QUESTION 1. Do courses and conferences listed in Category 4 on the ABIH CM worksheet need prior approval before submitting a worksheet? - OR - How do courses get approved for CM points?

ANSWER: All courses, conferences, seminars and educational programs (except AIHCE and PCIH) listed in Category 4 must be reviewed and approved for CM points before they can be listed on a CM worksheet. The review can be requested by the sponsoring organization or submitted directly by a CIH/CAIH. Courses, conferences, seminars and educational programs are evaluated for CM points based on content and timeframe. CM points are awarded at a rate of .5 CM point per half day (minimum of 3 hours of technical content) and 1.0 CM point per full day (minimum of 6 hours of technical content). Forms for submitting an event for CM credit are available from the forms download page on this site. When requesting a review, sufficient materials, such as a course outline, syllabus, schedule, must be provided so that an estimation of content can be made. Check the CM course database before submitting a course in case it is already approved.

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QUESTION 2: Where can I find CM approval numbers?

ANSWER: CM approval numbers for reviewed courses can be found using the database query on this website. You may query the database.

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QUESTION 3: Does the AIHce or PCIH accrue points and have a CM approval number?

ANSWER: The AIHce, the PCIH, and the PDCs presented at either of these conferences do not require approval numbers. Likewise, regulatory-driven asbestos, hazardous waste, and lead courses do not require approval numbers. See our fact sheet on regulatory-driven courses on this web site

The AIHce and PCIH are awarded IH CM points at a rate of .5 point per .5 day. Safety PDCs receive safety CM points and IH PDCs receive IH CM points..

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QUESTION 4: What are the IH Content Domains included in the minimum point requirement in Category 4, "Attendance at Meetings and Educational Programs"?

ANSWER: The specific IH Content Domains are: Basic Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics); Occupational Disease, Illness, Injury and Surveillance (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Toxicology); Health Hazards (Ergonomics/Human Factors, Physical Stressors, Biological Stressors, Chemical Stressors); Work Environments (Indoor Air, Industrial Processes); Program Management Principles (Investigation Methods, Ethics, Risk Communication, Guidelines and Standards, Data Management and Integration, Emergency Response); Evaluation Practices (Instrumentation Sampling Methods/Techniques, Analytical Chemistry); Hazard Controls (Engineering, PPE, Administrative); Community Stressors (Air Pollution, Hazardous Waste). To meet the minimum point requirement, the content for a course or conference can be in one specific Content Domain or multi-Content Domains such as the AIHce. “Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene” or similarly titled courses and general management courses can receive a maximum of 5.0 CM points per course and are limited to 5.0 CM points per 5 year cycle. Distance learning activities are capped at 5.0 CM points per activity regardless of duration or content. Safety topics receive safety CM points which are accrued toward the 40/35 CM point requirement and are not part of the minimum IH requirement.

To meet the minimum point requirement, the content for a course or conference can be in one specific Content Domain area or multi-Content Domains such as the AIHce. See the Content Domains definitions on this site for more detail.

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QUESTION 5: Are there restriction on points within the "Meetings and Educational Programs" category?

ANSWER: "Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene" or similarly titled courses and general management courses can receive a maximum of 5.0 CM points per course are limited to 5.0 CM points per 5 year cycle.

Distance learning activities are capped at 5.0 CM points per activity regardless of duration or content.

A given course may be claimed for credit only once in a recertification period. If a course retains the name of another, but has substantially difference content, credit may be allowed if justified.

Safety topics receive safety CM points which are accrued toward the 40 CM point CIH or 35 point CAIH requirement and are not part of the minimum IH Content Domains requirement.

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QUESTION 6: Are safety courses and conferences eligible for CM points?

ANSWER: Safety courses and conferences receive safety CM points in Category 4, "Attendance at Meetings and Educational Programs." Safety CM points may count toward recertification, but they are not included in the minimum requirement of 10 points in IH Content Domains.

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QUESTION 7: Does academic coursework receive CM points?

ANSWER: Academic IH or a related field coursework receives 2.5 CM points per SEMESTER credit hour, no CM approval # required. Academic coursework is claimed in Category 4.

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QUESTION 8: What is the purpose of the certification maintenance program?

ANSWER: The purpose of the certification maintenance program is to ensure that Diplomates continue to develop and enhance their professional industrial hygiene knowledge and skills for the duration of their active careers.

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QUESTION 9: When must I start accumulating CM points after earning certification?

ANSWER: The period for maintaining certification begins on January 1st following passing the CIH/CAIH examination. No CM points are required in the same year as passing the exam. (There's plenty of effort produced in passing the exam, don't you think?)

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QUESTION 10: When are CM worksheets due?

