About the CIH Recertification Program

The purpose of the BGC Certification Maintenance (CM) program, which began in 1979, is to ensure that Diplomates develop and enhance their professional-level industrial hygiene knowledge and skills during the time period that they are certified by BGC. The CM program primarily emphasizes technical advancement but does make allowances for some professional development activities when there is an environment, safety, or health aspect. Generic career skills development or career advancement may occur as a result of being a Diplomate, but it is not a focus area for the BGC CM program.

This includes the yearly fee to maintain the credential after it is awarded. Normally, the annual fee is paid by the beginning of each year. The first annual fee may be prorated depending on the month or window in which an examinee sits for the exam.

Diplomates are required to recertify every five years in order to maintain their BGC certification. BGC believes that the five-year cycle allows ample time for the Diplomate to develop new knowledge/skills as well as enhance or refresh on previously-acquired knowledge/skills. This can encompass maintaining technical knowledge and skills in regulations and standards and updating their knowledge and skills related to improvements and current developments in practice, procedures, and techniques.

The CM cycle length of five years is based on the premise that the knowledge/skills to be a professional-level industrial hygienist evolve over time but do not change radically from year to year. Industrial Hygiene is a mature profession, having been established in the 1930s. As an applied science profession, it uses an amalgam of many different pure sciences and core disciplines, e.g., chemistry, biology, anatomy, mathematics, toxicology, and engineering. Advancements in those sciences and disciplines are integrated into the IH profession, usually in an adaptive, gradual manner. Thus, since the level of IH knowledge and skills to be a practicing, professional-level Industrial Hygienist does not change radically each year, a more frequent recertification period does not appear to be warranted.

This approach is also consistent with the CIH Job Analysis which is done every five to seven years and used to identify the current knowledge and skills possessed by a professional-level industrial hygienist with three to four years of broad scope professional-level practice. If the Job Analysis indicates a fundamental change in the IH Subject Areas (Rubrics), Domains, or Tasks, the CM program would be evaluated for both the recertification frequency and methodologies (i.e., CM Categories and approved activities).

Steps to Recertify Your CIH

CIH Annual Recertification Requirements

Code of Ethics

During the applications process, each Diplomate agreed to adhere to the BGC Code of Ethics. Diplomates are asked to sign a similar commitment each time that a CM cycle is completed. It is a condition of CM that all Diplomates practice ethical behavior to the best of their abilities.

Any individual may file an ethics complaint by completing the Ethics Charge Statement Form located in the Ethics section. All complaints are treated seriously and, where warranted, further investigated by the BGC Ethics Review Committee, which may include the use of legal counsel. The Committee is appointed by the BGC CEO. A Diplomate found to be in violation of the BGC Code of Ethics will be subject to a range of sanctions up to and including decertification.

Notice of Felony Convictions

Please note that any practitioner who has been convicted of a felony must report it to the BGC within 90 days of the conviction.

Contact Information & Communications

Diplomates are responsible for maintaining up-to-date contact information with BGC to ensure that communications are sent to a current address. Once a year, BGC asks that all Diplomates verify their contact information on record. Diplomates should do this as often as needed (e.g., if you have moved, if you have changed jobs, etc.), not necessarily waiting for the annual prompt.

BGC communicates with Diplomates on a regular basis, primarily using email. If the Diplomate does not have an email address on file, some (but not all) communications may be sent via postal mail. For email, the Diplomate must use an email address that is not blocked or filtered (which can sometimes occur with company, military, or academic IT systems). When this occurs, a personal email address may be more effective for ensuring that electronic communications are received by the Diplomate.

Changes to CM program requirements are announced on this website. In addition, as the change warrants, email or postal communication may also be sent directly to the Diplomates.

It is the responsibility of the Diplomate to read the communications and ensure understanding.

Annual Fees

Payment of annual fees is a condition of maintaining certification. Fees are paid in advance of the upcoming year. Annual fees are non-refundable.

Diplomates are sent several email notices of payment beginning in September. During this time period, it is important to have up-to-date contact information for the Diplomate.

Fees must be postmarked or paid online by the due date. If not paid on time, the Diplomate will owe an additional late fee and will be classified as “not in good standing” with BGC. The Diplomate will be listed as such on BGC public rosters and will also have reduced functionality on any BGC private rosters.

If fees are unpaid for two successive years, the Diplomate will be decertified in the third year.

