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By John H. Frick, Ph.D., CHMM
Have you ever thought about the differences between certification and licensing, or what accreditation means? Well, you are not alone. These terms can be confusing as they relate to professional credentialing. Understanding these terms is the quest of many who seek a high quality credential that will enhance their career and professional image.
"Licensed" and "Certified" explained
In the United States, licensing is a form of credentialing that is administered
by the states. Licensing emerged in 1907 in the state of Wyoming, and over the
years it spread across the United States. Certification began with licensed
physician ophthalmologists in 1911 as a way of distinguishing their special
training in eye care. By the 1950's specialty certification of physicians became
accepted practice. And in 1955 environmental engineers used it to distinguish
themselves from other engineers. Since then many certifications have followed
suit; and today, there are more than 1000 occupational certification programs.
The terms "certified" and "accredited" are oftentimes used interchangeably, but have different meanings. The term "certification" is designed for the recognition of individuals, while "accreditation" is applied to institutions (e.g., universities, hospitals, and libraries) that operate within accepted standards of operation. A certification program that operates in accordance with accepted practices or standards of its field may be considered accredited too. Certification is a voluntary, self-disciplined credential that operates within the framework of its self-enforced code of ethics. Licensing, on the other hand, is a credential required by the state and disciplined through state regulations.
Having a highly respected and accredited certification can be career enhancing to hazardous materials workers in the fields of environmental protection, safety, transportation and security. Sometimes it provides the edge that's needed to land a special job or gain advancement in one's career. Therefore, it's important for anyone becoming certified to ensure that the certification program has been accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation body such as: the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Third-party accreditation by one of these nationally recognized organizations assures the public that the certification program is properly administered and maintained.
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager®
The Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM®) is one such certification that
has emerged as a formidable leader in the field of hazardous materials
management. It is administered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials
Management (IHMM), a non-profit, independent organization incorporated in
Washington, D.C. The CHMM certification program conforms to the American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E 1929-98, "Standard Practice for
Assessment of Certification Programs for Environmental Professionals:
Accreditation Criteria", and is fully accredited by the CESB, a
nationally-recognized, third party accreditation body.
Another important aspect of the certification credential is its inherent design to expire — usually within 5 years. As such, a good certification is one that is intended to be renewed before it loses its validity for use. This is different from a college degree which is considered a one-time accomplishment enjoyed for a lifetime. The "recertification" requirement is a key discriminating element of a certification. The frequency of recertification is dependent upon the dynamics of the field such as the amount and rate of changes in the technology or methodology used. Therefore, recertification should be taken seriously when selecting for or maintaining a certification. The recertification element is intended to assure the public that service providers (i.e., practicing professionals) are remaining active and staying abreast of changes in their field of practice. Applying such a standard to the field of hazardous materials management is essential in maintaining public trust and confidence.
Hazardous materials management is normally associated with potentially high-risk situations, critical decision-making responsibilities, and potentially disastrous outcomes. Accordingly, those who enter this profession should be fully aware of its risks and be willing to embrace the need for continual involvement in professional development activities. Those who work in this field should have an innate hunger for newly emerging knowledge and technology in the field. The public relies on such professionals and a certification in hazardous materials management is designed to provide that necessary recognition.
Having a certification in hazardous materials does not necessarily mean that one is qualified to perform all types of work in the field. For example, a certified professional in hazardous materials may be qualified to perform work as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the "All Appropriate Inquiry" (AAI) final rule only when that person meets the specific criteria set forth by the regulatory definition for "environmental professional". Since the scope of coverage for the certification may be broader than EPA's definition, only those who meet the requirements of the final rule would be qualified for such work. The same can apply to other areas involving hazardous materials, such as: hazardous materials packaging specialist or pest control specialist. One who is certified in hazardous materials may be a good choice for the job, but care must be taken to ensure that the specialized qualifications for the job at hand are also met.
Hazardous materials management is a field of expertise that is associated with many different disciplines or areas.
