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 Spring and Fall Educational Conferences (Dates and registration information can be found on the Events Page)
- VEHA's Onsite Field Days (Dates and registration information can be found on the Events Page)
- NEHA's 2019 Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition will be held July 9 - 12, 2019 in Nashville, TN. For more information visit the conference website: NEHA 2019 AEC
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Interstate Environmental Health Seminar (IEHS) 2019 – July 24 - 26, 2019. This year’s seminar will be held at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY. For more information visit the seminar website: IEHS 2019
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.