Each year, BGC evaluates the need for a fee increase. Annual fee increases are set primarily based on an annual cost of living adjustment, but additional costs may be factored in each year.

Staying Current

BGC certified practitioners are expected to stay current in their practice area and document the methods by which they do so if those methods will be used to claim points for recertification.

CIH Recertification by Examination

Every five years, BGC Diplomates are required to recertify in order to maintain their certification. This can be accomplished by submitting a CM Points (CMP) Submission (see next section) or by retaking their certification exam.  The following table shows which credentials or designations are eligible for recertification by exam:

¹Because the CIH Aspects and CAIH examinations have been discontinued, maintaining certification by exams is no longer an option. Current Diplomates may apply for the CIH Comprehensive exam if their current work experience qualifies them.

Eligible practitioners may take the exam within the 18 months (three exam windows) immediately preceding their certification expiration date.

To be eligible to sit for the Exam, diplomates must:

• Be in good standing with BGC (i.e., current on fees and no ethics complaints),
• Have evidence of completing at least two hours of ethics during their CM cycle,
• Pay the examination fee,
• Apply for Recertification by Exam.

Successful examination and evidence of two hours of ethics training will result in the credential being recertified without the need to complete a CM point submission form.

CIH Recertification by CM Point Submission

Minimum Point Requirements (for Recertification by CM Point Submission)

During a CM cycle, Diplomates must accrue the minimum amount of CM credit in order to be recertified. There is no maximum number of overall CM points that can be earned during a CM cycle. There are a few maximums in some of the individual categories (see Point Categories). Diplomates can check their CM cycle on their CAPS portal.

CIH/CAIH CM Point Categories

A Diplomate recertifies via CM point submission by meeting the minimum requirements as listed below. CM credit is required in Category 4, but all the other Categories are optional. This provides a flexible, customizable way for the Diplomate to accrue the required overall CM Points. Each Category is further explained in the Point Categories section.

• CIH Category 1 – Active IH Practice
• CIH Category 2 – IH/Safety Technical or Professional Committee Service
• CIH Category 3 – Publication of IH/Safety Materials
• CIH Category 4 – Attendance at Educational Programs
• CIH Category 5 – Teaching or Presenting IH/Safety Information
• CIH Category 7 – Other Approved Activities

CIH/CAIH Category 1 – Active IH Practice

1. Credit provided for IH practice that is 50-100% time is calculated at 0.25 points per month (Months X 0.25 points)
2. Credit provided for IH practice that is <50% is calculated at (0.005) X (% IH practice*) (# months)

Description:

BGC does not ask that Diplomates keep precise work history records, but CM credit claimed in Category 1 should be consistent with the Diplomate’s work activities and job responsibilities.

BGC believes that the IH professional boundaries are constantly in flux as practitioners do more with their knowledge and skills and as the profession adapts to changing business and population needs. Consequently, exact definitions of what IH is or is not do not exist. In general, if the work aligns with the CIH Exam Subject Areas (Rubrics) or CIH Exam Blueprint, it can be counted as IH. Diplomates are advised to consult with BGC if there are any questions about their professional practice areas.

Records:

Acceptable records include but are not limited to:

• Any documentation showing the company logo or letterhead, bearing the Diplomate’s name and organizational title.
• Correspondence from the employer (past or current) attesting the Diplomate’s work history dates and job responsibilities in a company.

CIH/CAIH Category 2 – IH/Safety Technical or Professional Committee/Board Service

1. Points can be pro-rated (e.g., 18 months as Committee Chair = 1.5 points)
2. AIHA Local Section Committee positions are eligible

Description:

CM points are awarded for IH/Safety technical or professional committee/board service outside of the Diplomate’s organization. BGC places no restrictions on how often the committee/board meets, how much time is invested, or how much progress is made. In general, if the work aligns with the CIH Exam Subject Areas (rubrics) or CIH Exam Blueprint it can be counted. For example:

Records:

Acceptable records include but are not limited to:

• Documents published by the committee sponsor or society, showing the committee roster for each year of claimed service
• Pertinent documents or correspondence which identifies you as a committee member, e.g., meeting agendas or minutes

If the Diplomate served on a committee, but their name was not well documented, additional information will be needed, e.g., a letter from the committee chair or the member organization staff.