Usually it is thought of as a specialty within a functional area such as safety, environmental protection, transportation or security. Normally it is a specialty that is integrated by management into the overall corporate strategy of an operation. This is where a credentialed specialist in hazardous materials management has the decided edge on others. Such professionals are broadly equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to advise functional supervisors and upper management on the proper procurement, identification, tracking, handling, use and disposal of hazardous materials. In addition, disastrous situations can arise quickly in any functional discipline and result in enormous embarrassment to the company and impact its bottom line. Integrating hazardous materials management into various functional areas of an operation is a wise company choice. It provides a specialized expertise within the ranks of the workforce that can improve the company's safety record and compliance status.
Corporations, businesses, government entities and other employers across the country are constantly seeking individuals with high quality credentials. These organizations know which credentials are important to their operations and which ones are properly accredited and valued in the public forum. Candidate employees should be equally wise and select for an equally valued credential that is highly respected and accredited.
Some corporations are turning to outside consultants for hazardous materials management assistance while others provide specialized training for their employees and seek to credential all of those who are involved in the handling and management of such items. Those businesses that endorse a credentialed workforce realize the overall value in knowing that hazardous materials are properly handled and managed with an integrated workforce. These companies experience a considerable amount of comfort by knowing that the expertise within their daily operations is sound.
According to a recent survey, Certified Hazardous Materials Managers are finding their way into all types of employment. Private industry, however, is rightfully leading the way as an employer of this specialty. And in some cases, they are endorsing a credentialed workforce and offering in-house training and professional development for personal growth and functional maturity in the hazardous materials field. Also, it is becoming more common to find professionals of more than one credential with at least one of them pertaining to hazardous materials certification.
Colleges and universities are beginning to offer degrees specifically in or relating to the field of hazardous materials management. The degrees held by most professionals in the field today are classical degrees, such as: chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and geology. These degrees remain popular among hazardous materials workers, but the schools are beginning to recognize the public need and are expanding their programs to include specific degrees in hazardous materials management. Some schools have established a core of courses leading to a hazardous materials certificate. These certificates are valuable but should not be confused with a professional certification in hazardous materials management. The latter incorporates experience and other requirements into the credentialed program.
Certification is a dynamic enterprise influenced principally by public demands. If there is a perceived need for a certification specialty, an organization will likely stand up to address that need. For example, IHMM envisioned a growing need for a new certification that can be embraced by non-degreed, hazmat workers around the world. The target audience is the frontline worker who handles, manages, and responds to situations associated with hazardous materials. The new credential will focus on long-term experience and on-the-job-training and development in the field, and will not require a baccalaureate degree from a college or university. Eligibility requirements will include demonstrating 10 years of qualifying experience and a passing score on a specially designed examination for practitioners. Applications for the new certification - Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP) - will soon be available through IHMM, and those who are interested can track its availability date at the IHMM website, www.ihmm.org .
Conclusion
Do you understand the laws and regulations associated with hazardous materials? Are you or your employees trained and qualified to handle and manage
hazardous materials? Is there anyone in your business keeping up with the
changes in the field? Hazardous materials can be found in almost every
functional area, and a professional who knows what he or she is doing should be
available.
Thousands of professionals are now credentialed in hazardous materials management. They proudly display their trademarked credential on their business cards, stationery and other professional materials, and abide by the Code of Ethics of their profession. Hazardous materials professionals are expanding into the international workplace; and ANSI, the United States member to the ISO standards, is enhancing the movement through its certification accreditation initiative.
Hazardous materials management is a profession that is taking on added respect and emphasis in light of recent homeland defense issues. Hazardous materials require our attention daily from the standpoint of security, safety, environmental protection and transportation as they pass through their life cycle. This rapidly emerging profession stands above all others and is a credit to those who are credentialed in the field for they have all played an invaluable role toward this end.
| About the Author | |
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Dr. Frick is the Executive Director of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management serving since January 1, 2003. He was one of the original co-founders of the Institute and co-organizers of the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers. He was one of the original Directors of the IHMM Board where he served from the date of incorporation in 1984 to 2003— 8 years as its Chairman. Dr. Frick was previously employed by the Department of Defense as an environmental scientist and logistician specializing in hazardous materials management for 29 years. His government career culminated with the Distinguished Civil Service Career Award. He now promotes credentialing as a means of recognizing hazardous materials professionals nation-wide. |