HSE Certification : Priority to Health, Safety and Environment

What is HSE certification ?

The HSE certification proves the competence of individuals or companies in terms of health, safety, and environment, guaranteeing their compliance with the required standards. Internationally recognized, it opens many professional doors in the fields of security.

Encompassing various topics such as accident prevention, risk management and safety programs, the certification of conformity also addresses protection against biohazards, ergonomics, community exposures, thermal stress, and toxicology, among others. It is relevant in sectors such as construction, industry, oil and gas, chemistry, agriculture and the health sector.

Obtaining an HSE certification offers several advantages :

• Improved employability and pay.  
• Increased credibility and confidence.  
• Significant contribution to the protection of health, safety and the environment.  
• Increased productivity and job satisfaction.  
• Ensures compliance with applicable standards and regulations.  
• Reduction of economic and social costs related to accidents and diseases.

‍

Many organizations offer HSE certification, adapted to the level of specialization sought. The following section details the main certification bodies.

Which organizations offer HSE certification ?

Several institutions offer Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) certification adapted to various levels and specializations. This section guides you through the main certification bodies.

Le Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)

BCSP, an American organization, grants Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification as well as other specialized certifications such as Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP). With international recognition, BCSP certifications require a high level of rigor, complemented by in-depth examinations.

To obtain a BCSP certification, it is essential to have a university degree, professional experience and preliminary certification from the BCSP, such as the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP).

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

The UK-based IOSH awards the Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner (CMIOSH) certification and also offers initial certifications such as the Technical Member (Tech IOSH) or the Associate Member (AIOSH). As the world’s largest occupational health and safety association, IOSH has over 47,000 members in more than 130 countries.

To be certified by the IOSH, it is necessary to take accredited training, have relevant professional experience, and pass a competency assessment.

Registre international des auditeurs certifiés (IRCA)

The IRCA, another UK body, awards Lead Auditor certification in addition to management system-oriented certifications, including ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (health and safety). As the world’s leading auditor certification body, IRCA has over 11,000 members in more than 150 countries. Obtaining an IRCA certification requires participation in approved training, significant audit experience and passing a written exam.

What are the specific HSE certification requirements for my industry ?

HSE certification brings together a set of standards and standards designed specifically for each sector. These elements vary according to the risks and impacts related to health, safety, and the environment, which are themselves influenced by the type of activity, the products or services offered, the processes used, the equipment, and the location of the workplaces.

Choosing the right HSE certification for your field is crucial to effectively meet regulatory requirements, meet customer demands and optimize your business performance.

We guide you in choosing the most appropriate HSE certification for your sector by presenting examples of standards, specific standards, and the organizations that offer them.

These certifications are accessible through organizations such as AFNOR Certification, Bureau Veritas, Dekra. Contact Yvea for support on these topics. We offer negotiated rates through our partners.

The construction sector

Particularly vulnerable to occupational and environmental risks, the construction sector requires special attention to HSE standards. Among these we find :

• The ISO 45001 standard for occupational health and safety management
• The ISO 14001 standard for environmental management
• The MASE standard, aimed at improving safety in industrial companies
• The HQE standard, to reduce the environmental impact of buildings by improving the comfort and health of their occupants

The industry sector

Faced with multiple environmental and occupational risks, the industrial sector also benefits from HSE standards and standards, such as :

• The ISO 45001 standard for occupational health and safety
• The ISO 14001 standard for environmental management
• The OHSAS 18001 standard, compatible with ISO 45001, for occupational health and safety
• The ISO 50001 standard for energy management, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

The health sector

Subject to high HSE requirements to ensure the quality and safety of care, the healthcare sector also has :

• The ISO 45001 standard for occupational health and safety management
• The ISO 14001 standaddfor environmentally responsible practices
• The ISO 9001 standard, to optimize customer satisfaction and process efficiency
• The HAS standard, assessing the quality and safety of care, risk management, and respect for patient's rights

What are the steps to obtain an HSE certification ?

To obtain an HSE certification, a multi-phase path is recommended :

Choose the right certification according to your field and level of competence

Various HSE standards and standards exist, adapted to each sector and specialty. It is crucial to select the certification that best suits your professional profile and aspirations. Also take into account the required prerequisites, such as the level of studies, experience in the field, or specific prior training.

