What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The REHS body of knowledge is extensive, encompassing 15 distinct domains that form the foundation of a comprehensive environmental health program. While not a prerequisite "course," the material you must master covers critical areas that a candidate will either study in an accredited degree program or through years of dedicated work experience.

The core topics and skills you will need to demonstrate include:

• Conducting Inspections: The largest portion of the exam, focusing on food service, institutional facilities, and public spaces.

• Food Protection and HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles, and interpretation of the FDA Food Code.

• Water Quality: Management of potable (drinking) water, wastewater treatment systems, and recreational water facilities.

• Hazardous Materials and Waste Management: Safe handling, storage, and disposal.

• Vector Control and Pest Investigations: Identification and remediation of public health pests and zoonotic diseases.

• Air Quality and Noise Pollution: Surveillance and control.

• Disaster Sanitation and Emergency Preparedness: Response and planning for environmental health emergencies.

• Environmental Law and Compliance: Understanding the legal framework for inspections and enforcement.

• General Environmental Health: Principles of microbiology, epidemiology, and toxicology.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The final REHS exam is a rigorous test of your applied knowledge and practical decision-making. You will be expected to make quick, accurate assessments based on a scenario provided, mimicking the pressure of field work.

The current exam format typically consists of:

• Total Questions: 250 multiple-choice questions.

• Duration: 4 hours, divided into two 2-hour sessions with a mandatory 15-minute break in between.

• Scoring: The score is determined by the number of correct answers; there is no penalty for guessing.

• Passing Score: The passing score is a scaled score, with 68% or 70?ing a standard benchmark, depending on the test version.

• Rules: No personal items are allowed in the testing room. The use of calculators and electronic devices is strictly prohibited. You will need to provide two forms of valid, government-issued identification.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for the REHS exam requires a multi-faceted approach. Do not rely solely on memory; you must understand the practical application of regulations.

• Actionable Study Strategies:

• Focus on Inspections: Since this is 48% of the exam, devote significant time to reviewing different types of inspection checklists (food, sewage, institutions).

• Master the Codes: Study the current 2017 FDA Food Code, and understand model codes for other areas like swimming pools and wastewater.

• Use NEHA Resources: The NEHA REHS/RS Study Guide (5th Edition) is an essential resource that covers all exam domains. NEHA also offers online practice exams that are highly predictive of performance on the actual test.

• Regulatory and Text Review: Dive into the details of environmental health textbooks and regulatory law references.

• Practice with Purpose: Simulate the exam environment by using a timer and taking practice tests in one sitting. Target your weak areas for review.

• Where and How to Take the Exam: The NEHA REHS exam is administered primarily at computerized testing centers. Pearson VUE is the leading provider, offering testing locations throughout the United States and internationally. To schedule your exam, you must first have an approved application with NEHA. You will receive an authorization to test, allowing you to select a center and time. Some specific state environmental health departments or authorized schools may also host physical testing centers, particularly for state-specific licenses.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning the REHS credential opens a direct path to diverse and impactful careers in both the public and private sectors. With a median salary for related positions that is competitive and growing, this certification is a gateway to long-term career advancement.

The REHS/RS credential unlocks job opportunities with the following specific job titles:

• Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)

• Registered Sanitarian (RS)

• Environmental Health Specialist

• Health Inspector

• Food Safety Inspector

• Wastewater Management Specialist

• Vector Control Officer

• Environmental Compliance Manager

• Quality Assurance Inspector (in food production)

• Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

• Industrial Hygienist Trainee

• Environmental Consultant