CHMM: Certified Hazardous Materials Manager

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a specialist in managing hazardous materials and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. It is issued by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) in the United States.

CHMM-certified employees are responsible for managing hazard materials through their lifecycle. This includes their:

• Storage
• Transportation
• Disposal

CHMM candidates typically have a strong background in environmental science, engineering, or a related field.

Organizations that handle hazardous materials – such as chemicals, biological hazards, toxic substances, or explosive materials – may seek CHMM-certified employees. Such organizations commonly include:

• Industrial facilities
• Environmental consulting firms
• Emergency response agencies
• Waste management companies
• Government agencies
• Transportation and logistics companies
• Energy and utilities companies
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions

While not universally mandatory, a CHMM certification may be required by various industries and organizations for certain positions.

To be eligible for a CHMM certification, candidates must possess a four-year degree in applied sciences – or a related field such as chemistry or biology – from an accredited college or university. They must also have four years of work experience in a role related to hazardous materials management. Such roles include those involving:

• Hazardous materials handling
• Emergency response planning
• Contaminant sampling
• Site investigation and remediation

Eligible candidates must submit their information and an application to the CHMM, pay the application fee, then take and pass the CHMM exam. The total amount of fees will depend on the individual – and whether, for example, they must retake the exam. Generally, however, the entire CHMM certification process costs around $2,000-2,500.

A CHMM certification is valid for five years. During this time, those seeking renewal must earn a total of 200 “Certification Maintenance Points (CMPs)” – 100 of which are earned from work experience. The other 100 are earned through various IHMM-approved methods of professional development and continuous improvement, such as attended or teaching college courses; attending seminars, webinars, and workshops; or delivering presentations at professional events.

A CHMM offers several benefits to individuals and organizations. They include the following.

Achieving CHMM certification may pose several challenges to organizations and employees. They include the following.

Here are a few tips for preparing for a CHMM certification:

• Develop a focused study plan, covering all CHMM exam topics.
• Use practice exams, online courses, and case studies, to reinforce concepts.
• Join study groups or forums to share insights and clarify doubts.
• Regularly review materials and stay informed about changes in regulations.
• Simulate exam conditions with timed practice tests, which are available on the IHMM website.

For more information and guidance on CHMM certification, you can refer to the following resources.

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). The IHMM’s website should be the predominant resource for those seeking CHMM certification. It contains practice exams, study guides, information regarding the certification and recertification process, FAQs, and more.

Hazardous Materials Society (HMS). The HMS is a professional association for IHMM certifications. It schedules and holds conferences, networking events, education courses, anre more that may be valuable to those seeking or holding CHMM certification.

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)

^{(Resources checked 14.12.2023, and used throughout this guide)}