Occupational hygienist : Training

Traditionally, larger employers provided on-the-job training. However, as many companies have now cut back or discontinued their in-house resources, this type of training is becoming less common. While this has been positive for consultants, as it has increased the demand for outsourcing, it means that training opportunities for graduates aiming to enter the profession have been reduced. Generally, consultancies only take on technicians who already have a certain level of experience, although it is possible to gain entry-level employment in a consultancy and build up knowledge from this point. This type of job can provide an invaluable start by offering a broad range of experience.

Professional qualifications are usually gained by either full-time or part-time study whilst working. The most common qualifications are a specific MSc from a university, or a certificate or diploma from the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) . Relevant MSc courses are available in subjects including occupational hygiene, occupational health, occupational and environmental health and safety management, and applied science (occupational health and safety and ergonomics). The BOHS operates a Postgraduate Student Bursary Scheme for students aiming to gain a higher education qualification in occupational hygiene. See the BOHS website for further details and a list of eligible courses.

The BOHS offers occupational hygiene modules in a range of specialist subject areas, and these can be used as stand-alone qualifications or to support promotion. They are aimed at those who wish to gain a qualification in specified topics of occupational hygiene or, grouped together, to gain exemption from the Society's Certificate core examination. Proficiency modules are stand-alone modular-based training courses of two to fours days' duration, each in a specific and individual area of work. They cover both theory and practical training in the subject area.

The aim of each course is for individuals to become qualified to carry out the work covered by the module. Professionals with relevant experience in a particular area can take the BOHS occupational hygiene and proficiency modules by sitting the examination as an external candidate (without the need to attend a course). The BOHS Bursaries for Modules (BfM) Scheme aims to encourage those already working in the field of occupational health and safety to take their first steps towards a possible career in occupational hygiene.

The British Safety Council  is an awarding body which offers a complete set of accredited health and safety qualifications from entry level to Level 6 in the UK Qualifications and Credit Framework. It also offers a wide selection of practical and interactive short courses.