Welcome to the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) Certification Page! Here you will find all the information you need to know about our certification process for occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals.
What is Certification?
Certification is an essential recognition that verifies an individual's proficiency in a particular field. In the realm of occupational health and safety (OHS), certification assures that professionals have the required expertise to create and maintain safe and healthy work environments. AIHS recognizes the significance of developing competent and qualified OHS professionals and offers certification at varying levels based on the Global Capability Framework. This framework sets standards for education, experience, and demonstrated knowledge and skills, which are then evaluated to ensure that professionals possess the necessary aptitude to carry out their roles effectively.
AIHS offers certification at different levels based on the Global Capability Framework for health and safety professionals. The three certification levels are:
- Certified OHS Practitioner - these professionals maintain OHS administrative processes, conduct basic training, and oversee monitoring and compliance related to technical and behavioral risk controls. They work under supervision or mentoring, focusing on known contexts within established parameters.
- OHS Professionals - these professionals design OHS strategies in the context of business processes and external influences. They provide advice based on conceptual and technical knowledge, experience, analysis, and critical thinking. They work solo or give direction to others.
- Chartered OHS Professionals - these professionals possess high-level specialist or strategic skills and are influential with senior management or policy makers. They consider the broader organizational and social context of their advice.
Although certification of generalist OHS professionals has been standard practice in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and Europe, Australia initially lagged behind in implementing a certification scheme for the profession. However, in 2007, the Health and Safety Profession Alliance (HaSPA) confirmed in its minimum standards that certification of OHS advisors is essential in achieving the highest level of protection for employees, employers, and other workplace health and safety stakeholders against risks to their health and safety. Worksafe Victoria also noted the need for a specific OHS professional certification program in the Maxwell review of Victorian OHS legislation.
Why is it important?
Certification plays a crucial role in ensuring the competence and standing of professionals providing advice to employers, clients, workers, and the community. It instils confidence and guidance in the minds of stakeholders and helps distinguish qualified professionals from those who lack a certain standard of knowledge and skill. This is especially important in the field of occupational health and safety, where the advice and recommendations of professionals can have significant implications for the safety and well-being of workers.
Moreover, certification provides a focus for career learning and advancement, as it sets standards for education, experience, and demonstrated knowledge and skills. By doing so, it establishes a framework for ongoing professional development, ensuring that individuals remain up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in their field. This helps raise the overall level of expertise and professionalism within the profession, benefiting both individuals and the wider community.
Am I eligible?
To determine if you are eligible for certification, AIHS offers different levels of certification based on the Global Capability Framework for health and safety professionals. The certification levels include Certified OHS Practitioner, Certified OHS Professional, and Chartered OHS Professional.
The AIHS Certification Eligibility Questionnaire is a tool designed to help you assess your eligibility for certification as an occupational health and safety professional. By answering a series of questions about your education, experience, and demonstrated knowledge and skills, you can determine which certification level you may be eligible for according to the Global Capability Framework.
COMPLETE THE CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE
How do I apply?
Certification is open to eligible AIHS Members. If you are not currently an AIHS Member, the cost is $230 +gst. Click APPLY to complete your membership application.
Once you have completed the Certification Eligibility Questionnaire, a recommendation on the correct certification level will be provided. To prepare for your application, we also recommend you ensure you have the required documentation ready. This includes:
- A current CV/Resume
- A transcript of your document (Please note we require a copy of your transcript which shows your subjects undertaken)
- Your Demonstrated Capability Assessment Report - one of three outlined below (PDF only):
- If you applying for Practitioner Pathway Program - APPLY NOW
- If you are applying for Generalist OHS Practitioner Certification you must complete a Demonstrated Capability Assessment (DCA) - Download the template
- If you are applying for Generalist OHS Professional Certification you must complete a Demonstrated Capability Assessment (DCA) - Download the template
- If you are applying for Chartered Generalist OHS Professional Certification you must complete a Professional Reflective Practice (PRP) - Download the template
APPLY NOW for Certified Practitioner, Professional and Chartered Professional.
If you are seeking further advice about your certification level, please contact us.
Levels of Training and Achievement
(COHSPrac)
(COHSProf)
Professional (ChOHSP)
