CESM - Certified Environmental Systems Manager

1. What is the Certified Environmental Systems Manager certification?

NREP^SM’s Certified Environmental Systems Manager (CESM) certification is a Project Management/Coordination Programs certification for those who work in environmental policy, planning, implementation, measurement and monitoring, and control of operating facilities and processes.

2. Who should get the Certified Environmental Systems Manager certification?

The CESM certification is for professionals responsible for implementing environmental management systems (EMS) programs at facilities in accordance with ISO 14001-type guidelines and principles.

3. What is ISO?

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, nongovernmental international organization with a membership of 164 national standards bodies. ISO has published 22,694 International Standards and related documents, covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agriculture and health care.

4. What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is a family of standards related to environmental management that help companies and organizations manage their environmental responsibilities. ISO defines an environmental management system as “part of the management system used to manage environmental aspects, fulfill compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities.” The ISO 14000 family of standards are developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 207 and its various subcommittees.

ISO 14001:2015 (which means the standard was revised in 2015) and its supporting standards such as ISO 14006:2011 focus on environmental systems to achieve this. The other standards in the family focus on specific approaches such as audits, communications, labeling and life cycle analysis, as well as environmental challenges such as climate change.

5. What are common career outcomes after obtaining the Certified Environmental Systems Manager certification?

Certified Environmental Systems Managers work in diverse fields—they often work for government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), nonprofit organizations, multinational conglomerations, environmental management firms, and large corporations. They make decisions based on protecting natural resources, focusing on how they are used, obtained, and how they can be conserved.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that:

• 23% of environmental scientists and specialists worked in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, earning $68,410 per year on average.
• 22% of environmental scientists and specialists worked in state government, excluding education and hospitals, earning $60,280 per year on average.
• 13% of environmental scientists and specialists worked in local government, excluding education and hospitals, earning $65,320 per year on average.
• 10% of environmental scientists and specialists worked in engineering services, earning $67,830 per year on average.
• 6% of environmental scientists and specialists worked in federal government, excluding postal service, earning $99,260 per year on average.

Payscale.com has reported on careers for individuals with master’s degrees in environmental management, and also reported their average earnings:

• Environmental scientists earned an average annual salary of $53,359.
• Sustainability managers earned an average annual salary of $78,200.
• Environmental project managers earned an average annual salary of $64,709.
• Sustainability consultants earned an average annual salary of $55,989.
• Program project managers earned an average annual salary of $111,000.
• Energy managers earned an average annual salary of $74,025.
• Environmental consultants earned an average annual salary of $53,458.

6. What prerequisites should you complete in school?

Some bachelor’s degree courses you might want to take include:

• Introduction to Statistics
• Environment and Ecosystems Principles
• Human Health and Disease
• Environmental Regulations and Policy
• Environmental Health
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Environmental Technology
• Global Environmental Management Issues
• Focused study in either toxicology and hazard control or sustainability

If pursuing a master’s degree, specializations you might want to consider are:

• Business and the Environment
• Ecosystem Conservation and Management
• Energy and the Environment
• Environmental Policy Analysis
• Human Dimensions of Environmental Management
• Sustainable Land Management, Use and Policy
• Industrial Ecology and Green Design
• Water Resources Science and Management

7. Who is eligible to take the Certified Environmental Systems Manager exam?

Prospective applicants are eligible to take the exam if they have:

• a bachelor's degree in an environmentally related field.
  • Three years of acceptable work experience may be substituted for each year of an academic degree program (i.e. twelve years of work experience is equivalent to a bachelor's degree).
• three years of work experience involved in environmental policy, planning, implementation, measurement and monitoring, and control of operating facilities and processes.
  • Education cannot be substituted for work experience.

8. Is work experience required to be eligible?

Yes. A minimum of 3 years of acceptable work experience is required.

9. How do you earn this certification?

You need to take a 1.5-hour, multiple choice, closed book, online exam. The application fee is $100, the exam is $200, and the exam retake is $100.

10. What is on the test?

The CESM exam covers:

• environmental regulations
• program management as related to pollution prevention, sustainable development, waste minimization, and health and safety
•  compliance
• chemistry, toxicology, and geology/hydrogeology
• ISO 1400
• laboratory technology related to laboratory services, field procedures, and abatement systems
• and professional practices related to ethics, legal obligations, personal liability, and public relations.

There are 100 questions on the exam, and you need to get at least 75% correct to pass.

11. How can I prepare for the test?

NREP^SM offers a 95-page study guide for the CESM Exam. The study guide is $125. This guide covers topics such as EMS Environmental Policy, EMS Planning, EMS Implementation/ Operation, EMS Checking and Corrective Action, EMS Management and Review, and more.

NREP^SM also offers sample questions for the exam. The sample questions are $40.

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

Annual renewal is required.

13. Can you renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)?

Yes.

14. Can you renew through Re-Examination? 

No.

15. What are the benefits of this certification?

Becoming a Certified Environmental Systems Manager is beneficial for both you and your company. It makes you more qualified and confident within your role, and also sets you apart from other job candidates. You knowledge also helps your company improve efficiencies in the use of energy and new materials. At your organization, you can help:

• reduce waste and costs
• mitigate environmental risks
• increase the ability to comply with environmental regulations
• develop integrated environmental health and safety initiatives
• and spearhead sustainability efforts

16. 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. 

17. 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. 

18. 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.

19. 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.