Environmental Health Professional Development
At least twice a year the VEHA Committee and Board members organize an educational workshop to raise awareness about current environmental problems or issues within the profession. Speakers from all over the state, and sometimes the nation, are brought in to present on items such as their current research, outbreaks, food safety, emerging infectious diseases, new septic system designs, soil and water quality research, emergency response, and many other topics. In addition to the educational conference, VEHA sponsors opportunities for professional advancement by offering the REHS and CP-FS certification exams. See below for upcoming conference and professional advancement opportunities.Education Opportunities
- VEHA's Annual Educational Conference (Dates and registration information is on the Events Page)
- VEHA's Onsite and Food Safety Education Days (Dates and registration information is on the Events Page)
- NEHA's 2023 Annual Education Conference (AEC) will be held July 31 - August 3 in New Orleans, Louisiana
-
The 77th annual Interstate Environmental Health Seminar (IEHS) will be hosted by the Georgia Environmental Health Association on September 20 - 22, 2023 in Jekyll Island, Georgia. This event will have speakers from many regional states and cover all aspects of environmental health. See Georgia's Environmental Health Association for registration and details.
Professional Advancement
A goal of VEHA is to promote high standards of qualifications and professional ethics within the field of environmental health. Members are encouraged to obtain professional certifications, such as, the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/ Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS), Certified Professional-Food Safety (CP-FS), and Authorized Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE). VEHA strives to offer credentialing opportunities by sponsoring REHS and CP-FS exam proctors. Contact VEHA’s VP of Professional Advancement for more information.
REHS Credential Information & Study Suggestions
- REHS Candidate Brochure
- Environmental Public Health Online Courses – This is the link for information on the EPHOC courses. There are 15 courses designed to help EH Professionals prepare for the REHS Exam. Enrollment is required but free.
- NEHA has a study guide (written), online practice exam, and other resources for purchase.
- This site has a written study guide/work book for purchase.
CP-FS Credential Information & Study Suggestions
- CP-FS Candidate Brochure
- This is a link to a free course from the CDC on Environmental Assessment of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks.
- NEHA has both an online course and written study guide for purchase.
- Exam Edge is a website that has online practice exams for purchase.
Virginia Department of Health’s Environmental Health Occupational Career Plan
- On September 1, 2014, VDH implemented the EH Occupational Career Plan that includes initial credential bonuses as well as renewal bonuses for qualified employees. For more information on the VDH EH Occupational Career Plan or the FAQ associated with the plan, click on the links.