What is the CESCO Certification?
Certification as a Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer® (CESCO) identifies professionals who have the experience and a proven understanding of the laws and regulations in the field. They demonstrate understanding and experience with regulations for air, water, waste-water pollution, and solid/hazardous wastes. Handling each of these with safety is the focus of the safety compliance officer certification.
What is a Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer® (CESCO)?
A Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer® works with companies and government to safely handle and dispose of waste products including hazardous wastes. They are an essential part of protecting our environment and the public from contamination and poor practices. The safety compliance officer certification requires familiarity with the laws regulating environmental practices and the ability to communicate and document compliance.
The job requires both office and field work. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a background in environmental science and environmental law who enjoy field work should do well in this position. Organization and detail-oriented work are required.
What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer®?
CESCO certification is beneficial for professionals in the industry. It recognizes your level of commitment to the position and your qualifications for the job. Certification is recognized by many companies and can lead to an increase in salary and professional benefits. It assures the government and private companies of your education, qualifications, knowledge, and experience.
Additional benefits include opportunities for professional development through national conferences, environmental education programs, and local and regional affiliated organizations. You will be listed in NREPSM’s Official Registry of Environmental Professionals and enjoy the benefits of national recognition.
What Education and Work Experience is Required?
CESCO certification requires:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a related field
- HAZWOPER 40 HR training or OSHA 10/30 HR training
- 2 years of full-time employment in environmental and/or safety field
- Passing an exam
What’s Involved in the Exam?
The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions in the area of environmental safety and environmental law. The exam is taken online and requires a score of 75% or better to pass. It is a closed book exam.
How Do I Study for the Exam?
NREPSM provides a Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer® and sample questions which can be purchased after setting up an account. The recommended study guide for the CESCO exam covers topics such as Resource Conservation/ RCRA, Hazardous Material/ Regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Environmental Site Assessment and more. The highly recommended 192 page Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer® costs $125.
Additionally, a set of sample questions is available for an additional $40 charge.
How Do I Apply?
To apply, you must register online and fill out an application. There is a $100 application fee and an exam cost of $200. The application process provides tracking to make sure that all the required information is provided and that all required education and experience documentation is submitted. The application process is straightforward and can be done completely online.