CIH/CAIH Category 3 – Publication of IH/Safety Materials¹

1. Publications must be related to the CIH Exam Subject Areas (rubrics). Diplomates should contact BGC to ensure that a publication will be acceptable for points.
2. Peer-reviewed journal or book means that the work was subjected to a knowledgeable peer(s) who has the authority to accept, edit, or reject the work. Evaluation criteria are usually transparent, having rigor and discipline so that objectivity is maintained.
3. Print media, webcasts, videos, podcasts, etc., outside of one’s organization. Must be > 500 words in length, technical in nature, pertain to IH/Safety subject matter, and contain references.

Description:

The information must be related to industrial hygiene or safety. In general, if the publication aligns with the CIH Exam Subject Areas (Rubrics) or Blueprint, or is related to acute hazards (safety), it can be counted. Diplomates are advised to consult with BGC if there any questions about their content.

Conference Proceedings do not receive Category 3 CM points due to their limited distribution.

Industrial hygiene/Safety related chapters in books or similar publications as well as patents are treated as peer-reviewed articles.

Records:

Acceptable records include, but are not limited to, copies or links to the published material showing the publication, date, article title, and Diplomate’s name

CIH/CAIH Category 4 – Attendance at Educational Programs

1. CIH w/the IEQ – at least 5 points (30 hours) of the IH CM credit must be for events with an indoor air quality emphasis.
2. Ethics – CM credit does not count as IH CM credit and is capped at 1 point (6 hours) per cycle.
3. Management – General management training, including leadership, is acceptable and is capped at 5 points (30 hours) per cycle.

Education Content Areas:

BGC does not prescribe or approve education courses. It allows practitioners to select the courses that best meet their needs. The overriding consideration in determining whether a specific program is acceptable is that it be a formal program of learning with the following characteristics:

• Contributes to the professional competence of participants
• States program objectives, which specify the level of knowledge the participants should have attained or the level of competence to be demonstrated upon completing the program
• Is developed by individuals qualified in the subject matter and instructional design
• Provides current, professional-level content that is relevant to the expected audience

IH: The subject matter aligns with the CIH exam subject areas (rubrics) or is identified on the CIH Exam Blueprint. Additional areas will be considered if there is a human health aspect to the content.

Safety: The subject matter is more acute hazard oriented and not addressed by the IH CM Area definition. For example, safety CM credit can be claimed for guarding, electrical hazards, fall protection, workplace violence, or physical security. Note: Confined Space Entry is considered to be the IH CM area. Per Board legacy rule, First-Aid, CPR, and AED classes are not eligible for CM credit.

General Management/Leadership: General management training, including Leadership, addresses skill development (which is generically applicable to many professionals, not just IH professionals) e.g., communication techniques, technical writing, presentation techniques, organizational effectiveness, media training, computer skills, supervisory skills, quality training, financial or accounting training, expert witness training, and project management. (If the general management training has significant EH&S aspects in the content, it can still be claimed in the Industrial Hygiene area of Category 4.)

Ethics (Required): The subject matter aligns with the BGC Code of Ethics or the AIH, AIHA, ACGIH Member Ethical Principles. This type of subject matter concerns topics such as fairness, honesty, truthfulness, integrity, Diversity equity and inclusion (DEI), accuracy, objectivity, confidentiality, compliance, legality, conflicts of interest, conflict management, undue influence, equal opportunity, diversity, intellectual property rights/plagiarism, use of certification marks, and professional competency/limitations (i.e., when to refer a client). Acceptable courses also may include topics not listed as long as they directly relate to the BGC Code of Ethics.

Credit-Hour Calculations:

Recertification Areas & Point Values: A Technical Contact Hour is the time spent in technical sessions. Technical contact hours include technical presentations, lectures, breakouts, Q&A, exams, event overview, event recaps, and discussions. It does not include the non-technical activities, e.g., meals, breaks, exhibitor time, networking, participant introductions, social tours, generic welcome speeches, and award presentations.

Diplomates can claim CM credit for an IH, safety, ethics, or management educational event that is targeted to the professional level and advances the person’s technical knowledge and skills. IH, safety, and management training must be at least one hour; ethics training can be any length. CM credit is claimed at a rate of 0.167 points per technical contact hour in all CM Areas.