ANSWER: The first courtesy reminder letter is mailed in the spring of the 5th year of a CM cycle. CM worksheets can be submitted as early as September 1 of the 5th year of the CM cycle but must be postmarked no later than February 1 of the 6th year. A second reminder is mailed in the fall of the 5th year of a CM cycle. Late worksheets submitted after February 1 must be accompanied by a $100.00 late fee. The final reminder is sent in the spring of the 6th year of a CM cycle. Worksheets are reviewed as they arrive and a written notice of receipt is sent. CM worksheets submitted early rather than at deadline receive a faster review.

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QUESTION 11: When is my worksheet due?

ANSWER: You may log in to our CM Check page in the Diplomate Services Menu with your last name and ABIH ID number (same as the detailed roster - you need your ID number from your dues receipt, not your certification number). This will show you some of the data contained in ABIH's records and when our records show that your CM worksheet is due.

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QUESTION 12: What is the CM worksheet process?

ANSWER:

• Reminders are sent Spring and Fall of the 5th year. If recertification is by exam, the exam can be scheduled Spring or Fall of the last cycle year or Spring of the following year. The Board will also attempt to contact you if we do not hear from you after the February deadline for worksheet submission. If we cannot contact you and no worksheet is submitted, you will be removed from the active roster and have your certification revoked.
• The CM Worksheet can be downloaded from the forms download page. Worksheets may be handwritten, typed, or printed from the downloadable acrobat form, but the statement at the end of the worksheet attesting to its validity must be signed.
• Certification Maintenance worksheets are submitted without supporting documentation.
• If you are selected for audit, documentation supporting the points claimed on your Worksheet will be requested.

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QUESTION 13: What are the current requirements for maintaining certification?

ANSWER:

CIH - 40 CM points must be accumulated over 5 years. CAIH - 35 CM points must be accumulated over 5 years. Cycle begins January 1, the year following passing the certification exam and ends December 31 of the 5th year of the cycle. CM worksheets are due by February 1 of the year immediately following the end of the 5 cycle year. Worksheets postmarked after February 1 must be accompanied by a $100 late fee. There is no ceiling on CM points per year. A minimum of 10 CM points must be accumulated in Category 4 (Attendance at Meetings and Educational Programs) in IH Content Domains within a 5 year cycle. (see question 4) Payment of the annual renewal fees. Maintaining certification can be accomplished by passing the Comprehensive Practice examination, if qualified, in the Spring or Fall of the 5th year of the CM cycle or the Spring of the 6th year.

Full details of the CM requirements may be found in a CM Handbook on this web site.

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QUESTION 14: What are the maximum points for the categories of CM points?

ANSWER:

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QUESTION 15: How can CIHs/CAIHs accrue CM points with restricted travel budgets?

ANSWER: Diplomates unable to travel to courses and conferences do have other opportunities for obtaining CM points. IH technical/professional committee work, the publications of papers and teaching activities receive CM points. CM points in Category 7. Other Activities includes: JOEH journal article reviewer = .5 point per review; JOEH Action Level participant = 0.5 CM point/quarter; ACGIH/Co-op Book Reviewer = 0.5 CM point per review; Workplace HR & Safety participant = 0.5 CM point per 12 articles; AIHA Synergist Test Series = 1.0 CM pont per 11 articles; writing questions for the CIH, CSP, OHST, CHST and STS examinations = 1.0 CM point per 5 acceptable questions/5 point max per year; AIHce session arranger = 0.5 CM point; ABIH item writing workshop = 0.5 CM point per 0.5 day; peer reviewed journal column editor = 0.5 CM point per year; passing other certifications (see ABIH website for listing) and participation in an ABIH approved formal mentoring program. Approved distance learning courses also receive certification maintenance points in Category 4. Attendance at Meetings and Educational Programs.

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QUESTION 16: For what types of activities could one apply for CM points under the category 7, "Other Activities"?

• ANSWER: You may list other professional activities not covered under Categories 1-6 which you believe may be worthy of consideration by ABIH for re-certification. Please furnish sufficient detail to describe the activity. The following activities currently receive CM points under this category:
  
  JOEH journal article reviewer = .5 point per review
  JOEH Action Level participant = .5 CM point per quarter
  ACGIH-Co-op Book Review Panel = .5 point per review
  Workplace HR & Safety participant = .5 CM point per 12 articles
  AIHA Synergist Test Series = 1.0 CM point per 11 articles
  Writing questions for the CIH, CSP, OHST, CHST and STS examinations = 1.0 CM point per 5 acceptable questions/5 points maximum per year.
  AIHce session arranger = .5 CM point
  ABIH item writing workshop = .5 CM point per .5 day
  Peer reviewed journal column editor/book reviewer = .5 CM point per review
  Participation in an ABIH approved formal mentoring program, and
  passing other certifications. Currently approved are:
  
