IHMM Policies

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management

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	IHMM Policies Appeal Procedures Any appeal of a certification or recertification action must be submitted to the IHMM Executive Director in writing within 60 days of receiving the notice and must present facts to substantiate the appeal. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Executive Director shall examine all records in the Institute's possession which bear upon the appeal and submit copies of the appeal and all pertinent records to each member of the Institute's Board of Directors. The Board shall schedule a meetting to discuss the appeal within 45 days. The Board may grant the appeal, deny the appeal, or refer it for further investigation. Board of Directors General -- As of January 1, 2010, the Institute Board consists of nine Directors. Seven Directors must be CHMMs, one must be a CHMP, and one shall be a non-IHMM-certified Public Member. In addition, each new credential will be represented by at least one certified Director. The Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director (Certification Director) of the Institute serve as ex officio non-voting members of the Board. Terms of Office -- The Directors are elected by certificants in good standing ("the Constituency"), to serve staggered four-year terms. Each Director is limited to two consecutive terms in office. Eligibility -- To be eligible for one of the certified Director positions, a candidate shall have been certified for at least two years (except for representatives of new credentials), and must be in good standing. An individual is not eligible for nomination to the IHMM Board if he or she is currently serving as an officer or board member of any other certification organization or of the national Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP) or other related membership association. Candidates for the Public Member Director position are selected from among the corporate, academic, legal or regulatory community served by the Institute's Constituency. Officers -- The Officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Each Officer serves a renewable two-year term. (The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined and held by the same person.) All officers must hold a credential issued by IHMM. A candidate must have served at least one term as a Director in order to be eligible to serve as either Chairperson or Vice Chairperson. Officer positions are filled from among the Directors by majority vote of the Board at the first meeting of the Board in each odd-numbered calendar year, or sooner when vacancies occur. Vacancies --Resignations of Directors and Officers must be given in writing and shall be acted upon at the next scheduled Board meeting. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson shall be filled by the Vice Chairperson. A vacancy in the office of Vice Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer shall be filled by majority vote of the Board. A vacancy in a Director position may be filled by majority vote of the Board. All persons selected to fill vacancies, whether Officers or Board members, shall serve until the next regularly scheduled election for that position. Removal -- Directors may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the Directors then serving, at a meeting called expressly for that purpose. Certification Process Examination Committees (EC): The ECs are responsible for developing and maintaining nationally recognized hazardous materials management/practitioner certification examinations. Each EC consists of a minimum of five members, all of whom must have been certified for at least three (3) years (except for representatives of new credentials). Members serve renewable terms of two (2) years, and may be reappointed to any number of terms. In addition to agreeing to adhere to the appropriate Code of Ethics, all members of the ECs must also sign an Agreement of Confidentiality at the beginning of each term. The Institute Board of Directors appoints a chairperson from among the members; he or she is responsible for calling meetings, as necessary, and coordinating committee activities with Institute staff. Examination Administration: IHMM's examinations are closed-book multiple-choice tests. Each candidate must present two forms of identification, at least one of which must be a photo ID issued by a governmental agency (such as a driver's license) in order to be admitted to the computerized-testing site. Candidates may not bring any outside materials into the testing site, including: reference materials, notes, photographic or communication devices, or calculators with a programmable memory capacity. Candidates will be allowed 3 hours to complete the CHMM or CHMP examination, or 2 hours to complete the Hazardous Materials Manager-in-Training (HMMT) examination. Candidates will be notified of the examination results in writing approximately 3 weeks after sitting for the examination. Successful candidates will be notified of the next steps required toward certification. Non-successful candidates will be provided with a print-out of the specific area(s) of weakness in their performance on the examination. Examination Prep Courses: The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management does not participate in training activities related to its examinations and does not administer, accredit, endorse, or approve any particular review course or course material. Candidates are not required to take a review course in order to sit for the examinations. Completion of a review course does not in any way assure the attainment of a passing score on the examinations. Retaking the Examination: A candidate who fails the CHMM or CHMP examination must wait at least six months before retaking it. The candidate shall pay the examination fee but need not submit a new application for a first or second retake. After a third unsuccessful sitting, a candidate must wait at least one year from the date of the last attempt to be eligible to take the examination again, and must submit a new application form and full fees for each new sitting. The candidate must also meet whatever eligibility requirements are in effect at that time. Retakes of the HMMT examination are determined by the candidate's continuing eligibility but, in any event, may not be scheduled less than six months after the previous unsuccessful attempt. Post-Examination Certification Procedures: Passing an IHMM certification examination does not, in itself, mean that a candidate has become certified. In order to be certified, candidates who pass an examination must also: Return a signed copy of the appropriate Code of Ethics Pay the appropriate certification fee Submit any materials that are needed to complete the candidate's record Upon receipt of the Ethics Code, outstanding fees, and any missing documents, the Institute will issue the appropriate certificate and certification ID number. CHMM and CHMP Designations CHMM and CHMP Certificates: A person who is certified by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management