1. Courses: The same course may be claimed only one time per CM cycle because the technical content typically does not change significantly. An initial training course and a refresher training course are counted as two different courses. The same course can be repeated and claimed in a later CM cycle. Use the technical contact hours as provided by the sponsor. Note that 1 CEU = 10 technical contact hours.
2. Conferences: Conferences can be claimed for each attendance because it is assumed that the technical content changes for each conference. You may claim 3 hours for each half-day of attendance OR track and report the hours based on actual attendance in the technical sessions. Note that claiming the maximum time usually means that you attended every possible technical session and did not participate in any non-technical activity, e.g., breaks, meals, networking, Vendor visits, awards, social, etc.
3. Internal Company Training: Internal Company training qualifies for CM credit if it is a designated topic on the meeting agenda and meets the specifications of item #1 above. Many internal company training topics do not qualify for CM credit in Category 4 because the Diplomate already receives CM credit in Category 1 Active Practice, e.g., leadership messages, goal reviews, strategy sessions, problem-solving sessions, and area updates. These must be designated activities with proof of participation meeting the same records requirements as other items in Category 4 (date, time, length, subject, or title clearly defined, proof of attendance, the signature of a person in responsible charge, etc.).
4. Academic Coursework: CM hours can be awarded for credit and non-credit college or university courses. Fifteen (15) CM hours of recertification credit are awarded for each semester hour of college/university credit earned; ten (10) CM hours of Recertification credit are awarded for each quarter-hour of college/university credit earned.
5. Graduate Degrees: CM credit for a doctoral degree in IH or an IH-related field can be claimed in one of two ways: 1) you can claim credit for individual courses if they meet the specifications of item #1, above, or 2) you can make a one-time claim of 10 IH points (60 hours) when your degree is confirmed. You must choose only one method; you cannot use both.  Academic courses in a master’s degree program can be claimed if they meet the specifications of item #1 above. However, a one-time CM credit option is not available for conferral of the degree or master’s thesis.
6. Distance Learning: Distance learning events (e.g., virtual seminars/courses/conferences, correspondence courses, home study, etc.) and physical presence events are treated the same for purposes of CM credit calculations.

If the education provider does not provide the contact hours, the Diplomate will need to calculate the time from an agenda or schedule. Contact time can be:

• Exact, e.g., 75 minutes = 1.25 hours
• Estimated, using the average hours per half-day, e.g., 2.5 hrs./half day X 6 half days = 15 hrs.
• Rounded down but not up, e.g., 95 minutes = 1.5 hours

If an event has technical content in more than one CM Area, the Diplomate may:

• Use the one CM Area that is >50% of the technical content, or
• Use each of the CM Areas, assigning the time accordingly

EX: An 8-hour PDC is 75% IH and 25% ethics. This could be claimed as either:

• 1.34 IH CM points (8 IH hours), or
• 1 IH CM point (6 IH hours) and 0.33 Ethics point (2 Ethics hours)

Records:

An acceptable record is one that shows the following:

• Diplomate’s name
• Event title
• Date of completion
• Event Sponsor/Provider
• Duration (e.g., hours or CEUs)

If any of this information is missing or if the subject matter is not clear from the title, then additional records will be needed, e.g., event description, agenda, or schedule.

If the event sponsor or provider does generate a participation record, then any one of the following will be acceptable:

• Certificate, letter/email, transcript, roster, or other sponsor-generated record showing completion
• Registration receipt if purchased on-site, at a single-day event
• Event badge only if issued on-site, at a single-day event

If the event sponsor or provider does not generate a participation record and there are no other restrictions for use, participation, or viewing from the sponsor, provider, or content owner, then the Diplomate may use one of the following:

• Registration record and evidence of physical presence in the city on the day(s) of the event, e.g., approved expense report, purchase receipts
• Attendance Roster
• BGC Attendance Verification Form
• CIH vouching (allowed once per CM cycle)

NOTE: the AIHA Educational Transcript is a complete record for any AIHA PDC, Webinar, Road Course, or Virtual Conference if it shows “Passed/Attended”. However, it is only a registration receipt for any physically-attended AIHA conference. This means that an additional record will be needed to verify physical presence in the event city.  Also, the transcript cannot be used for any non-AIHA event.

