NEHA's "Stamp of Approval": top ten reasons to seek certification.

Top Ten Reasons to Seek Certification

Everybody knows that the initials, "MD," following an individual's name means they're a medical doctor. And "CPA," signifies an individual has met standards and fulfilled requirements to be a certified public accountant. More than a few cryptic initials following a name, thousands of associations utilize professional certification to recognize individuals for their dedication to their chosen career and their ability to perform to set standards. Ask a certified professional "why?" and they'll tell you that the certification process is one of the single most important steps you can make in career development. Here are the top ten reasons you should consider professional certification:

1. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession. Receiving your certification show your peers, supervisors and, in turn, the general public your commitment to your chosen career and your ability to perform to set standards. Since university degrees can no longer represent the full measure of professional knowledge and competence in today's evolving job market, certification sets you apart as a leader in your field.

2. Certification enhances the profession's image. Association certification programs seek to grow, promote, and develop certified professionals, who can stand "out in front" as examples of excellence in the industry or field.

3. Certification reflects achievement. And not only achievement, but personal achievement. A certified professional has displayed excellence in their field or industry and fulfilled set standards and requirements.

4. Certification builds self-esteem. Association certification programs create a standard for a particular profession, complete with performance standards, ethics, and career paths. You'll begin to define yourself beyond a job description or an academic degree. You'll see yourself as a certified professional, who can control his or her own professional destiny and find a deep sense of personal satisfaction.

5. Certification establishes professional credentials. Since it recognizes your individual accomplishments, certification stands above your resume, serving as an impartial, third-party endorsement to your knowledge and experience. And when the public looks for individuals qualified to perform services, they seek individuals - like you - who have achieved certification.

6. Certification improves career opportunities and advancement. Certification gives you the "edge" when being considered for a promotion or other career opportunities. Certification clearly identifies you as an employee who can adapt to changes in work, technology, business practices, and innovation.

7. Certification prepares you for greater on-the-job responsibilities. Since certification is a voluntary professional commitment to an industry or field of knowledge, it is a clear indicator of your willingness to invest in your own professional development. Certified professionals are aware of the constantly-changing environment around their profession and possess the needed tools to anticipate and respond to change.

8. Certification provides for greater earnings potential. As a certified professional, you can expect many benefits, but for today's down-sized, right-sized, topsy-turvy working world, salary increases speak for themselves. One association survey reported that their certified professionals earn an average of $20,000 more than non-certified professionals.

9. Certification improves skills and knowledge. Ideally, achieving certification shows your individual competence by confirming proficiency and career involvement and assuring knowledge.

10. Certification offers greater professional recognition from peers. Hear that applause? It's all for you! As a certified professional you can expect increased recognition from your peers for taking that extra step in your professional development.

Check into certification soon. It will give your career and professional life a real boost, making your climb up the ladder of success a breeze.

RELATED ARTICLE: Professional Credentials Offered NEHA 

Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) The REHS/RS is the premier NEHA credential available to environmental health field professionals. Individuals holding the REHS/RS credential show competency in environmental health issues, direct and train personnel to respond to routine or emergency environmental situations, and frequently provide education to their communities on environmental health concerns. REHS/RS Document #202

Certified Environmental Health Technician (CEHT) The CEHT is for individuals who are interested in field intensive environmental health activities - such as testing, sampling and inspections - and who are required to provide information on safe environmental health practices and to eliminate environmental health hazards. Individuals holding the CEHT provide technical support and assistance to a variety of professionals (environmental health specialists, health officers, sanitary engineers, health physicists, etc.) and often coordinate sanitation and environmental health activities with state and local public health units. CEHT Document #204

Registered Hazardous Substances Professional (RHSP) The RHSP provides technically qualified, experienced professionals with national recognition for proven expertise in hazardous materials and toxic substances management. The RHSP examination is designed to measure how well a professional understands both the principle and practice of hazardous materials and toxic substances management and their related laws. The RHSP often works as a supervisor to technicians in the hazardous materials field as well, RHSP Document #203

Registered Hazardous Substances Specialist (RHSS) The RHSS credential is for individuals who are interested in performing to protocol, field intensive hazardous materials activities - such as testing sampling and handling - and/or who are required to follow procedures to ensure personal, public and site safety; safe handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and waste; and proper documentation of hazardous materials activities. RHSS Document #203

Registered Environmental Technician (RET) NEHA's new RET is a baseline credential for entry level hazardous materials professionals. The credential is an excellent way for recent, two-year graduates (AA) or career changing professionals, to demonstrate competency in the core requirements of hazardous materials handling and management. The RET exam encompasses the skill standards defined by the US Department of Education and the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) in 1995. RET Document #217

For more information on the above credentials including eligibility requirements and suggested study materials, please access NEHA's fax-on-demand service by dialing (303) 7569090 and selecting option #5, and then the appropriate document #, or call customer service at [phone].