Register with a certification body

After identifying the appropriate certification, the next step is to register with the issuing body. It is necessary to complete a registration file, submit the required supporting documents, and pay the registration fee.

Participate in preparatory training

Training prior to the exam is recommended to solidify theoretical and practical knowledge. The training options are varied, including online, face-to-face, or mixed formats, to choose according to your availability and your budget. The duration varies depending on the nature of the certification, ranging from a few days to several months.

Take the certification exam

The exam is the final step. It assesses your skills through different formats, such as multiple choice, case study, or interview. Usually taking place at an accredited centre or online, depending on the case, a minimum score is required to obtain certification.

How much does an HSE certification cost ?

The cost of an HSE certification varies according to several criteria, including the type of certification, the entity issuing it, the duration of the training, as well as the modality of the exam. Prices are not fixed and change according to the different offers on the market.

Below are cost estimates for various HSE certifications :

• The PSC certification by the BCSP is approximately $1,000, including $160 in registration fees, $350 in exam fees and $500 in renewal fees every five years.
• Obtaining CMIOSH certification by IOSH comes to about £1,500, with £250 for membership, £750 for training and £500 for evaluation.
• The IRCA Lead Auditor certification costs around €2,000, ranging from €1,500 for training to €500 for the exam.
• The ISO 45001 certification is estimated at around €3,000, including €2,000 for training and €1,000 for auditing.

‍

These estimates are indicative and may fluctuate depending on the provider, country, promotional offers, etc. It is recommended to compare different proposals and request custom quotes before making a decision.

Cost reduction options exist, such as discounts offered to members of certain professional associations, scholarships or financial aid offered by public or private entities, or support from employers or vocational training organisations.

How long does it take to get an HSE certification ?

The length of time it takes to acquire an HSE certification can vary considerably depending on various criteria, such as the type of certification you are looking for, the level of proficiency you need, your availability, and the training format you choose. There is no fixed duration for this approach, but rather a time scale that fluctuates according to the specificities of each situation.

For example, here are the estimated times for obtaining some current HSE certifications :

• For the CSP certification proposed by the BCSP, the process extends over 6 to 12 months, including 4 to 8 months of preparation for the exam and 2 to 4 months to pass and obtain the results.
• The CMIOSH certification issued by the IOSH requires approximately 12 to 18 months, divided between 9 to 12 months of training and 3 to 6 months for the evaluation and reception of results.
• Obtaining the IRCA Lead Auditor certification takes between 3 to 6 months, with 2 to 4 months for training and 1 to 2 months for reviewing and receiving results.
• ISO 45001 certification takes 6 to 9 months, with 4 to 6 months dedicated to training and 2 to 3 months for auditing and obtaining results.

‍

It is important to note that these estimates may vary depending on the certification body, the country, and the availability of each. It is therefore advisable to organize your certification project taking into account your personal objectives and time constraints.

Be aware that there are options to speed up this process, such as intensive training, online exams, or remote audits.

Is there a renewal to be done regarding the HSE certification ?

The HSE certification, far from being definitive, requires a regular renewal to remain current. With the constant evolution of health, safety and environmental standards and regulations, up-to-date is essential to remain competent in the field.

This renewal process is also crucial to maintaining credibility and professional recognition with employers, clients and peers.

The criteria for renewing HSE certification vary depending on the body issuing it, the type of certification and the area of specialization. Generally required conditions include :

• Renewal fees, depending on the organization and type of certification
• The periodicity of renewal, which may be annual, biennial, triennial or five-year, depending on the body and the type of certification
• Proof of continued professional activity in the field, with evidence of experience, achievements and responsibilities
• The justification for continuing education, evidenced by participation in courses, seminars, conferences, webinars, publications, etc.
• The requirement to pass a renewal exam in certain cases, according to the criteria of the organization and the type of certification

‍

It is therefore vital to inquire with the certifying body about how to renew its HSE certification and prepare accordingly. Options such as requests for postponement, suspension or reactivation are also available in exceptional circumstances.