  CHMM/Certified Hazardous Materials Manager = 2.5 CM points
  CIEC/Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant = 2.5 CM points
  CMC/Council-certified Microbial Consultant = 2.5 CM points
  CET/Certified Environmental, Safety & Health Trainer = 2.5 CM points
  CPE/Certified Professional Ergonomist = 5.0 CM points
  CPEA/Certified Professional Environmental Auditor = 5.0 CM points
  CSP/Certified Safety Professional = 5.0 CM points
  QEP/Qualified Environmental Professional = 5.0 CM points
  Occupational Medicine/American Board of Preventive Medicine = 5.0 CM
  points
  

• Points may be claimed in the year in which the certification/registration was attained; points are not awarded for subsequent renewal or maintenance of the qualification.
  

ABIH awards CM points for other certifications if the following criteria are met: The certification board is national/international in scope. The eligibility requirements include an educational component. A written examination is required. The certification is related to an IH Content Domains. The certification program is third-party accredited by an organization such as the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards, National Commission for Certifying Agencies or American National Standards Institute.

Other professional activities not covered under Categories 1-6 or not listed above may be eligible for points. Please submit a description of the activity and why you believe it should be awarded CM points.

Points claimed during a CM cycle must have been accrued during that cycle.

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QUESTION 17: How does ABIH decide to award CM points for professional certification programs?

ANSWER: ABIH awards CM points for other certifications if the following criteria are met:

• The certification board is national/international in scope.
• The eligibility requirements include an educational component.
• A written examination is required.
• The certification is related to the IH Content Domains
• The certification program is third-party accredited by an organization such as the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards, National Commission for Certifying Agencies or American National Standards Institute.

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QUESTION 18: How can I use the exam for my CM point requirement?

ANSWER: CIHs who plan on taking the Comprehensive Practice examination for recertification are required to submit a letter requesting examination for CM credit. The examination fee will be billed after the request is received. CIHs are not held to the deadline date of February 1/June 1, but the request should come in ahead of the April/May or October/November Prometric schedule dates to ensure a preferred location and date. CIHs must take the examination no later than the Spring of the 6th year of their CM cycle.

Since the Aspects examinations have been discontinued, maintaining your certification by taking an Aspects exam is no longer an option. You could apply for the Comprehensive exam if your current work experience is qualifying. Please submit a re-application form, re-application fee ($75.00) and reference(s) for the previous 2 years to qualify.

Since the CAIH examination has been discontinued, maintaining your certification by taking the CAIH exam is no longer an option.

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QUESTION 19: Can I get an extension to my CM cycle?

ANSWER: See the CM Program Handbook under "Changes in CIH/CAIH Status" for information on this case.

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QUESTION 20: What happens when selected for an audit?

ANSWER: The audit selection is made on a random, not individual basis. The audit is not intended to question the credibility of a Diplomate but to provide validation of the activities listed on a CM worksheet. CIHs/CAIHs selected for an audit will receive a letter indicating materials required for the audit. Dates and activities listed on the CM worksheet must be consistent with the information submitted for audit. Examples of satisfactory audit documentation materials are:

• Category 4. Attendance at a conference or course is supported with a receipt for registration and one or more of the following: a hotel receipt or an approved expense report. Attendance at a course is supported with an attendance roster or certificate. Attendance at a local activity can be supported by a receipt of registration and a confirmation of attendance is documented with a roster/certificate issued by the sponsoring organization. If no certificate is issued (as with conferences), a Diplomate must provide some means of verification that he/she did attend. The ABIH Verification Form can be used for local meetings and conferences and is available on our web-site.
• Category 5. Teaching activity verification may be copies of programs and sponsors acknowledgements which show the length and topic of the presentation.

A re-certification letter is mailed after the review of a worksheet and supporting documentation that validates a minimum of 40/35 CM points is completed. CIHs/CAIHs with incomplete worksheets or missing audit materials will be contacted.

Examples of incomplete documentation would be:

• Supporting documentation is not provided for one of more of the claimed activities; all points claimed must be supported by documentation meeting the number and types of materials consistent with the guidelines presented in the Board's letter of audit notification.
• Attendance at a conference or course is only supported with a receipt for registration or payment of fees WITHOUT evidence that the diplomate has actually attended the activity.
• Points claimed for meeting/conferences marginally related to IH with no prior approval and no supporting materials (syllabus, content outline, proof of attendance).
• Points claimed for an article published in a peer-reviewed journal was actually published in a NON peer-reviewed publication; an acceptable peer-reviewed journal is one where articles submitted for publication are subjected to a critical review and must meet strict format and content requirements for consideration.
• Documentation submitted is dated differently than the dates claimed on the worksheet; this conflicting information causes delays in the processing of the review and may result in the reduction of CM points awarded in the event the documentation does not support all of the points claimed.

