Examination

The CHMM examination is based on the outline below. It is a closed-book test, consisting of 160 multiple-choice questions delivered via computer-based testing, to be completed in a three-hour period. Only basic 4-function calculators or non-programmable scientific calculators may be used.

Topics Covered

Laws and Regulations (25%) including: statutory and regulatory laws, federal primacy and delegation, as they apply to major environmental protection acts and programs (40 CFR), occupational health and safety acts and programs (29 CFR), hazardous materials transportation (49 CFR), and radiation safety (10 CFR).

Science and Technology (35%) including: biology and ecology, chemical and physical characteristics of hazardous materials, toxicology, physiology, health and safety, geology and hydrology, engineering technology, treatment methods, math and statistics, data collection and analysis.

Management Principles and Practical Applications (40%) including: basic management principles, program management, recordkeeping and reporting, risk management and liability, policy making, decision making, international standards, compliance auditing, environmental management systems, management of hazardous materials on-site, waste stream management, pollution prevention, safety and security plans, emergency planning and response, contaminant assessment and remediation.

Greater detail about each section follows.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Statutory Law (Major Acts, including predecessors and amendments):

Regulatory Law

Federal Primacy and Delegation

Major Regulatory Agencies and Programs

              Department of Transportation (DOT) Title 49 CFR

              Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Title 40 CFR

              Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Title 10 CFR

                 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Title 29 CFR

              Other Regulatory Agencies and Programs

                      Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS),

                      Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), National Institutes of

                      Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Joint Agency Actions

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science

Chemistry, Physics (incl. radiation), Geology/Hydrology, Biology/Ecology, Physiology/Health & Safety, Toxicology, Math & Statistics

Basic Technology

Statistical methods, Basic Laboratory Analysis, Equipment and Instruments

Applied Science & Advanced Technology

Health and Safety, Fire Science, Engineering Technology & Treatment Methods, Data Collection and Analysis

MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Program Management 

General Management, Policy-making, Authority/Responsibility, Principles of Decision Making, Information Resource Management, Public/Community Relations, Risk Communication, Regulatory Burden and Compliance, Program Controls, Process Safety Management, Risk Management Plans, Permitting, Audits, Best Management Practices, ISO Standards, International Issues

Hazardous Materials On-site (non-waste)

Controlling Chemical Exposures, Shipping and Receiving, Emergency Planning and Response, Storage and Handling, Pollution Prevention, Safety and Security Plans, Reporting

Waste Stream Management

Air, Water, Hazardous Waste, Universal Wastes, Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting, Resource Recovery/Recycling

Assessment and Remediation of Contaminated Sites

Site Assessment, Risk Assessment, Brownfields, Remediation Techniques/Technologies, Economic Issues, Property Transfer Issues, Corrective Actions, Common Sense Solutions

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View the full CHMM Exam Blueprint                

Candidates with baccalaureate degrees but without 3 years of experience may qualify for the Hazardous Materials Manager-in-Training (HMMT) exam.  View the HMMT Exam Blueprint

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