The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) has established a new professional designation for engineers and practitioners working in the chemicals, petrochemicals and affiliated industries. The CCCPS Certified Process Safety Professional certification allows employers to verify an employee or job-seeker’s proficiency in, and ongoing commitment to, process safety principles and practices and to verify that they are trained and invested in the latest process safety techniques and knowledge.

Process safety management (PSM) refers to the management of hazards associated with processes using highly hazardous chemicals.

Getting certified

The CCPS said the designation process for the new certification involves independent study and an online examination and is based on decades of best practices and expertise in process safety documented by CCPS and its international network of engineering professionals and industrial process safety experts.

“The designation represents progress toward the center’s goal of broadening process safety knowledge around the world,” said Shakeel Kadri, executive director of CCPS. Kadri underscored the value of the professional designation to industry, adding, “the rigorous credentialing process will indicate to our industry stakeholders – who are in search of qualified process safety professionals – that the designee has acquired a foundation and basic level of experience in process safety management, and is committed to advancing his or her capabilities in this field.”

Education and experience required

Application to become a CCPS Certified Process Safety Professional is open to holders of a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM), who also have five years of professional experience working with process safety components and concepts. Application also is open to non-STEM degree holders with at least 10 years of similar professional experience. Anyone with a CCPS certified process safety professional designation must maintain their status by accumulating annual Professional Development Hours in process safety, and paying an annual renewal fee.

Candidates can apply and begin preparation for the CCPS Certified Process Safety Professional exam at any time. For 2016, online testing periods are scheduled for July 11- 18 and Nov. 7-14. The tests will be peer reviewed by certified process safety professionals using standardized criteria.

For more information about the CCPS Certified Process Safety Professional designation, visit www.aiche.org/cpsp.

About The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS®)

CCPS is a not-for-profit corporate membership organization within the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) that identifies and addresses process safety needs in the chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries. CCPS brings together manufacturers, government agencies, consultants, academics and insurers to lead the way in improving process safety. With more than 100 publications, CCPS is at the forefront of global efforts to improve process safety performance. Learn more about CCPS and its activities at http://www.aiche.org/ccps.

About AIChE

AIChE is a professional society of more than 50,000 chemical engineers in 100 countries. Its members work in corporations, universities and government using their knowledge of chemical processes to develop safe and useful products. Through its varied programs, AIChE continues to be a focal point for dialogue related to chemical engineering research in areas such as energy sustainability, biological and environmental engineering, and nanotechnology and chemical plant safety and security. More information about AIChE is available at http://www.aiche.org.