Last year, an issue of the American Academy of Industrial Hygiene's newsletter brought to light the downward spiral of test scores by individuals seeking to be Certified Industrial Hygienists, sparking a debate about the changing face of industrial hygiene.

Certification is a two-step process involving first a one-day core examination in basic industrial hygiene (for applicants with one year of professional experience) and a more in-depth comprehensive exam (taken after applicants have five years experience).