CERTIFIED HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY PROFESSIONAL

CHEP Information

The Board of Certified Hazard Control Management (BCHCM), which offers the CHSP, CHCM, and CPSO credentials, is proud to announce the newly developed CHEP credential.  The CHEP was developed to meet the need for a practical but professional certification for healthcare emergency executives, managers, coordinators, and associates. The Board received input from practicing healthcare emergency and disaster professionals when developing this designation. The program relies on information, standards, and best practices from reliable sources including organizations such NFPA, ASTM, DHS, EPA, OSHA, FEMA, ASHE, and the Joint Commission.  Healthcare organizations need professionals that understand how emergency management principles support the healthcare environment of care and the community. Candidates for the CHEP must complete a thorough application process and pass a comprehensive closed book examination 100 to 120 multiple-choice items. The Board offers certification at the Associate, Master, or Executive Level.  BCHCM, a non-profit organization established in 1976, has issued more than 6,000 CHSP and CHCM credentials.  A professional certification validates a person’s experience, education, knowledge, and dedication to a professional code of conduct. Earning the CHEP indicates that the certified professional should be able to effectively support the objectives and goals related to effective healthcare emergency management. Candidates can print the Application and Reference Evaluations Forms from the Board website at www.chcm-chsp.org

Candidates must document three (3) years of experience and/or education in emergency management, disaster response, emergency planning or in a related discipline such as safety, hazardous materials, facility management, fire safety, public health, and emergency services.  Candidates must have one year of validated experience in healthcare emergency or disaster management.  Candidates must document experience in at least two (2) emergency or disaster exercises or actual emergency or disaster incidents in a healthcare setting.  Candidates must submit two (2) Reference Evaluations Forms from persons aware of the applicant’s qualifications. Reference Evaluation Forms require the name and contact information of the evaluator.  Associate level candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent certificate.  All candidates must complete ICS100 and ICS200 courses or equivalent courses. Associate level members may upgrade to the fully qualified level when they achieve the experience and/or education requirements.

Candidates must document six (6) years of experience and/or education in emergency management, disaster response, emergency planning, or in a related discipline such as safety, hazardous materials, facility management, fire safety, public health, and emergency services  Candidates must have two (2) years of validated experience in healthcare emergency or disaster management.  Candidates must document participation in at least at least three (3) emergency drills or disaster exercises or two (2) actual emergency or disaster incidents in a healthcare setting.  Candidates must submit two (2) Reference Evaluations Forms from individuals aware of the applicant’s qualifications. The Reference Evaluation Forms require the name and contact information of the evaluator.  Master level candidates must have two years of college education or document acceptable experience in lieu of formal college courses.  All Master Level candidates must complete ICS100, ICS200, and ICS700 courses or demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

Candidates must document 10 years of experience in emergency management or a related field such as disaster response, facility management, safety, public health, emergency services, fire safety, or hazardous materials.  Competitive candidates will hold a four-year degree from an accredited institution.  Special consideration will be given to those holding advanced degrees or emergency management related undergraduate degrees. Candidates must provide the Board a summary (in two pages of less) that clearly presents the candidate’s achievements and levels of responsibility. Special consideration will be afforded candidates holding the Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) or the Certified Healthcare Facility Management (CHFM) credentials.  Candidates holding other credentials must document five years of healthcare experience.  All candidates must achieve a CHEP exam score of at 80 percent or higher.  Candidates must meet all Master Level requirements. However, executive level candidates must provide three (3) Reference Evaluations. The Board will only issue this credential to candidates with superior records.

Copies of training certificates and/or college transcripts may be required to document education and training.  College credits must come from accredited institutions. All candidates must read and sign the Board’s Code of Conduct for certified members. Credentials will not be issued until all application documents have been approved. Members must document 75 hours of continuing education every five years or retake the examination for continued certification. Members will be invoiced for the Annual Maintenance fee each Fall for the following Calendar Year.  Failure to pay maintenance or re-certification fees can result in suspension or revocation of the CHEP credential. Contact Jim Tweedy at 205-621-0464 or info@certsafenow.com for complete CHEP information.

Candidates can do a self-study and take the exam locally at testing or education offices at local colleges, universities, or military facilities.  The exam must be coordinated with the Board.  Candidates must complete an Exam Proctor Form (print for Board website) and submit it to the Board 30 days prior to the selected test date.  Candidates can make arrangements to sit for the 

exam at a CHEP Review Sessions conducted periodically at varying locations. Review Sessions authorized by the Board and contact information will be listed on our website www.chcm-chsp.org.  

Contact the sponsoring group or individual to make arrangements to sit for the CHEP Exam. These independent trainers schedule the dates and locations of their programs.  Authorized trainers may charge a Proctor Fee for administering exams to candidates not registered for their CHEP Exam Review Session. Candidates can make arrangements to take the CHEP Exam at the Board offices at: 2163 Pelham Parkway, Suite 217,  Pelham, Alabama 35124

CHEP Study Guide Only - $225

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