Indoor Environmental Health Specialists

High School

Recommended high school classes include mathematics (including algebra, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry), physics, chemistry, shop, health, English, writing, speech, and computer science.

Postsecondary Education

To become an IEHA, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in architecture, general engineering, environmental engineering, architectural engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Those who want to become managers often earn master’s degrees in business management or science management.

This is a multidisciplinary field, and some specialists have a background or educational training in law, medicine or public health, the construction trades, or public policy. As a result, taking courses or earning a certificate or minor in one of these fields is a good idea.

Certification

Colleges, universities, and online learning platforms (OLPs) offer a variety of certificate programs in environmental health, air quality, engineering, architecture, and related fields that will help aspiring and current IEHSs build their knowledge and explore specialized topics. For example, the Illinois Institute of Technology offers a compliance and pollution prevention certificate that "allows professionals to gain formal certification in a particular area of expertise and/or learn state-of-the-art skills to further their careers in environmental sustainability and compliance as consultants, entrepreneurs, administrators, and managers who can successfully make the business case for sustainability." College certificate programs typically last from six months to a year, while those offered by OLPs are typically shorter.

Other Education or Training

Professional development opportunities (webinars and in-person classes and seminars) are offered by professional associations, OLPs, colleges and universities, and other providers. These educational opportunities are a good way to stay up to date on developments in the field, and completion of classes and webinars is often required to renew one’s certification. The American Industrial Hygiene Association, International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, National Environmental Health Association, National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors, and organizations at the state and local levels also provide continuing education opportunities.