receives a numbered and dated certificate. The certificate contains an expiration date corresponding to the individual's five-year recertification cycle. If recertification is not accomplished by the expiration date, the individual's certification is considered null and void. Use of the CHMM or CHMP Designation: "Certified Hazardous Materials Manager" and "CHMM" are registered trademarks of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. Likewise, "Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner" and "CHMP" will be registered when eligible. Upon receipt of the official certificate, an individual is authorized to use these designations so long as the certification has not expired, been suspended, revoked or voluntarily relinquished, or converted to the Inactive or "Retired" status. The designations "Certified Hazardous Materials Manager" and "CHMM," "Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner" and "CHMP" may not be used by anyone for any purpose that is untruthful, misleading, or in violation of any applicable law or governmental regulation. Authorized use of "Certified Hazardous Materials Manager" and "CHMM," "Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner" and "CHMP" as described in this section does not include the right to use the logo of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. Unauthorized Use of the CHMM or CHMP Designation: The Institute may pursue remedies of any appropriate nature, including suspension, revocation, or denial of eligibility for unauthorized use of the "Certified Hazardous Materials Manager," "CHMM," "CHMM (Ret.)," "Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner" or "CHMP" designations. Unauthorized use includes: use by any person who has never been certified by IHMM use by any person whose certification has expired or has been suspended or revoked use by a person who has voluntarily relinquished the certification use by any person who is not in good standing use by any person who does not practice in accordance with the appropriate Code of Ethics use of the CHMM designation by a diplomate who has adopted CHMM (Ret.) status use of the CHMM (Ret.) designation by a diplomate while continuing to practice Confidentiality Examination Committee: all members of the EC shall execute an Agreement of Confidentiality at the beginning of each two-year term. Business records, including CHMM files: All IHMM records shall be treated as confidential and shall not be rented, sold, or released, except in the normal course of business with permission of the owner of the information. Ethics cases: Everyone involved in any investigation or deliberation of an ethics violation charge shall use the utmost discretion and treat all documents and discussions as confidential. Ethics Ethical Conduct: The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management is absolutely committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the profession. No candidate for Certified Hazardous Materials Manager or Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner may be certified until the appropriate Code of Ethics has been signed. Violations of the Code will be considered grounds for censure, suspension, and/or revocation. Violations include, but are not limited to: actions alluded to as violations in the appropriate Code of Ethics, including unauthorized use of the Institute's proprietary logos and trademarks misrepresentation with intent to deceive in the original application fraud or misconduct in the examination or recertification process activities which discredit the profession or the CHMM/CHMP program conviction of a felony not disclosed in the original application or occurring after the filing of the application Charges of ethical violations shall be reported by sending a confidential "Report of Potential Ethical Violations" to the IHMM Executive Director. Charges must be made in writing and must include the following information: name of the accused certificant and his or her address, if known name of the accuser, address, telephone, and email address description of the allegations and any documentary evidence relating to the alleged violation Professional Standards Committee (PSC): The PSC monitors and administers compliance with the IHMM Codes of Ethics. The committee consists of a minimum of three members, all of whom must have been certified for at least three (3) years. Members serve renewable terms of two years, and may be reappointed to any number of terms. The Institute Board of Directors appoints all members of the PSC. Violations of the Code of Ethics shall be addressed confidentially by the PSC in accordance with the procedures defined in the Institute's Policy Manual. Expiration Dates The CHMM and CHMP certificates contain an expiration date corresponding to the individual's five-year recertification cycle. If recertification is not accomplished by that date, the individual's certification is to be considered null and void, and the individual is no longer authorized to use the CHMM or CHMP designation. IHMM wallet ID cards contain expiration dates corresponding to the billing cycle. Non-payment of the annual certification maintenance fee places the certificant's account in arrears and subject to revocation. Good Standing To be considered "in good standing," a CHMM or CHMP must: have a signed Code of Ethics on file with the IHMM office be current in recertification status (The individual must have met all previous requirements for recertification and not be currently overdue for recertification.) be current in payment of annual certification maintenance fees A CHMM or CHMP in good standing is eligible to use the designations "Certified Hazardous Materials Manager" or "Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner" and to participate in all activities of the Institute, including constituent elections and service on component boards and committees. Honorary Designations The Institute may recognize diplomates who have made outstanding contributions to the field of hazardous materials management or to the CHMM program by conferring one of the following honorary designations: Distinguished Diplomate -- The Institute Board of Directors may designate Distinguished Diplomates from time to time, as deemed appropriate, by a three-fifths vote. Nominees must have been certified for at least nine years and be nominated by two Directors. The "Distinguished Diplomate" designation may be awarded only to Fellows of the Institute who have contributed noticeably and substantively to the field of hazardous materials management or to the overall CHMM Program. Acts that may qualify include: founding of a significant element of the CHMM Program or of a non-competing hazardous materials organization or program; organizing or leading a major hazardous materials management program to successful completion; long-standing devotion with notable contributions to the field; originating or leading a major breakthrough in hazardous materials management; or other such acts deemed worthy of such recognition. Fellow of the Institute -- The Institute Board of Directors may, by majority vote, elect as