FAQs

How To Become a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in North Carolina

Question: Do I qualify to apply/register as an Environmental Health Specialist Intern in North Carolina?

In order to apply/register as an Environmental Health Specialist in North Carolina, an individual must:
1. Have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
2. Have at least 30 semester hours of physical or biological science (not applied science).
3. Be employed in the public sector in environmental health in North Carolina.
Individuals meeting criteria outlined in items 1-3 above are then eligible to apply as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist Intern (REHSI).

Question: I meet the qualifications, how do I apply?
A complete Registration Application packet must be submitted to the NC REHS Board for review. A complete packet includes the following:
_____ Application for Registration as Environmental Health Specialist Intern
_____ Applicant’s official job description (signed by applicant's supervisor)
_____ Notarized Code of Ethics form
_____ Employment Verification Form
_____ Application fee of $50 payable to the North Carolina State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners.

In addition to the items listed above, applicants must have their post-secondary institution(s) submit a certified copy of transcript(s) directly to the Board.

This transcript becomes property of the N.C. State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners.

Submit completed application packets to:
Mail: NC State Board of EH Specialist Examiners
PO Box 238
Efland, NC 27243
Fax: (910) 816-0190
Email: rehs.board(at)dhhs.nc.gov

You can find copies of these forms on the Board’s website: www.rsboard.com

Question: I have submitted my Registration Application Packet, what’s next?
The Education Committee of the NC REHS Board will review your application packet to ensure that you meet the required qualifications. If additional materials are needed, the NC REHS Board will contact you. If all materials are in order and you meet the qualifications, the Education Committee will recommend that the REHS Board vote to approve your registration as a REHSI.

Question: What is the official date of my registration?
Your registration date will be the date that the Board approves your REHSI registration. It is not your date of employment.

Question: What requirements do I need to meet once I am approved as a REHSI?
1. Pass a 3-part examination within 3 years of registration as an REHSI.
Donna note: insert INFO about the exam
2. Obtain at least 2 years of experience in environmental health (except for individuals with a degree in Environmental Health who must only acquire 1 year of experience).
3. Successfully complete the Centralized Intern Training (CIT) course offered by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Health.
4. Obtain at least 15 clock hours of Board-approved Continuing Education annually (click here for CE app).
When items 1-4 in the preceding paragraph are met, the REHS Board will take action during a scheduled board meeting to review and approve you as a fully registered as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Once fully registered, you must obtain 15 hours of board approved continuing education annually.

Should you have questions regarding your application or registration process, contact Donna Coffey, the Board’s Administrative Assistant, via telephone at (910) 608-0196 or via email at rehs.board(at)dhhs.nc.gov.

<p>Revised June 2012</p>