IHMM CSHM
Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM®) is a credential issued by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). IHMM describes it as recognizing knowledge of occupational safety and health plus a working knowledge of business and financial principles, and as the ultimate recognition for EHS professionals with knowledge and experience in safety management and general business principles, ideal for those seeking executive positions. Employers use it to show suppliers, customers, and enforcement agencies that they excel at regulatory compliance and workplace safety management. Eligibility requires an application, transcript or diploma upload, third-party employment verification, and the application fee ($175, nonrefundable). Prerequisite pathways include an ASHM designation plus 2 years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree or higher in a safety-related field plus 4 years; a bachelor's or advanced degree in any field plus 5 years; or an associate's degree in a safety-related field plus 6 years. The exam fee is $360. The exam is built from the CSHM blueprint, which IHMM publishes for download alongside a Candidate Handbook and Study Guide. The blueprint's four domains are hazard analysis, accident investigation, safety audits, and workers' compensation, product safety, environmental laws, labor relations, and business and financial principles. IHMM states it requires no specific exam preparation and that exams are not based on any single reference; candidates commonly use overview courses or self-study materials. After passing and paying the annual fee, the credential is issued and must be maintained.
What you'll study
About IHMM CSHM preparation
What format is the CSHM exam, and how long is it?
IHMM's public CSHM page does not state the question count, time limit, or delivery format. It says the exam is a testing instrument derived from the CSHM blueprint and directs candidates to the Candidate Handbook for additional information. Download the blueprint and handbook from the CSHM page and confirm logistics there before scheduling.
How difficult is the exam, and what is the passing score?
IHMM states plainly that the CSHM examination is challenging and that preparing for it is important. IHMM does not publish a passing score on the CSHM page, so treat any specific cut score you see elsewhere as unverified. Difficulty is highest for candidates weak in the business, financial, and workers' compensation content.
If I fail, can I retake it, and what does that cost?
The source does not state a retake policy or a separate retake fee. The published fee schedule lists an examination fee of $360 and a recertification-by-exam fee of $360; it does not address failed attempts. Ask IHMM staff through the contact listed on the CSHM page before assuming a free or discounted retake.
What does it cost in total to get and keep the CSHM?
The application fee is $175 and is nonrefundable; the examination fee is $360. Once credentialed, the annual certification maintenance fee for a single credential is $160, and a $25 late fee applies to past-due annual fees. Recertification with documentation every five years costs $0, but you must earn 200 CMPs.
How does recertification work?
You recertify every five years and need 200 certification maintenance points. You receive 100 CMPs for the job you perform and must earn at least another 100 through other activities. Enter CMPs in MYIHMM as you earn them, keep records, and submit the application in your fifth year; IHMM may audit.
In what order should I study the four domains?
Start with the blueprint and study in domain order, because hazard analysis, accident investigation, and safety audits build on one another as an analytical sequence. Then give the fourth domain real time: workers' compensation, product safety, environmental laws, labor relations, and business and financial principles. That business content is what distinguishes the CSHM from purely technical safety credentials.
What trips candidates up most often?
Two things. First, treating the CSHM as a pure safety-technical exam and skipping business and financial principles, labor relations, and workers' compensation. Second, ignoring the blueprint and studying from general safety material, even though IHMM says the exam is not based on any single reference. Study to the published domains and tasks.
Do I need a degree in safety to sit for the exam?
No. One pathway is a bachelor's or advanced degree in any field plus five years of relevant experience. Others use a safety-related bachelor's plus four years, a safety-related associate's plus six years, or an ASHM designation plus two years. Degrees earned outside the U.S. need a statement of equivalency from a recognized evaluating agency.
What counts as relevant experience?
IHMM lists examples: managing and implementing occupational safety and health regulations in the workplace; conducting safety audits or product safety analysis; conducting hazard analysis and accident investigations; implementing and managing workplace safety programs, workers' compensation risk mitigation, and working with labor laws; and evidence of working knowledge of business and financial management principles.
Does this page come from IHMM?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by IHMM. Fees, eligibility, and policies are summarized from IHMM's public CSHM page and fee schedule, which can change. Verify current requirements on ihmm.org and in the Candidate Handbook before you apply or schedule.