Getting started on your career in occupational safety and health (OSH)? Your first step is finding the right certifications that will boost your resume and help you find a job in the industry. In today’s competitive job market, a bachelor’s degree isn’t enough. Professional credentials show employers that you have verified knowledge, practical skills, and a strong commitment to your field.
This article outlines the most valuable OSH certifications you can get for your resume and why each matters to potential employers.
OSH Certifications for Students
Before you even go out in the field, you can complete the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Outreach Training Program. You’ll have to go to an education center, but they’re all over the country to provide training for anyone who needs it.
There are two different kinds of training you can receive from the program:
- 10-Hour Program: This is for entry-level roles in the industry that many employers in construction and general industry want their workers to have before they start. In some states and cities, it’s even required.
- 30-Hour Program: This program is intended for workers that have more responsibility when it comes to safety. It’s a voluntary certificate you can earn to show your employers that you’re ready for better work.
OSH Certifications for After Graduation
Once you have a couple years of experience in your toolkit, you can qualify for more safety and health certifications. These can help you find better career opportunities and learn more about your industry.
Some of the best OSH certification you can earn soon after graduation:
- Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP): If you’re a student at BYU-Idaho, your occupational safety and health degree already qualifies you for this certification. Having this certification shows employers that you know everything you need to start working in the field, and that you’re ready to earn more certifications.
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP): After a year out in the field, you can earn this certification to show your employer your commitment to safety. Like most certifications, you’ll have to take and pass a safety exam, but your experience at work will prepare you for it.
OSH Certifications for Down the Line
Certifications aren’t just for the beginning of your career. As you spend time in the industry, you can learn more skills and show employers that you’re worth more to them. This is great if you want to stick with your company or jump into a new position.
You can earn these certifications that require more professional experience and offer more respect:
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP): This is one of the most advanced certifications you can earn as a safety professional. You’ll need at least four years of safety experience and a qualified credential like the GSP or the ASP.
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH): This certification is for professionals in the occupational hygiene field, who focus on handling dangerous chemicals or biological hazards. After earning your degree and four years of experience in the field, you can prepare to earn this certification.
Get Started on Your Future Today
While certifications can help you boost your resume and career, you don’t need to earn them all at once. You can start small while in school by investigating OSHA’s Outreach Training Program or checking out the requirements for the Graduate Safety Practitioner. You can continue earning your certifications as you advance in your career, and with each one, you can show employers that you have initiative, professionalism, and that you’re ready for the field.
If you want to learn more about occupational safety and health, check out BYU-Idaho’s degree page. [LINK TO Occupational Safety and Health degree page]
Citations
OSHA — Outreach Training Program Overview
OSHA — Training Institute Education Centers
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) — Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP)
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) — Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) — Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) — Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)