ABOUT:
The Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM®) certification, awarded by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM®), is a prestigious credential that signifies expertise in the management of hazardous materials. This certification is crucial for professionals aiming to ensure environmental safety and compliance with regulations in various industries. The CHMM training program equips individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to handle hazardous materials responsibly, thereby promoting safe practices and enhancing career opportunities.
CERTIFICATION BODY: Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM®)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The CHMM certification program equips professionals with a comprehensive skillset for effective hazardous materials management. Here’s a breakdown of key learning objectives:
- Regulatory Compliance: Understand and apply federal, state, and local regulations (RCRA, CERCLA, OSHA) related to hazardous materials management.
- Hazardous Materials Expertise: Accurately identify, classify, label, and document hazardous substances based on their properties.
- Risk Management: Conduct risk assessments, develop and implement strategies to mitigate potential hazards associated with hazardous materials.
- Waste Management: Learn safe and compliant disposal, recycling, and treatment techniques for hazardous waste, while implementing waste minimization and pollution prevention practices.
- Emergency Preparedness & Response: Develop and execute emergency response plans for hazardous materials incidents, including training and coordinating response teams.
- EHS Practices: Promote workplace safety through EHS programs, conducting regular audits and inspections for ongoing compliance and improvement.
- Transportation & Storage: Understand regulations and best practices for safe transportation and storage of hazardous materials, implementing appropriate safety measures.
- Sustainability Integration: Apply pollution prevention principles and integrate sustainable practices into hazardous materials management to minimize environmental impact.
- Training & Communication: Develop and deliver effective training programs for employees handling hazardous materials, and clearly communicate safety information and regulations to all stakeholders.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records and documentation, while preparing and submitting timely reports to regulatory agencies.
- Ethical Conduct: Adhere to ethical standards and professional conduct in hazardous materials management, staying informed about industry developments and continuous improvement practices.
By achieving these objectives, CHMM-certified professionals demonstrate their preparedness to manage hazardous materials safely and efficiently, safeguarding public health and the environment.
EXAM INFORMATION:
The CHMM exam consists of two parts, each assessing different aspects of hazardous materials management:
- Part 1: Focuses on the fundamentals of hazardous materials management, typically with multiple-choice questions.
- Part 2: Includes practical applications and problem-solving scenarios, which may include a mix of multiple-choice questions, essay questions, or case studies.
The exam content is detailed in the IHMM’s “Blueprint,” which outlines specific domains of hazardous materials management and their respective percentage weights in the exam.
RE CERTIFICATION:
Duration: You need to recertify every five years to maintain your CHMM credential.
Maintenance Points (CMPs): To qualify for recertification, you must accumulate a total of 200 CMPs during the five-year cycle.
Curriculum
- 11 Sections
- 20 Lessons
- 40 Hours
- Regulatory Compliance:1
- Hazardous Materials Expertise:2
- Risk Management:2
- Waste Management:1
- Emergency Preparedness & Response:2
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Practices:2
- Transportation & Storage:2
- Sustainability Integration:2
- Training & Communication:2
- Documentation & Reporting:2
- Ethical Conduct:2
Requirements
- Education:
Bachelor's degree (or higher) preferred in a relevant field:
Hazardous materials management
Environmental science
Chemistry
Biology
Related discipline Some programs may accept relevant experience instead of a bachelor's degree (less common). - Work Experience:
Minimum professional experience required in:
Hazardous materials management
Closely related field
Specific experience requirement varies
Typically ranges from 2 to 4 years
Target audiences
- Safety professionals looking to advance their career (e.g., Safety Specialists, EH&S Officers).
- Career changers with experience in engineering, construction, etc., transitioning to hazardous materials management.
- Recent graduates with degrees in hazardous materials, environmental science, or related fields