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REGISTERED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST (REHS)
How Do I Become An Environmental Health Specialist?
(The following information was obtained from the CA Dept. of Health Services.)
- What duties does a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) perform?
A REHS works to improve the quality of life and health through environmental education, consultation, and protection. Although a majority of REHSs work for government, many are also employed by the private sector. Some typical program responsibilities include food protection, land use, recreational swimming areas, onsite septic systems, drinking water quality, housing, vector control, disaster sanitation, and solid, liquid, and hazardous materials management.
Typical duties of a REHS in local government include inspections of various facilities such as food establishments, public swimming pools, community drinking water systems, landfills, and underground storage tanks in order to determine compliance with federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances. For further information contact California Environmental Health Association at www.ceha.org, the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health at www.ccdeh.com, or the universities with approved environmental health degrees that are listed on the Department of Health Services web page.
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- What are the minimum requirements to become a REHS?
A bachelor's degree is required with a minimum of 30 semester units of approved basic science courses including approved coursework in biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry or physics, microbiology, and college algebra (third year) or precalculus.
Additional Note: There is a registration exam administered by the Department of Health Services after all educational, training, and experience requirements have been fulfilled and approved. After an individual passes the exam, they will become a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS).
- What are basic science courses?
Basic science courses are normally the foundation college courses required for a degree in biology. These should not be confused with general education courses that cannot be counted as they are for non-science majors. A basic science course must be acceptable for a degree in biological science. Courses designed for liberal arts, general education, or non-science degrees are not acceptable.
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- Where can I get further information regarding the EHS Registration Program?
You may visit the Department of Health Services (DHS) web page. Mailing address: Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Specialist Registration Program, P.O. Box 942732, MS 7404, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320 or email: REHSprog@dhs.ca.gov
- Where can I get a listing of the basic requirements of the program?
On the DHS web page, click on "Health and Safety Code" (.pdf file) and look up Section 106635. This will list the education, training, and experience requirements for the five different options.
Additional Note: To become an Environmental Health Specialist I (i.e., Environmental Health Specialist Trainee), please also see Section 517(d) of the Health and Safety Code.
- Which universities have approved environmental health degrees that meet the requirements of Option V (Section 106635)?
Universities offering approved programs for both the bachelor's and master's degrees are California State University, Northridge and California State University, Fresno. Universities offering an approved master's degree are the University of California, Los Angeles and Loma Linda University. California State University, San Bernardino offers an approved bachelor's degree. Please check with DHS or your school counselor for the approved program option. For further information see the DHS web page and under "Additional Information" select "Universities Offering Approved Environmental Health degrees" (.pdf file).
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- I graduated from a college in a country other than the United States. How can I receive credit for the coursework I have completed?
All candidates with foreign transcripts must have a commercial credential evaluation service review the official transcripts and submit a letter as a part of the application package. Click "Foreign Transcripts: Credentials Evaluation Services" (.pdf file) on the DHS web page for a list of companies that provide this service.
- How do I apply for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist?
To apply for registration as an EHS or certification as an EHS trainee you will need to file an application with the Environmental Health Specialist Registration Program (EHSRP). Your application package must include: 1) A complete Environmental Health Specialist Registration application*; 2) An evaluation letter from Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) (**see below), or a foreign transcript service***; and 3) A nonrefundable $73.00 application fee.
Mail your application package to the EHSRP at: California Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Specialist registration Program, P.O. Box 942732, MS 7404, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
Note: You may apply to CPS and EHSRP concurrently.
* To obtain an Environmental Health Specialist Registration application, you may call (916) 449-5663 and leave your name and address; remember to speak clearly and spell each word. An application form and other pertinent information will be mailed to you. Alternatively, you can download the application from the DHS website, complete it, and submit the application package with the nonrefundable fee of $73.00 as described above.
** For graduates of AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES and COLLEGES: You will need to file an application with CPS for evaluation of your transcripts and remit the appropriate fees to: Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) Human Resource Services, 241 Lathrop Way, Sacramento, CA 95815. CPS phone: (916) 263-3624 / fax: (916) 561-7238 or web address: www.cps.ca.gov.
Note: The fees are currently $245.25, but check with CPS or EHSRP.
Note: You may apply to CPS and EHSRP concurrently.
***For graduates of FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES and COLLEGES: If you have attended a college or university outside the United States, you will need to file an application with one of the foreign transcript services approved by the EHSRP. Please contact EHSRP for further information at (916) 449-5663.
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- How long does the evaluation process take?
An evaluation letter will be mailed to you approximately four weeks after the receipt of all required documentation. This letter tells you whether or not you are eligible to become an environmental health specialist trainee and may list additional requirements you need to complete.
- Where can I complete the training and experience requirements?
Local California environmental health agencies have a State approved Environmental Health Specialist Trainee Program. The typical way to satisfy the training and experience requirements is to work for a local environmental health agency. The specific training plan requirements can be found on the DHS web page under "Health and Safety Code, Section 106635". You may also want to talk to your local environmental health agency training officer**.
- How do I prepare for the registration examination?
The prescribed training and experience requirements are designed to help you with the exam. A list of reference material is available which lists sources that describe content areas. DHS have also prepared a study guide to help you. Both the reference list and the study guide are available from your local environmental health training officer, by mail from the DHS office, or on the DHS web page.
You also may want to consider taking one of the REHS Exam Preparation courses available. Links are provided on the DHS web page under "Links: Exam Preparation":
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- When will I be eligible to take the examination to become a Registered Environmental Health Specialist?
After all of the education, training, and experience requirements have been met, you will be eligible to take the exam that is given three times a year. You will be notified prior to exam that you are eligible. The exam is scheduled usually in March, July, and November in both Sacramento and the Los Angeles area.
- When will I receive the results of the exam?
You will receive a notice in the mail approximately six weeks after the exam indication whether you passed or failed. Percentage scores are not released.
- Must I report a change of address?
Yes, please send your written request for change of address to the Department of Health Services at the address listed below. Otherwise, we will not be able to contact you regarding the status of your application or your registration. It is your responsibility to notify us of any address change.
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- What is the Environmental Health Specialist Registration Committee (EHSRC)?
The EHSRC was created in the Environmental Health Specialist Registration Act, Health and Safety Code Section 106675. The members are appointed by the governor to advise and make recommendations to the program. A list of the committee members is provide on the DHS web page.
Who can I contact for more information?
Department of Health Service
Environmental Health Specialist Registration Program
P.O. Box 942732, MS 7404
Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/REHS/REHS.htm
What other links are available for learning more about REHS?
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