CERTIFICED QHSE FIELD SPECIALIST®
CQHSE-FS®
Connecting QHSE professionals to drive sustainable Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental excellence.
CERTIFIED QHSE FIELD SPECIALIST® (CQHSE-FS®)

QHSE Association – Professional Certification Framework: An Introduction
Welcome to the QHSE Association’s Professional Certification Framework, a meticulously designed tiered system created to guide and validate the expertise of individuals across the Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) landscape. Whether you’re just starting your career, advancing to a leadership role, specializing in training, or contributing at an expert level, our framework provides clear pathways for professional growth and recognition.
Each certification in this framework is built upon robust standards, ensuring that certified professionals possess the knowledge and skills vital for today’s dynamic work environments. We’re committed to fostering excellence and promoting best practices that lead to safer, healthier, and more sustainable operations worldwide.
This page details the first step in your QHSE professional journey: the Certified QHSE Field Specialist® (CQHSE-FS®)
Overview
The Certified QHSE Field Specialist® (CQHSE-FS®) is designed for field personnel, site supervisors, and individuals actively involved in the day-to-day execution of QHSE compliance tasks. If your role demands practical application of QHSE principles on the ground, this certification is for you.
Our objective with the CQHSE-FS is to equip professionals with practical, hands-on expertise in implementing QHSE processes and effectively managing operational risks directly where the work happens.
Upon successful completion, you’ll gain the critical skills to:
- Conduct routine QHSE inspections, perform site walkthroughs, and effectively facilitate toolbox talks.
- Execute basic hazard identification and risk assessments specifically tailored to the operational level.
- Assist in the investigation of minor incidents, near-misses, and safety deviations, contributing to learning and prevention.
- Support the documentation and tracking of ISO compliance records, ensuring accurate data for system maintenance.
- Continuously monitor operational safety and environmental performance metrics, providing crucial feedback for ongoing improvements.
This certification emphasizes the practical application of QHSE principles, preparing you to be a key player in maintaining safety and compliance in various operational environments.
Requirements
To achieve your Certified QHSE Field Specialist® (CQHSE-FS®) certification, here’s what you need:
Qualification Prerequisites:
- Certification Pathway: You must hold the Certified QHSE Associate® (CQHSE-A®) certification.
- OR Experience Pathway: Alternatively, you can qualify with a minimum of one (1) year of documented full-time experience in a dedicated QHSE role, or a related operational role with significant QHSE responsibilities.
- Preferred Qualification: While not mandatory, a technical or vocational qualification in an engineering, science, or industrial safety discipline is preferred, as it provides a strong foundation for the practical aspects of this role.
Examination Format:
- The assessment is a blended examination, incorporating multiple-choice questions, scenario-based problem-solving, and short-answer questions to thoroughly evaluate your practical knowledge and decision-making skills.
Certification Validity:
- Your CQHSE-FS® certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Renewal Requirements:
- To maintain your certification, you’ll need to demonstrate 20 hours of relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This can include attending industry workshops, specialized training courses, or other professional development activities. You’ll also need to submit a brief log detailing your practical QHSE experience over the renewal period, ensuring your skills remain current and actively applied.
Suitable For
The Certified QHSE Field Specialist® (CQHSE-FS®) is an excellent credential for professionals aspiring to or currently in roles such as:
- QHSE Officers: Serving as the primary point of contact for QHSE matters on a daily basis.
- Field Safety Supervisors: Overseeing safety practices directly in the field and guiding operational teams.
- Environmental Technicians: Specializing in on-site environmental compliance and monitoring activities.
- Quality Control Inspectors: Ensuring adherence to quality standards through hands-on checks and procedures.
- Safety Coordinators: Organizing and managing safety programs and initiatives at an operational level.
Application & Certification Process
Your journey to becoming a Certified QHSE Field Specialist® certificant begins with a straightforward application process.
1. Apply Online: You can apply for certification at any time by selecting the ‘My Profile’ portal located in the top right-hand corner of any QHSEA.ORG webpage. Simply create your account to get started.
2. Application Review & Eligibility: The QHSE Association will thoroughly review your application once it is submitted and the initial payment has been made. It is crucial that you meet all the specified certification requirements to be deemed eligible. Once your application is approved, candidates have one (1) year to schedule and successfully pass the certification’s examination.
3. Examination Details:
- Examination Format: The assessment is a blended examination, incorporating multiple-choice questions, scenario-based problem-solving, and short-answer questions to thoroughly evaluate your practical knowledge and decision-making skills.
- Examination Fee: The examination fee for the CQHSE-FS® is $450 USD. This fee covers your attempt(s) at the certification exam and the initial issuance of your certificate upon passing. This can be purchased during the application process as an application and exam/exam bundle combo option, or it can be purchased after your application is approved.
- Exam Re-sit Fee: Should you need to re-take the exam, a re-sit fee of $150 USD will apply per attempt.
4. Achieve & Maintain Certification: Candidates who successfully meet all prerequisites and pass the examination are officially awarded their Certified QHSE Field Specialist® certification and become proud QHSE Association Certificants.
To support the continued advancement of the safety profession and ensure the recognition and value of QHSEA credentials, an annual credential maintenance fee of $75 USD is assessed to credential holders. This fee allows you to retain active use of your QHSEA credentials.
Furthermore, all credential holders must remain up-to-date with changes in professional practice by sharing their activities to earn recertification points. Your CQHSE-FS® is valid for 3 years. At the end of this period, a recertification (renewal) fee of $175 USD will be required, along with evidence of your accumulated recertification points/CPD hours, to renew your certification for another 3 years.
CONTACT US
📞 Get in Touch
QHSE Association Headquarters
QHSE Association – 67 Revelon Rd, London, SE4 2PW
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +44 (7481) 436696
🌐 Website: www.qhsea.org