Unacceptable Records:

• Advance Travel Purchases
• Event Agenda, Programs, Conference Schedule, or presentation slides
• BGC Letter of Award (for CM points)
• Event badges if distributed prior to the event
• Airline boarding passes are acceptable for the days of travel but are not sufficient for a multi-day conference

CIH/CAIH Category 5 – Teaching or Presenting IH/Safety Information

1. Peer-reviewed means that the work was subjected to a knowledgeable peer(s) associated with the event, who had the authority to accept, edit, or reject the presentation materials. Evaluation criteria are usually transparent, having rigor and discipline so that objectivity is maintained.
2. Typically, a podium-style presentation or panel discussion.
3. A poster session where the author is not required to speak or be present. If required to speak or be present for Q&A, it is considered to be a live presentation, not a static poster session.
4. For sessions that are 20 minutes or longer, a linear formula is used, multiplying the length of the session by 0.33 points.

Description:

The subject matter must be IH, IH-related, or safety, which means that it aligns with the CIH exam subject Areas (rubrics) or CIH Exam Blueprint. Teaching or presenting must be outside of the Diplomate’s organization and primary job responsibilities. For example, academic teachers could not claim Category 5 CM credit when teaching at their university, but they could claim credit when teaching an external PDC at a national conference because it is outside their primary organization and job description.

Diplomates whose primary job is as a consultant are bound to the same rules. In general, consultants usually may claim CM credit for any conference presentation; however, teaching can typically only be claimed if it:

• Is not part of the range of services offered by the consultancy, or
• Is part of the range of offered services but was offered without compensation.

Sales, advertising, and marketing presentations soliciting the audience to purchase the consultant’s products or services are not eligible for Category 5 CM credit.

Diplomates should also avoid double-dipping, i.e., claiming CM points when both presenting (Category 5) and participating (Category 4) at the same event. As a rule of thumb, the Diplomate may claim both Category 4 and 5 CM points if the teaching/presenting time is < 15% of the total participation time (e.g., 1 hour teaching during a 6-hour class).

Records:

Acceptable records include but are not limited to:

• Evidence in the form of an agenda, schedule, or proceedings showing name, topics, dates, and times
• Sponsor acknowledgement indicating length and topic of the presentation

CIH/CAIH Category 7 – Other Approved Activities

CM Credit for Educational Events

• CM Credit Calculation Method
• Event Sponsors/Providers – Promotional Language & List Rentals

Credit Calculation Method

CM credit can be claimed if an educational event:

• Is completed during the Diplomate’s CM cycle,

• Is targeted to the professional level, advancing or enhancing the person’s technical knowledge and skills

• Has subject matter content that is:

1. • at least one hour of IH- or safety-related material
      – or – 
   • ethics-related (can be any duration)

CM credit is claimed at a rate of 0.167 CM points per hour of technical content in the CM Areas of  IH, Safety, or IH Ethics. Fractional points are allowed once the one-hour minimum is achieved for IH or Safety events (e.g., 1.5 hours = 0.25 CM points).

For questions or help: Contact BGC or call 517-321-2638.

Event Providers

This section contains:

• Suggested Language for Event Advertising
• BGC List Rental

BGC^® Diplomates are required to attend educational events but the Diplomate, not BGC, will calculate the CM credit for an event. CM credit claimed by Diplomates is based on the technical contact hours of your event. See the CM credit calculation method above to better understand technical vs. non-technical contact hours.

Acceptable events must be IH- or safety-related, with a duration of at least one hour. Ethics events are also acceptable and can be of any duration.

Prior to 2011, BGC provided an event review service where we issued CM points and CM Approval Numbers. That service was discontinued and the use of the CM Approval Numbers is no longer valid or authorized by BGC. BGC encourages all Content Owners/Providers to discontinue the use of the CM Approval Numbers and CM Point values previously awarded by BGC.

Today, BGC Diplomates simply want to know the number of technical contact hours in your event (not the CM points).

• Suggested Language for Event

  Event Providers or Sponsors are not obligated to communicate the technical contact hours or CEU value (if using the IACET system) for an educational event; however, doing so makes the event more attractive to BGC Diplomates.

  Some suggested language is provided below. BGC does not require you to use this language. If your language deviates significantly from what is listed below or you are concerned about the accuracy and clarity, BGC will be glad to review and provide feedback to you. You will not be obligated to use the BGC feedback.

  One firm rule that BGC does proactively review and enforce: Event Providers or Sponsors should not imply that BGC has approved or endorsed an event, even if the event was previously awarded CM credit by BGC.

  An acceptable certificate of completion for an event typically includes the event title, Sponsor/Provider’s name, date(s) of offering/completion, Participant’s name, location (if pertinent), and the technical contact hours or CEU value.

