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What
does a CHMM do?
A CHMM handles, manages, or advises others on hazardous materials or
situations associated with or potentially including such items. A CHMM
may perform management and/or compliance duties for a corporation,
business, government, or some other organization in this capacity, or
work in a related field associated with hazardous materials such as
environmental protection, safety, hazmat transportation, or security.
Any time hazardous materials are involved, a CHMM professional can
advise on proper handling and management for ensuring safety and
compliance.
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How
many CHMMs are there?
Over 12,000 have been certified and almost 9,000 remain currently
active.
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What
professional/ethical standards are CHMMs bound by?
Every CHMM is bound by the CHMM Code of Ethics.
Certification is granted only after the Institute receives a personally
signed copy of the code from the candidate. Suspected violations of the
Code are investigated by the Institute Board of Ethics.
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Why
should I consider certification?
The CHMM certification identifies individuals with the professional
qualifications and expertise needed to handle, manage, and consult on
matters relating to hazardous materials. The CHMM credential serves as
an independent validation of your proficiency in this interdisciplinary
field.
Being certified can advance your career, improve your employment
status, and improve your chances of landing a better job. Employers
understand that mishandling or mismanagement of hazardous materials can
quickly become a critical element in the success or failure of a
business. They depend on proven credentials like the CHMM to help
identify those who are best qualified for the job.
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I
am already a PE/RPG/CSP/CIH, etc. Why would I want to add CHMM to my
credentials?
The CHMM is a multi-disciplinary credential. Management of hazardous
materials intersects and cuts across the fields of engineering,
geology, safety and industrial hygiene. It also encompasses facets of
public health, transportation, homeland security, and other fields as
well. The CHMM does not attempt to replace these other credentials.
Rather, adding the CHMM to your list of accomplishments shows that you
have the knowledge and skills to recognize and resolve hazardous
materials issues wherever they occur.
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How
and by whom is the CHMM Program administered?
The CHMM Program is administered by the Institute of Hazardous
Materials Management (IHMM) located in Rockville, Maryland.
Applications are completed by CHMM candidates and forwarded to the
Institute Executive Office along with the necessary documentation. The
Institute reviews the application materials for eligibility and
completeness. Those meeting the eligibility requirements (experience
and academic) are then scheduled to sit for the CHMM examination. A
CHMM certificate is issued to those who pass, after all administrative
requirements have been met. The Institute’s Executive Office is the
office of record for all active CHMMs’ signature documents, eligibility
information, examination results, and official correspondence, as well
as contact and fiscal data.
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Is
the CHMM Program accredited?
Yes. The CHMM Program is accredited by the Council of Engineering and
Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) located in Annapolis,
Maryland. CESB provides accreditation for certification programs in the
United States in the areas of engineering and related scientific
specialties
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What
companies or government agencies recognize the CHMM credential?
Federal and state governments and many private businesses across the
country recognize the value of the CHMM certification and some require
it in the performance of certain types of work. Included are: New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (Cleanup Star Program);
State of Connecticut (Aquifer Protection Program); State of Indiana
(Soil Remediation and Underground Storage Tank (UST) Closure Projects);
State of Kentucky (Department of Environmental Protection); U.S. Air
Force; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Army Corps of Engineers;
U.S. National Park Service; FDIC; General Motors; Delphi; Teris;
PSE&G; 3E; and MECX. In addition, the Veterans Administration
recognizes the CHMM credential and will reimburse veterans and their
eligible dependents for the cost of the CHMM exam.
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What
is the difference between Senior level and Master level certification?
How is it determined which level I qualify for?
The Senior and Master level certification differ only in the amount of
experience achieved. Both levels require a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited college or university in hazardous materials management or a
related field. In addition, the Senior level requires 3 years of
appropriate experience and the Master level requires 7 years of
experience. Related fields include (but are not limited to): biology,
chemistry, geology, engineering, environmental science, management,
physics, safety, and industrial hygiene.
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What
is a Hazardous Materials Manager-in-Training (HMMT)?
The Hazardous
Materials Manager-in-Training is not a certified level. It is
a trainee designation that requires a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited college or university in hazardous materials management or a
related discipline.
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Do
I have to start at the lowest level?
No. The level at which you are certified (Senior or Master) is based on
the total number of years of appropriate experience you have achieved.
A CHMM at the Senior level may upgrade to the Master level when seven
years of appropriate experience can be documented.
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What benefits are there to joining the Queen City
ACHMM chapter?
If you are a CHMM, or working toward your CHMM credential, some benefits include:
- Networking with fellow CHMMs
- Professional development via our guest speakers
- Earning certification maintenance points
- Ability to take a leadership role as a chapter officer or chairperson
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Do
you have to be a CHMM to join the Queen City Chapter?
No you do not have to be a CHMM
to join our chapter. Please refer to the Membership
link
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Why is recertification of my credential important?
As stated by the IHMM, the
recertification program ensures that CHMMs maintain the highest professional standards and enhance their continued competence. The recertification process is mandatory to maintain the CHMM certification.
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What's required to maintain my CHMM credential, i.e. recertification?
The program requires that CHMMs participate in professional development activities
and submit evidence of these activities every 5 years. Certification Maintenance Points, CMPs, can be earned through such things as:
- Active professional practice
- Attendance at more than 50% of local ACHMM chapter meetings
- Service as an officer or chairperson in a local ACHMM chapter
- Participation in relevant continuing education and refresher courses
In addition, an average of at least 1.25 CMPs must
also be earned annually in any combination of professional development
activities including:
- College and university credit courses
- Professional development conferences and seminars
- Continuing education and refresher courses
