The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists does not certify, nor does it recognize the expertise of anyone other than accredited, peer reviewed Certified Environmental Health Professionals (CEHPs) for positions within the Environmental Health Science field. CEHPs are a group of licensed professionals with a variety of professional experience, education and background in a variety of environmental topics. The Academy also does not accept or supervise unlicensed personnel to work as consultants or trainers for EPA. The purpose of this article is to provide an explanation of what a CEHP actually is, who can get certified as one, and why it matters.

A Certified Environmental Health Specialist (CEHS) is someone who has completed the three-year National Certification Program in Exposure Therapy. In this three-year program, students earn two hundred and eighty hours of approved clinical practice, two hundred and sixty-four CEHV study hours, and the nationally recognized National Council for Accreditation of Chemical Dependency, Occupational and Safety Health, or NCCAN, work experience. Students must pass a written examination, a skills assessment test, a competency analysis test, and a final evaluation in order to be certified as a Cehp. The National Council for Accreditation of Chemical Dependency, Occupational and Safety Health, or NCCAN, is the independent agency that oversees the quality of exams and certifications issued by licensing boards throughout the United States. Before becoming certified, an individual must meet specific criteria set forth by NCCAN. Once certified, a Cehp holds the credentials of a Registered Environmental Specialist (RES), a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health, or BS ES in Environmental Health and Education, or BS ES in Chemical Hazards Prevention and Policy, or BS ES in Industrial/Environmental Chemistry, or ES in Chemical Engineering, or any combination thereof.

Not all individuals seeking certification as an EPS will take the exam, which means there are a great many uncertified environmental professionals in the United States today. Many employers prefer to hire an EPS who has been formally trained and certified rather than one who may have only worked in the field for a short period of time. Having the right credentials means that a potential employer will feel more comfortable hiring you over another employee who does not possess the necessary training.

A list of qualifications necessary to become a certified environmental specialist is broken down into five different categories. These include general qualification in areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics. General chemistry skills to help candidates learn how to evaluate environmental samples. During the testing process, chemicals are exposed to the samples. Candidates who do well in the testing process should also have good math skills, as they will be required to predict how the various chemicals react when mixed. After the testing process, candidates must write a comprehensive report about their findings, which can help future employers evaluate their employees.

General biology skills to help candidates get certified as an EPS by taking the state-approved AP Exam for Environmental Science and Technology. Candidates need to pass the written section, then earn the biology designation. The National Registry of Examiners (NRE) also offers two national certification exams that candidates can take to increase their chances of being chosen for a certification exam. The National Registry offers the Certified General Science Specialist (GCRS) and the Certified Environmental Specialist (CES). Both exams earn students the necessary certifications that allow them to get certified.

After getting accepted into a school that offers courses in environmental science, a candidate will need to take the National Registry of Examiners (NRE) safety compliance officer test. Once the test is passed, candidates will be given a national certification number. This certification will enable the EPS to start working in any capacity in the environmental field.

After obtaining their NRE license, candidates can continue with their education. Candidates can complete two additional years of education by pursuing graduate studies in environmental engineering. Graduate studies typically involve two distinct programs: one of the applied science and one of business administration. Candidates who complete their degrees in this manner will have a thorough understanding of the subjects they studied, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be eligible to sit for the Certified Safety Compliance Officer (CSO) exam.

The CSO exam is a nationally recognized test that will enable candidates to become eligible to become an EPS and to work in various state and federal agencies as an environmental engineering technician. Once employed, individuals will have a responsibility to abide by the regulations set forth by their employer. With this knowledge, candidates will be able to interact with clients and fellow workers in a professional manner, while adhering to the requirements of the agency they work for. With this knowledge, candidates can be certain to become an outstanding employee and a responsible charge to the company they work for.