Only two occupational health and safety (OHS) credentials existed before OSHA. The Certified Industrial Hygienist CIH® was established by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene® ABIH® in 1960. The Certified Safety Professional® CSP® was established by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals BCSP® in 1969.
The CIH® and CSP® are the high-water mark for quality among the hundreds of OHS certifications/credentials available today. The CIH® requires a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) bachelor’s degree as part of the qualifications to sit for CIH exam. The CIH is the only OHS credential that requires a STEM degree. Minimum requirements to sit for the CSP® is a bachelor’s degree in any field.