First, you need to consider how long it will take to get the desired level of certification. There are five levels from which you can receive your certificate. You’ll want to get started as soon as possible, because once you’ve earned your National Registry of Environmental Professionals credential, it isn’t easy to drop it. Most employers prefer people with these credentials, which is one of the reasons they look for applicants with top degrees in related fields.
Once you know the process and the costs associated with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals certification examination, you need to start looking at the specific courses you’ll need to take to earn the credential. In addition to taking a bunch of lab classes, you’ll also have to complete a lot of coursework, including communications training, courses related to your field, and possibly some form of practical training or internship. These courses are not cheap, but NREL offers financial assistance for those who qualify. The certificate itself costs about $110, but you’ll likely be required to pay for the exam, too. (This fee is waived if you register for the exam online.)
Before you pay for the certification exam, make sure that you understand all the costs involved. You should be able to find information on the NREL website about how to pay someone to administer the exam, if you choose to pay someone to do this for you. However, be aware that there are instances when NREL doesn’t reimburse individuals for their services. For instance, if you’re not sure about something, and the question you’re asking isn’t clearly answered on the site, don’t just pay someone to resolve it for you: rather, contact NREL to discuss your issue. This is the best way to make sure that you don’t waste your money on things that aren’t covered by the certification application.
The final step is to pay for the actual certification. After you’ve paid for your training and received your certificate, you’ll need to get a second “test” administered before you can officially become an NRI. This second exam is administered by another third-party institution, and costs significantly less than the initial test. When you take the test, you must pass a written section and a skill section. If you fail both sections, you’ll need to get re-take the entire class.
There are a few advantages to National Registry of Environmental Professionals certification. First, it demonstrates to companies and government agencies that you understand what an environmental impact is. Second, it shows employers that you’re willing to put in the time to be an effective steward of the environment. Third, it shows that you have a commitment to protecting the environment, and you want to make sure that the laws and rules governing environmental professionals are being followed. By knowing how to comply with these rules, you will find yourself more employable in the field.
The National Registry of Environmental Professionals isn’t the only certification that you need to protect your career. There are several other environmental certifications, including those offered by the various state and federal agencies, and you may need to go to a special school or program to get them. These programs usually last between two and four weeks, and you’ll find that the National Registry course works well for this type of education.
The National Registry of Environmental Professionals doesn’t cover all of environmental issues. For example, it doesn’t cover the role of federal government employees when dealing with public safety. On the other hand, many state and local agencies do require that employees get special training so that they are better able to deal with environmental issues. You can easily learn the information required by these agencies by checking with your local education department. It’s definitely worth taking the time to learn about the different environmental certifications, and once you feel confident enough to pursue them, you’ll likely find that you have a very rewarding career.