The Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). It is a professional credential aimed at safety and health managers who have demonstrated their knowledge and competence in managing occupational safety and health programs.
Here’s how you can pursue and obtain the CSHM certification:
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the CSHM certification, candidates must meet specific educational and experience criteria.
a. Education:
You need one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A master’s degree in safety, health, or a closely related field.
b. Work Experience:
You must have:
- 5 years of professional experience in occupational safety and health management if you have a bachelor’s degree, or
- 4 years of professional experience if you have a master’s degree.
Additionally, this experience must include:
- Developing and managing health and safety programs.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DOT standards).
Application Process
To apply for the CSHM, you need to follow these steps:
a. Submit an Application:
- Go to the IHMM website and navigate to the CSHM certification page.
- Submit the required documents: transcripts, resumes, and job descriptions showing your work experience.
b. Application Review:
- IHMM will review your application to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This process usually takes a few weeks.
c. Application Fee:
- You will need to pay an application fee (around $300–$400 depending on your location and membership status with IHMM).
Prepare for the Exam
Once your application is accepted, you can start preparing for the CSHM exam. The exam covers areas like:
- Occupational safety and health management.
- Safety laws and regulations (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
- Risk management and loss control.
- Emergency preparedness and response.
IHMM provides a CSHM Candidate Handbook that outlines the exam content and recommended study materials. You can also consider enrolling in review courses or buying prep guides from recognized organizations.
Pass the Exam
The CSHM exam is a comprehensive, 4-hour test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. It is administered at Pearson VUE test centers.
Exam Topics Include:
- Safety management systems.
- Risk assessment and hazard control.
- Employee safety training and program evaluation.
- Incident investigation and reporting.
A passing score is typically around 70%.
Maintain Your Certification
After passing the exam and receiving your CSHM certification, you will need to maintain it by:
- Earning 20 Certification Maintenance Points (CMPs) every 5 years.
- These points can be earned through continuing education, professional development, or contributions to the profession (e.g., publishing articles or presenting at conferences).
The IHMM will also require an annual renewal fee.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the steps to get your CSHM certification:
- Ensure you meet eligibility requirements: Bachelor’s degree + 5 years of experience (or master’s + 4 years).
- Submit an application: Through the IHMM website, along with supporting documentation.
- Prepare for the exam: Use the CSHM handbook, take courses, and study key occupational health and safety topics.
- Pass the exam: 4-hour, 200-question test at a Pearson VUE center.
- Maintain certification: Earn CMPs and pay the renewal fee every year.
Would you like more details on specific exam preparation resources or assistance with any part of the process? Obtain CSHM certificate in Saudi Arabia, USA and Canada without exam stress. Apply now to find out how to buy or obtain a CSHM certificate without exam stress.