CEA - Certified Environmental Auditor^SM

1.What is the Certified Environmental Auditor^SM  (CEA) certification?

National Registry of Environmental Professionals^®® (NREP^SM)’s Certified Environmental Auditor^SM (CEA) certification is a specialty certification program intended for professionals conducting environmental compliance and risk audits of operating facilities, related equipment and ongoing procedures. This certification is recognized by the U.S. Air Force.

2. Who should get the CEA certification?

National Registry of Environmental Professionals^®’ CEA certification is for individuals performing environmental compliance audits.

3. What prerequisites should you complete in school?

To qualify for the certification examination, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in an environmental field.

4. Who is eligible?

To be eligible, you need a bachelor’s degree in an environmentally related discipline. Three years of acceptable work experience may be substituted for each year of an academic degree program (i.e. Twelve years of experience is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree).

You also need four years of work experience directly involved with environmental audits of operating facilities and processes. Education cannot be substituted for work experience.

5. Is work experience required to be eligible?

Yes.

6. Is the Exam required?

Yes.

7. What is on the test?

National Registry of Environmental Professionals^®’ test is an online exam. There are 100 multiple-choice questions, and it is intended to be closed book. You must earn at least 75 percent to pass. It has a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The exam costs $200, and the exam retake costs $100. Learn more here: https://www.nrep.org/workshops/cea-certified-environmental-auditor-1216

8. What topics are covered on the test?

The test covers the following topics:

• Environmental laws and regulations
• Program management relating to pollution prevention, waste minimization, health and safety, compliance
• Chemistry, toxicology and geology
• Technology
• Ethics, legal obligations, personal liability and public relations

9. How can I prepare for the test? 

National Registry of Environmental Professionals^® offers a study guide for the Certified Environmental Auditor^SM Certification Examination. The 142-page guide covers topics such as Environmental Laws & Regulations, Environmental Program Management, Basic Chemistry/Toxicology/Geology/Hydrogeology, Environmental Technology, Environmental Ethics, and more. The e-book is $125: https://www.nrep.org/study-guides/cea-certified-environmental-auditor-study-guide.

10. How often do I need to renew the certification?

Renewal must be done after 1 year. You can renew by Continuing Educational Units. Continuing Education credits are required, not optional.

11. What are the benefits of this certification?

While someone working in the environmental field may not be required to have a professional certification, having a credential beyond a degree helps show employers and clients you have demonstrated to an independent third-party organization that certain minimum requirements for education, experience, and knowledge in the environmental field have been met.

The National Registry of Environmental Professionals^® (NREP^SM) is a nonprofit organization that provides several certification options for EH&S professionals. NREP^SM is widely considered to be the foremost not-for-profit organization in the environmental and safety industry.

12. What are the benefits of this certification?

While employers may not require certifications for environmental professionals, earning this credential can enhance your employment opportunities. Earning a certification allows individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, experience, and education in the environmental field. 

13. Do I have to take the test at a testing center, or can it be done remotely (at home)? 

NREP^SM is an online exam and monitored by NREP^SM proctor. You may take your exam anywhere (house/workplace) at your convenience, you just need a computer that supports both audio and video with good internet connection. I will share the guidelines once your exam is scheduled. 

14. How to schedule the exam? 

Once your registration is confirmed you would need to reach out to customer support team at customerservice@nrep.com to schedule your exam. 

15. Validity?

Certificate and Exam application will be valid only till one year from the date of application. Once the application is expired, candidates must apply for the application once again and pay the fees.

16. How long does it take to receive my Certificate?

If you have purchased a digital Certificate, we will mail your certificate to your mailing address registered with NREP^SM. The delivery lead time is approx. up to 10 working days.
FedEx International Priority:
Estimated cost: $80-$100
Estimated delivery time: 7-10business days
USPS Priority Mail International:
Estimated cost: $40-$60
Estimated delivery time: 10-15 business days
 
Please note that these estimate days may vary based on the exact destination, shipping service selected, and any additional services or options chosen. It is recommended to give few buffer days and there might be unexpected delays. You can also reach out to our Customer service team in case of any other concern.