulations, principles, and practices.

To get certified as a CEST, an applicant must submit an application along with documentation that verifies their qualifications and experience. The application fee for CEST certification is $200. Once approved, applicants must pay a one-time certification fee of $250.

It usually takes about two months to receive approval from NREP after submitting the application. After approval, applicants must take the exam within six months or their application will be voided.

11. Sustainable Building Advisor (SBA)

Sustainable Building Advisor (SBA) is an online tool that helps building owners, architects and engineers to design and construct more sustainable buildings. It provides access to a range of resources, including information on green building materials, energy efficiency measures, water conservation strategies and more. The SBA also provides guidance on how to incorporate these strategies into the design process.

The SBA is free to use and can be accessed online at any time. It takes approximately 10 minutes to get started with the SBA. To get started, users must first create an account on the website. Once registered, users can begin exploring the various resources available within the platform.

The SBA does not cost anything to use; however, there are some additional services available for a fee. These include one-on-one consultations with experts in green building technology and services such as sustainability audits and energy modeling simulations.

Do You Really Need a Senior Environmental Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. If someone is looking to become a senior environmental engineer, then they may want to consider obtaining a certificate in the field. A certificate program can provide the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role and help them stand out among other applicants. On the other hand, if someone already has experience in the field or is already at a high level of expertise, then they may not need a certificate.

Ultimately, it comes down to what an individual wants from their career and what kind of opportunities they are looking for. If someone is interested in pursuing a career as a senior environmental engineer, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial for them. The knowledge gained from such programs can give individuals an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs and show employers that they have taken initiative to further their education and gain specialized skills in the field.

Related: Senior Environmental Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Environmental Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Senior Environmental Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Senior Environmental Engineer Certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of environmental engineering. It demonstrates the engineer’s knowledge and skills in areas such as environmental protection, pollution prevention, water resource management, hazardous waste management and other related disciplines.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Senior Environmental Engineer Certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the certifying body, but generally include a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field, several years of relevant work experience, and passing an examination. Some organizations may also require continuing education credits to maintain certification.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Senior Environmental Engineer Certification?

Answer: The time it takes to obtain certification will depend on the certifying organization, but typically ranges from six months to two years. This includes completing required coursework and/or exams, and meeting any other requirements set by the certifying organization.

4. How much does it cost to obtain a Senior Environmental Engineer Certification?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically range from $500-$2,000 USD for application fees and other expenses associated with obtaining certification. Additional costs may be incurred for taking required courses or exams needed for certification.

5. Are there any benefits associated with having a Senior Environmental Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes! Having this certification can help you stand out among your peers and increase your job prospects in the field of environmental engineering. Additionally, some employers may offer higher salaries or additional benefits to individuals who have obtained this type of certification.