It helps to consider what YOU would accept to verify materials from someone asking you to validate their claims.

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QUESTION 21: What happens to CIHs/CAIHs who fail to maintain certification?

ANSWER: When a Diplomate fails to submit an acceptable CM worksheet, does not successfully complete the Comprehensive Practice examination or is dues delinquent, the Board will consider that the CIH/CAIH has failed to maintain their certification. When the Board finds that a Diplomate has failed to renew his/her certification, the Board sends that person written notice of expiration at the person’s current mailing address. The Board may publish, from time to time, the names of persons whose certification has expired.

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QUESTION 22: If no worksheet is filed and certification is revoked, can I then submit a late worksheet?

ANSWER: When a CIH/CAIH is informed of the expiration of their certification, he/she may file a late worksheet with the Board providing that all of the following conditions are met within 12 months of the end of their scheduled CM report period.

• The Diplomate must send a completed CM worksheet to the Board.
• The worksheet must show a minimum of 40/35 CM points for the report period and must be accompanied by documentation to support a complete audit of the points claimed on the worksheet.
• The CIH/CAIH will be contacted when the audit confirms that 40/35 CM points have been documented. At that time all lapsed dues, reinstatement fees and a late review fee ($425.00) will be required. When all fees have been paid, a re-certification letter will be sent and the Board will publish a public notice to that effect. When the Board’s review of the worksheet and supporting documentation do not confirm 40/35 CM points during the audit period, the Board will notify the CIH/CAIH that his/her certification will not be reinstated.

It is considered unethical conduct for a person who has not been certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene, who has allowed his/her certification to expire, or whose certification has been revoked to advertise himself/herself as a Diplomate or as a Certified Industrial Hygienist/Certified Associate Industrial Hygienist or use the designation CIH or CAIH. The Board may revoke a person’s certification for cause.

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QUESTION 23: Can CIHs become re-certified if they lose their certification?

ANSWER: A person who failed to maintain their certification may be re-certified by passing the Comprehensive Practice examination. It is Board policy that an individual’s original certification number will not be reassigned. To re-certify by examination, a person previously certified in the Comprehensive Practice is required to submit a written request attesting to current industrial hygiene practice and a $75.00 re-application fee. CIHs certified in an Aspect must qualify to take the Comprehensive Practice examination by providing a Reapplication form and a Professional Reference Questionnaire form from supervisors covering the latest two years of employment and a re-application fee of $75.00. The examination fee for either exam is $350.00.

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QUESTION 24: What is "retired status" and how can I get back into "active status" if I need to?

ANSWER: Diplomates who have retired from the part-time or full-time practice of industrial hygiene may elect Retired status. Retired Diplomates are not required to submit a CM worksheet or pay annual dues. The designations CIH (Ret), CAIH (Ret), Certified Industrial Hygienist (Retired) or Certified Associate Industrial Hygienist (Retired) may not be used on any work product relating to industrial hygiene. (See the posted policy and request form for the latest information.) CIH/CAIH (Ret) can return to active status by submitting a CM worksheet for the previous 5 years that demonstrates 40/35 CM points in continuing IH activity in all categories on the ABIH worksheet except Category 1. Retired CIHs may also reactivate by passing the Comprehensive Practice exam if qualified.

CIH(Ret) previously certified in an Aspects area must qualify to take the Comprehensive Practice exam.

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QUESTION 25: Can I voluntarily relinquish my certification?

ANSWER: The "Submittal Form for Voluntary Termination of Certification" creates an option for Diplomates to voluntarily terminate their certification at anytime by written request. This option will most likely be used by Diplomates who are not in good dues standing, are no longer working in IH and do not want to pay back dues in order to opt for Retired status and do not want to continue receive mailings and reminders from Lansing. Review the terms of the agreement from the form on the Forms Download Page.

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QUESTION 26: How long do I need to maintain my CM records?

ANSWER: After you have received final approval for your submitted CM worksheet (this means after you receive your letter advising you that you have met the requirements and your certification is valid for another five years), you do not need to retain those records for ABIH. You may wish to retain some records for personal, professional, and tax purposes, but ABIH does not require they be kept for purposes of its certifications. Any future worksheet submissions or audit requests would only cover the period back to the last time you submitted a worksheet. (See exception for CIH(Ret)/CAIH(Ret) wishing to return to active practice above.)

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