A Review of Certification Programs of Occupational Hygiene Professionals in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and The Netherlands

Abstract

This article reviews existing certification schemes for occupational hygienists in five countries. Comparison showed a fair agreement among the qualifications for the designation of professional occupational hygienist: these include an academic degree in natural sciences, medicine, or engineering; five years of experience in the comprehensive practice of occupational hygiene; and successful passing of examinations. Certification schemes in Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States do not require a degree with a strong occupational hygiene component, since knowledge and expertise may be acquired by virtue of special studies or training. The requirements for professional competence are ensured by examinations. However, in these countries professional occupational hygienists usually acquire their academic qualification by undergraduate training in basic or applied sciences, followed by postgraduate training at the master's level in occupational hygiene or a cognate field. On the other hand, in The Netherlands a sufficient amount of education in occupational hygiene during the master's degree curriculum is required, currently set at about 66 weeks covering courses, a term of probation, and a research project. Additional examinations are not included in this scheme. To further the development of occupational hygiene throughout the world, international cooperation on certification should create the foundation of a recognized and visible profession. The International Occupational Hygiene Association has launched an initiative to stimulate national certifying bodies to move toward mutual recognition.