Industrial hygienists are in charge of protecting both workers and the general public’s health. They search for, identify, and recommend solutions to problems in the workplace involving asbestos, lead, communicable diseases, and other hazards. People who are certified as industrial hygienists have received credentialing from a certifying organization, such as the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) in the United States, attesting to their competence in the field. A minimum amount of education and experience is required to become a certified industrial hygienist.
Although certification is not always required to work as an industrial hygienist, it does demonstrate expertise in the field and may lead to better opportunities. To become a certified industrial hygienist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering field, plus a certain number of semester hours in math, engineering, science, and science-based technology. Additional education in industrial hygiene fundamentals, toxicology, and related areas is also required through college or continuing education courses. You’ll also need to work as a full-time industrial hygienist for at least four years to gain real-world experience.
You can apply to take your certifying examination once you have the necessary education and experience. Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, air sampling and instrumentation, health risk analysis and hazard communication, noise and vibration, and other topics are typically covered in depth during this examination. You can use the initials “CIH” after your name if you pass the test to become a certified industrial hygienist. To keep your certification, you must participate in continuing professional development activities such as attending seminars and taking courses, teaching in the field, publishing in industry journals, and other methods.
The ABIH also offered a certified associate industrial hygienist credentialing exam for several years. People who contributed to the field but didn’t have the required science or engineering education or didn’t work in it full-time were recognized with this credentialing. Except for the maintenance of the credential for those who had already earned it, the certification has been discontinued.
If you’re still in high school, you can prepare for a career as an industrial hygienist taking all of your school’s advanced math and science courses. This will improve your chances of being accepted into a college program and will better prepare you for college-level coursework. If you want to become a certified industrial hygienist, you’ll need to get good grades in English. People in this position must be able to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, in what can be challenging situations.