Exam
In
order to become a Registered
Environmental Health Specialist
(REHS) in North
Carolina, an individual
must be registered as a Environmental Health Specialist
Intern, complete
specified continuing
education and
training,
and achieve a
passing score, within three years of
being
registered as an Intern, on a
comprehensive exam (REHS
Exam). The
REHS Exam is designed to assure that
Environmental Health Specialists or
Environmental Health
Specialists are
qualified,
competent,
and properly prepared to perform the
duties and
responsibilities of the
position.
The exam schedule is
posted on the meetings
page. Candidates must
apply
for the exam using the Exam
application.
The Exam is one
important part of the process to become
professionally
credentialed. It is
strongly recommended that
individuals
arriving to take the exam plan to arrive
early,
bring the proper credentials, and
to
dress appropriately for a
professional
image.
The
Exam
consists of three independent
parts:
- A
multiple-choice test. The
current test used is the
National
Environmental Health Association NEHA REHS
exam.
The
new REHS exam
- An
essay test. Subjects are varied
and developed by the
Board's
Educational Committee.
- An oral
interview conducted by Board
members.
The scores
of all three portions are then
compiled
for an overall
score. An
applicant is considered to have passed
the exam with a
minimum score of 60% on
each portion and
an
overall score of
70.0% or greater.
NEHA
Consists
of 250 multiple-choice questions
designed to test the
knowledge of all
areas of the field of environmental
health. The
Exam is developed and
graded by
NEHA.
This is a timed
test and a study
guide developed
by NEHA for the exam is available for
purchase. Counts 50% of
total
score.
Essay
Tests
writing and reasoning abilities/thought
processes by having
the applicant
analyze situations and provide a written
solution. Questions are prepared
and evaluated by the
Board. Counts 25% of total
score.
Oral
Measures
communication skills and the ability to
respond to questions
presented in a
small group setting. Questions are
prepared and evaluated by the
Board. Because the ability to communicate includes visual presentation and demeanor, the Board evaluates the professional appearance and conduct displayed during the Oral section of the exam. Counts 25%
of total
score.
Various
study guides and resources are
available
to prepare for the
exam.
NEHA-National Environmental
Health Association
CDC-Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
The Board
administers Examinations three times
each year at different
geographic
locations across the state. Any
portion(s) of
the Exam may be retaken
and satisfactory
scores may be
retained for any
portions. A fee is charged for the
NEHA
portion of the Exam.
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