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NEHA > Credentialing > REHS/RS FAQs

General

• Q: Why should I apply for Open Window Reciprocity through NEHA? Is it required? Is it worth it?
  A: It is optional. You are not required to apply. If you wish to obtain the NEHA REHS/RS, it will be in addition to your state registration. Some people wish to have a more nationally recognized credential for their own personal career goals. Some want to be able to move to another state and obtain work without re-testing. It’s up to you to decide if it is worth it.
• Q: Is the NEHA REHS/RS credential recognized in all 50 states?
  A: No. It is NOT recognized in California or New Jersey. Many states have no registration requirement at all. Many states use the NEHA REHS/RS or recognize it for reciprocity. However, some states require a specific passing score and some states have additional, state-specific exams that you must pass in order to earn their state credential. NEHA is not always notified about the most recent requirements for all states. You should check with each state that you have questions about.
• Q: Why is it called the REHS/RS?
  A: NEHA’s credential is called the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS). Many states use the term “Registered Environmental Health Specialist” and many other states use the term “Registered Sanitarian.” Since the NEHA credential is used in many states, it has a combination name.
• Q: I am a Sanitarian in Training (SIT) and I have not yet taken the exam. Do I qualify?
  A: No. You must be a Registered Sanitarian (RS) and have passed the Sanitarian exam and have a current RS registration card.

NEHA Membership and NEHA Credentials

• Q: Is membership in NEHA and holding the REHS/RS the same thing?
  A: NO. MEMBERSHIP IS DIFFERENT FROM HOLDING A CREDENTIAL.
• Q: Should I become a member of NEHA when I apply for the REHS/RS credential? What are the benefits?
  A: Membership in NEHA is optional. MEMBERSHIP AND HOLDING A NEHA CREDENTIAL ARE NOT THE SAME. Paying Membership Dues is for ONE year. Anyone can become a member. If you pay for membership and renew it every year, you will get a discount on your REHS/RS credential renewal which is every TWO years. Also you will get a one year subscription to the NEHA Journal of Environmental Health. You will get discounts on our Annual Education Conference. You will also be able to get free access to 100’s of hours of online continuing education.
  
  For more information on membership, go to: http://www.neha.org/member/
• Q: What does it cost to become a member?
  A: Membership dues are $95 per year. This is different than your credential renewal fees.
• Q: How can I tell if I am already a member of NEHA?
  A: If you are a current NEHA member (not the same as holding a NEHA credential), you would have paid to join or to renew your membership in the last 12 months. You would be receiving the Journal of Environmental Health. You would have received a NEHA MEMBERSHIP card in the last 12 months with the expiration date on it.
• Q: I used to have a NEHA REHS/RS credential many years ago. Does NEHA still have my records?
  A: We might. If you submitted transcripts with your original application, we should still have those but cannot guarantee we can locate them. We will try. Contact NEHA. It may take 1-2 weeks until we can access our archived records in storage.

Application and Application Processing

• Q: Can I fax my Open Window Reciprocity application to NEHA?
  A: If you are registered in Arizona or Connecticut, you will need to send official college transcripts that must arrive at NEHA in a sealed school envelope. Your application will not be processed until we receive the transcripts. It is best to send the application and all transcripts together in one large envelope.
  
  If you are registered in Ohio or West Virginia, you do not need to send transcripts since your state’s education requirements match NEHA’s. You can fax your application if you put a credit card number on it.
• Q: I lost my application and letter. Can I get another one? OR I never received an application and letter.
  Why not?
  A: If you are registered in Arizona, you should contact the Arizona Sanitarians’ Council. They are responsible for notifying people with Arizona registrations.
  
  If you are registered in Ohio, Connecticut or West Virginia, you can contact Carol Newlin at NEHA (303)756-9090 ext. 337 or cnewlin@neha.org. You must provide the full name used on your state registration and identify the state. If your name is on the appropriate list, NEHA can send you a new letter and application.
• Q: I lost my state registration card. What do I do?
  A: Contact your state to get a replacement. You must submit a copy of a current state registration card with your Open Window Reciprocity Application.
• Q: Can I notarize my own application?
  A: No.
• Q: How long will it take to get my NEHA REHS/RS credential?
  A: Please allow 6-8 weeks from the date NEHA RECEIVES your application to get your new credential certificate. We are not responsible for slow mail service and delivery can take over a week.
• Q: My payment cleared. Why don’t I have my NEHA credential soon after that?
  A: NEHA is processing hundreds of applications in addition to regular credential applications and exams. We are a non-profit with a very small staff. We will process complete applications in the order in which they were received.
• Q: When is the deadline to apply?
  A: For West Virginia, the deadline is June 30, 2013. For Arizona, Connecticut and Ohio the deadline is February 28, 2014.

REHS/RS Renewal Fees and Requirements

• Q: When does the credential expire and how much does it cost to renew it?
  A: The REHS/RS credential is good for 2 years starting the first day of the month after your application is received at NEHA. Current credential renewal costs are expected to be $145 for NEHA members and $325 for non-members. Prices may change in the future. Membership is optional and membership dues are $95 per year.
  
  Also, 24 contact hours (24 clock hours) of Continuing Education is required every 2 years. For more CE questions, see the CE section.
• Q: How will I be notified of my credential expiration?
  A: Credential Renewal Notices are sent out by e-mail starting 3 months before the expiration date. Please keep your e-mail address updated with NEHA.

Continuing Education (CE’s)

• Q: How many hours of Continuing Education (CE’s) do I need to submit?
  A: 24 contact hours (24 clock hours) of Continuing Education is required every 2 years.
• Q: How do I submit Continuing Education?
  A: You can submit CE’s through our website or by hard copy. A CE submission form must be filled out for each submission, via the web or on paper.
• Q: Will CE’s that I submit to my state count? Will they “transfer” to NEHA?
  A: You may be able to count most of the CE courses and events that you submit to your state but you will have to submit them directly to NEHA. They do not get transferred by the state. You are responsible for submitting your CE’s before your expiration date.
• Q: What happens if I don’t submit my CE’s on time?
  A: NEHA will send you a reminder but you will be in danger of losing your credential.
• Q: I have more CE questions. How do I get answers?
  A: Review the information posted on the NEHA website Continuing Education page.

Q: Who do I contact if I still have more questions?

A: Send an e-mail to credentialing@neha.org. Please indicate your STATE and mention OPEN WINDOW RECIPROCITY in your e-mail. We will get back to you as soon as we can.