  Contact Hours  Known?	Media	Suggested Language
  Yes	Advertising/Marketing	“BGC® Diplomates can earn up XX technical contact hours (or CEU value) for this event. See www.GoBGC.org/practitioners_CIH_educationalevents for more information.”
  	Certificate of Completion	“This event is worth XX technical contact hours (or CEU value).”
  No	Advertising/Marketing	“BGC® Diplomates can claim CM credit for this event. See www.GoBGC.org/practitioners_CIH_educationalevents for more information.”
  	Certificate of Completion	“This event can be claimed for CM credit by BGC® Diplomates.”

  For questions or help, contact BGC at certifications@GoBGC.org or 517-321-2638.

• BGC List Rental

  Advertising an event to BGC^® Diplomates can dramatically increase its visibility and maximize participation rates.

  A BGC list rental allows you to reach thousands of CIHs, or it can be customized to target audiences.

  For more information, contact INFOCUS Marketing at:

  • • 800-708-5478
    • sales@InfocusMarketing.com

  View more information about BGC at INFOCUS Marketing.

CIH Recertification Dates, Deadlines, and Fees

1. There are four Key Dates that each Diplomate should know:
2. CM Cycle Start Date: The first day to earn CM credit during the cycle. Must be manually calculated from the CM Cycle End Date.
3. CM Cycle End Date: The last day to earn CM credit. It is 60 months after the CM Cycle Start Date unless the person is on a cycle extension.
4. CM Point Submission Due Date: The CM Point Submission is submitted before this date without penalty. It is always 1 month after the Cycle End Date.
5. Certificate Expiration Date: Diplomate is decertified unless recertified (by CM Point Submission or Exam), granted a cycle extension, or voluntarily surrenders the certification. It is 5 months after the Cycle End Date. Can be found on the Diplomate’s paper certificate.

Timeline of Key Dates in Spring Recertification Cycle

Timeline of Key Dates in Fall Recertification Cycle

All submissions must be reviewed and approved by BGC no later than 5 months after the CM Cycle End Date or the Diplomate is subject to decertification.

CM Point/Attestation Submission Reporting Calendar

Diplomates can check their CM Cycle End Date and CM Point/Attestations Submission Due Date on the BGC website public rosters.

¹Diplomates are assigned to a 60-month reporting period that starts with the first CM cycle immediately after passing the exam or completing their previous cycle.
²CM credit can only be accrued between the Cycle Start and End Dates.
³The CMP submission must be completed by Midnight EST on the final day in order to avoid the next penalty phase.
⁴The CMP submissions after this day likely will not be processed due to limited time before certificate expiration.

Hardship help

BGC offers two options to help with hardship case situations. Only one hardship help option will be granted per CM cycle with the exception that a 1-year Leave of Absence may be extended to 2 years upon written request to certifications@GoBGC.org.

Diplomates should notify BGC as soon as the need exists. Requests can be sent via email, fax, or postal mail. To be eligible, the Diplomate must be in good standing (i.e., current on fees and no ethics charges).

Cycle Extension

The CM cycle extension provides an additional six months to earn CM credit. The Diplomate will be assigned a new CM cycle end date and will follow the CM submission schedule for their new CM cycle. Request via email at certifications@GoBGC.org.

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is available in 1-year increments for up to two years (maximum) for those who are unable to practice industrial hygiene due to circumstances such as:

• Medical or health-related (personal or family)
• Military assignment
• Educational pursuit
• Family care

Note: Unemployment is a circumstance that is excluded from the LOA program because there are many no-cost or low-cost ways to achieve the CM requirements.

During the LOA period, the Diplomate’s minimum requirements are proportionately reduced for the total CM points and the IH CM Credit in Category 4. For example, for Diplomates on a 60-month CM cycle, a 12-month LOA will reduce the minimum requirements by 20% (12/60). This means a proportionate reduction in the minimum requirements for the Overall CM points (from 40 points to 32) and in the IH CM Credit in Category 4 (from 10 points to 8 points). The Ethics requirement of 2 hours (0.33 points) in Category 4 per CM cycle is not affected.

Up to two LOAs will be granted during a CM cycle as long as the sum of the two LOA periods is less than the 2-year maximum. An LOA of one year can be extended (during the same CM cycle) upon written request to BGC. Additional supporting documentation may be required.

