CHMP study guide
CHMP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP®) is a credential issued by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) that recognizes front-line hazardous materials workers. IHMM describes it as recognizing "the highest standard of proficiency for front-line hazardous materials workers," and it is intended to give both the practitioner and the employer added assurance of secure and proper handling and management of hazardous materials in the workplace. It is aimed at people whose day-to-day responsibilities involve hazardous materials and/or waste rather than at program managers who already hold the CHMM. Eligibility requires either at least five years of relevant experience with responsibilities directly related to the handling of hazardous materials and/or waste in the workplace, or an associate-level degree in applied science or a related field from an accredited college or university plus three years of such experience. The CHMP study guide has 5 sections and about 1,749 words.
01Hazardous Materials Identification and Handling
This domain tests whether you can classify a material, select the right regulatory regime, and handle it without creating a release. Expect working knowledge of DOT hazard classes (49 CFR 171–180), OSHA HazCom/GHS (29 CFR 1910.1200), and RCRA waste identification (40 CFR 260–262).
356 words, about 2 min02Emergency Planning, Preparedness, and Response
This domain tests the response framework: pre-incident planning, ICS/NIMS roles, site control, PPE, air monitoring, and notification. The anchor is OSHA HAZWOPER 29 CFR 1910.120(q) for emergency responders and (l) for site cleanups.
332 words, about 2 min03Sampling and Analysis
This domain tests defensible data: DQOs, sampling design, container/preservation/holding time, chain of custody, and QC. It covers air, water, soil, and waste, with SW-846 and 40 CFR Part 136 methods as common references.
341 words, about 2 min04Site Investigation and Remediation
This domain tests the cleanup pipeline: Phase I/II ESA, CERCLA PA/SI and HRS, RI/FS, ROD, remedial action, and O&M. It also tests matching a remedy to the source-pathway-receptor conceptual site model.
365 words, about 2 min05Hazmat Program and Project Management
This domain tests running a compliant, defensible project: scope, work breakdown structure (WBS), schedule, cost, risk, change control, and stakeholder communication. The technical work fails if the program cannot prove training, records, and contractor oversight.
355 words, about 2 min