Fellows highly qualified individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession of hazardous materials management. Nominees must have been certified for at least six years. "Significant contributions" may include accomplishments such as: developing or advancing a new technology, apparatus, or device; implementing a new management principle, methodology, procedure, or technique; advancing the value, importance, and recognition of the profession in the market-place or the media; training or developing training materials that improve workforce knowledge and skills; performing an honorable or heroic deed; or other such acts deemed worthy of such recognition. Objectives of IHMM's Certification Programs To provide credentialed recognition to those professionals engaged in the management and control of hazardous materials who have attained the required level of education, experience and competence. To foster continued professional development of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers and Practitioners through continuing education, peer group interaction, and technological stimulation. To facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience among professionals and organizations vitally concerned with hazardous materials management. To provide government, industry, and academia with a mechanism for identifying hazardous materials management professionals who have exhibited exemplary proficiency by meeting the requirements for certification. Recertification Process Recertification Standards: The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management requires that each certificant become "recertified" by providing evidence of continuing proficiency every five years. Demonstration of continuing proficiency shall take the form of documented evidence of continued employment in the field and continuing education and/or professional activities related to hazardous materials management. Credits given for these activities are called certification maintenance points (CMPs). The Institute's Executive Office is the office of record for recertification status and will notify certificants in writing when their recertification documentation is due. However, failure to receive notification is not a justification for failure to recertify in a timely fashion. Reminders are also published in the IHMM newsletter, and each certificate has an expiration date corresponding to the individual's recertification cycle. Recertification documentation is subject to review and/or audit in accordance with guidelines prepared by the IHMM Executive Office. If a recertification application is deemed unacceptable or deficient, the certificant shall be given an opportunity to resolve the deficiencies. If found unqualified for recertification, the individual shall be notified that his or her credential is terminated. An individual whose credential has been terminated shall be required to apply for and take the certification examination anew in order to regain his or her credential. (See Appeals, above, for the procedure for challenging denial of recertification.) A certificant may meet the recertification requirements by taking and passing the certification examination during the final year of his/her cycle in lieu of submitting documentation. Records Retention The IHMM Executive Office is the official office of record for all materials relating to the CHMM, CHMP and HMMT Programs. Examination Materials -- All records relating to current examinations and candidate scoring must be retained for a period of two years. Original and historical examination records, such as Exam Commission documents and Blueprints, must be retained permanently. Certificant Records -- Certification records of current certificants must be retained for a period of two years after voluntary relinquishment or termination of the certification on good terms. All records involving an individual's administrative suspension or revocation for any reason, including but not limited to disciplinary action or failure to pay, must be retained for a period of five years. Appeals, Claims and Litigation -- All notices, pleadings, motions, correspondence, and other records related to administrative or judicial claims, disputes, or litigation must be retained for a period of three years after judgment is returned, the matter is dismissed, or the matter is otherwise settled or resolved. Status Good Standing: To be considered "in good standing," a CHMM/CHMP must: have a signed Code of Ethics on file with the Institute office be current in recertification status (The individual must have met all previous requirements for recertification and not be currently overdue for recertification.) be current in payment of annual certification maintenance fees A CHMM or CHMP in good standing is eligible to use the designations "Certified Hazardous Materials Manager" or "Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner" and to participate in all activities of the Institute, including constituent elections and service on component boards and committees. Inactive Status: Upon written request to the IHMM Certification Director, a certificant who is unable to remain active in the profession due to circumstances beyond his or her control (e.g., medical disability, military assignment, etc.) may be granted inactive status for up to three years, during which time all payment and recertification requirements shall be waived. During the period of inactivity, the individual shall not use the "CHMM" or "CHMP" designation, which implies active status, but may use "CHMM/CHMP (Inactive)." Upon reactivation, the individual's status picks up at the point where it left off. If an inactive certificant is unable to return to active status after this three-year period, the credential will be deemed revoked. An individual whose credential has been revoked under this rule shall be required to apply for and take the certification examination anew in order to regain his or her credential. Retiree Status: The IHMM Board of Directors established the CHMM (Ret.) category with the intent of providing a mechanism for continued identification of CHMMs once they have retired from professional hazardous materials management practice, with the understanding that those so designated will not use the CHMM (Ret.) designation for any professional practice or work for compensation that implies current competency in hazardous materials management. A CHMM who is no longer active in the field of hazardous materials management may apply for designation as a CHMM (Ret.). In order to qualify, the CHMM must be in good standing and must have been recertified at least once before applying for CHMM (Ret.) status. The CHMM (Ret.) designation may be used on personal stationery and personal cards, but not on business cards or stationery and not for commercial purposes. It shall be considered unethical conduct for a retired certificant to use the designation "CHMM" after acquiring Retired status, or to use the "CHMM (Ret.)" designation while continuing to practice. Any violation of these restrictions would make the individual's CHMM (Ret.) designation subject to revocation.