During the LOA, the Diplomate/Certificant:

• Is listed as “Inactive” in the BGC roster
• Is restricted from using the certification designation (CIH, CAIH, QEP, CPPS, CPEA, CPSA, EPI), embossing seal, or stamp on any new efforts but does not need to remove the designation from previous materials, e.g., business cards, resumes
• Continues to pay fees
• Can earn CM credit only in Category 4 – Education

Diplomates may submit an acceptable CM Point Submission or retake the Exam (if eligible) in order to recertify. If the requested LOA period ends at or near the end of the normal CM cycle, the Diplomate has three timing options for CMP Submission

1. Pre-LOA – before the start of the LOA, or
2. Post-LOA – within 90 days of the LOA end date, or
3. The regularly scheduled cycle calendar window.

Request via email at certifications@GoBGC.org.

Giving Up Your CIH Certification

BGC offers two methods for individuals who wish to intentionally give up their certification before it expires unless involved in a BGC ethics case:

• Voluntary surrender
• Retirement Status

Voluntarily Surrendering the Certification

Diplomates (anyone who holds a BGC credential or designation) may voluntarily surrender their certification before their certification expires (unless involved in a BGC ethics case). If voluntary surrender is chosen, the individual is no longer referred to as a “Diplomate.”  For CIH holders, the request for Voluntary Surrender is completed only via your CAPS portal.  For all other certifications, the request is completed via the Retire / Voluntary Surrender Request form. BGC publishes the names of persons who have elected to voluntarily surrender their certification.

Diplomates who surrender their certification:

• Can continue to practice in their area (e.g., Industrial Hygiene, Environmental, EHS Auditing, Product Stewardship)
• Can use the BGC certification designations only when referencing the years of active certification, e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist, 1990-2009
• Cannot use the BGC embossing seal, stamp, or their digial badge
• Are removed from the BGC email distribution list
• Are relieved of CM requirements and fees
• Can reactivate at any time (See “Reactivating Your Certification” on the menu on the right side of this page)
• Are subject to BGC ethics case procedure provisions if found to be in violation of the voluntary surrender terms

Former Diplomates can continue to be listed in the BGC online rosters depending upon their status.

¹No unresolved ethics issues and current on all fees (due before the end of a CM cycle).
²Current fee is posted on the BGC website.

Retirement Status

Retirement status (either Annual or Lifetime) is available after completing one, 5-year recertification/credential maintenance cycle in good standing. Designed for diplomates at the end of their careers, a retirement designation cannot be used in place of an active BGC credential for work. However, retirement status will provide an opportunity for ongoing engagement with the professional community and will publicly acknowledge the important contribution of a practitioner in the protection of people and the environment.

Diplomates may elect retirement status before their certification expires unless involved in a BGC ethics case. If retirement status is chosen, the individual is referred to as a “certificant”, not a “Diplomate.”  For CIH holders, the Retirement request is completed only via your CAPS portal. For all other certifications, the request is completed via the Retire / Voluntary Surrender Request form.

Diplomates who choose retirement status

• Can continue to practice in their area (e.g., Industrial Hygiene, Environmental, EHS Auditing, Product Stewardship)
• May use the designation identifying their BGC retirement status (e.g., CIH-Retired, CAIH-Retired, QEP-Retired, CPPS-Retired, CPEA-Retired, or CPSA-Retired) outside of work and professional practice situations
• Are only permitted to use the BGC certification designations, (CIH, CAIH, QEP, CPPS, CPEA, or CPSA), in work situations when referencing the years of active certification, (e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist, 1987-2015; Qualified Environmental Professional, 2000-2020, etc.).
• Will be assigned a CIH-Retired, CAIH-Retired, QEP-Retired, CPPS-Retired, CPEA-Retired, or CPSA-Retired badge as appropriate to their BGC status
• Remain on the BGC email distribution list
• Are relieved of CM requirements and fees
• Can reactivate at any time with on-time fee discounts (See “Reactivating Your Certification” on the menu on the right side of this page)
• Are subject to BGC ethics case procedure provisions if found to be in violation of the retirement status terms

Former Diplomates can continue to be listed in the BGC online rosters depending upon their status.

¹No unresolved ethics issues and current on all fees (due before the end of a CM cycle).
²Current fee is posted on the BGC website.

Voluntary Surrender Compared to Retirement Status

The table, below, compares the benefits of Voluntary Surrender versus Retirement Status:

¹Individuals who no longer hold an active BGC credential are only permitted to use the title for paid or volunteer work when it is used in conjunction with their years of service, (e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist, 1987-2015; Qualified Environmental Professional, 2000-2020, etc.).

