AIHA, AIHA Registry Programs, and the National Registry of Certified Chemists (NRCC) recently announced the launch of a joint program for the certification of industrial hygiene (IH) chemists and analysts. The new certification program is called the AIHA-NRCC Industrial Hygiene Chemist Certification.

The organizations reportedly developed this program after recognizing the benefits of certification for chemists and analysts in laboratories that focus on analyzing industrial hygiene samples. AIHA Registry Programs provided the startup fund for the development of the AIHA-NRCC Industrial Hygiene Chemist Certification, while NRCC planned, developed, and will administer the certification program.

AIHA provided subject matter expertise in the form of volunteers from the Sampling and Laboratory Analysis Committee to create and maintain the program. AIHA is also supporting the certification program with educational opportunities at both the beginner and intermediate levels for those looking to become certified IH chemists.

“We are excited to be part of making this long-awaited certification a reality,” said Angela Oler, director of Operations for AIHA Registry Programs. “We strongly believe that it will provide an opportunity for chemists and analysts who focus on industrial hygiene to be recognized for their specific expertise.”

“The opportunity to partner with AIHA on this program was ideal, as NRCC is continuously evaluating potential professional certification ideas and AIHA had the expertise we were looking for on this program,” said Russ Phifer, executive director of NRCC. “As a CLIA approved Certification Board for Laboratory Directors of High Complexity Testing, NRCC connects chemists in a variety of fields with licensing opportunities and enhanced employment prospects. This program is a natural extension of our mission.”

Candidates of the AIHA-NRCC Industrial Hygiene Chemist Certification must meet at least one of the following combined education and experience requirements:

• Associate’s degree with at least 16 semester hours of chemistry or other natural science courses from an institution acceptable to the board, as well as a minimum of three years of employment experience relevant to industrial hygiene chemistry
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 16 semester hours of chemistry and other natural science courses from an institution acceptable to the board, as well as a minimum of two years of employment experience relevant to industrial hygiene chemistry
• American Chemical Society-certified bachelor’s degree with at least 16 semester hours of chemistry and other natural science courses from an institution acceptable to the board, as well as a minimum of one year of employment experience relevant to industrial hygiene chemistry
• Master’s or doctorate degree with at least the equivalence of 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry and other natural science courses from an institution acceptable to the board, as well as a minimum of one year of employment experience relevant to industrial hygiene chemistry

For more information, visit http://nrcc6.org.