Voluntary Surrender or Retirement Request Form

THIS FORM IS NOT FOR THE CIH. 

Relinquishing your CIH is done through your CAPS account. 

When you log in to your CAPS portal, the Retire/Voluntary Surrender link is at the bottom-right of the main page. 

OTHER THAN FOR A CIH CREDENTIAL, those who wish to relinquish their certifications, please complete the fields below and click Submit. 

Name(Required)

First Last

Certification Selection(Required)

Choose QEP, CPEA, CPSA, or EPIQEPCPEACPSAEPI

After reading the above descriptions, I choose to relinquish my BGC credential or designation by:

After reading the above descriptions, I choose to relinquish my BGC credential or designation by

Choose OneVoluntary SurrenderRetirement - AnnualRetirement - Lifetime

Email(Required)

Email Confirm Email

I agree to use electronic records and signatures.(Required)

I agree to use electronic records and signatures.

Date/Time(Required)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

After this form is received and reviewed, BGC staff will acknowledge and will send a payment link if Retirement is chosen.

Save and Continue Later

Involuntary Decertification

Diplomates fail to maintain their certification when any of the following conditions occur:

• CM Point submission is not approved prior to the 5th month after the end of the CM cycle, or the
  examination is not passed (in the re-certification time periods)
• Annual fees (renewal & late) have not been paid for more than 2 years
• A CM audit verifies that the minimum CM point requirements have not been achieved
• An ethics review results in a decertification sanction

BGC may revoke a person’s certification at any time for cause related to an ethics sanction.

When a Diplomate fails to renew the certification, BGC sends a written notice of expiration to the person’s current postal mailing address. BGC will publish the names of persons whose certification has expired.

Decertification decisions can be appealed following the Certification Appeals Procedure.

Except for an ethics-related decertification, a person formerly certified may pursue reactivation (next section).

It is considered unethical conduct for a person to advertise himself/herself as a BGC Diplomate or Certificant (e.g., CIH, CAIH, QEP, CPPS, CPEA, CPSA, or EPI)  if the person:

• Is not currently certified by BGC
• Has allowed the certification to expire
• Has voluntarily surrendered the certification
• Has chosen retired status
• Has been de-certified for cause

BGC reserves the right and does take legal action when a non-credentialed person is found to be advertising himself/herself as a BGC Diplomate.

Reactivating Your CIH Certification

Practitioners who gave up a BGC certification are able to recertify depending on how they were decertified.

When a former Diplomate is reactivated, BGC will issue a new certificate, certification letter, digital badge, and will publish the person’s name on the BGC Diplomate Public Rosters.

The Diplomate’s previous certification number will be reassigned only if the reactivation request is approved before the expiration date of the most recently issued (but now invalid) BGC certificate. The paper certificate expiration date is five months after the end of the previous CM cycle.

Volunteer Opportunities for CIHs

BGC offers volunteer opportunities for certified practitioners in active practice and formerly certified practitioners.   All volunteers must be in good standing with BGC. BGC-certified individuals who serve on a BGC committee (including the BGC Board) may be eligible for recertification credit.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the BGC office.

Documents and Forms

Documents and forms contain tools and information for helping you with your BGC certification. The types of resources available are indicated by several icons:

• Downloadable Static Document
• Downloadable Form
• Link to online Content
• Link to an online Form

CIH-Specific Documents

	ITEM	DESCRIPTION
	CM Worksheet	Directions on how to enter your CM activities and points.
	CIH Exam Blueprint
	CIH CM by Examination Request Form
	Managing your BGC Public and Private Roster Information

 

All-Credential Documents

	ITEM	DESCRIPTION
	Attendance Verification Form	For documenting participation at an educational event.
	BGC Bylaws
	BGC Governing Policies
	Confidentiality Agreement
	Privacy Policy
	Certification Appeals Procedure	Procedures for appealing adverse application, examination, recertification, or reactivation decisions.
	Trademark and Certification Mark Use Policy	Rules and requirements for using BGC trademarks, service marks, and certification marks.
	Practitioner Public Rosters
	BGC Newsletters

CIH Practitioner Payments

CIH renewal fees and options to order CIH-related products are processed through CAPS.  Please log in to your online CAPS portal to continue.

Please Note: CAPS is best experienced on a tablet or browser, rather than a mobile phone.