According to CAOHC's definition, a certified occupational hearing conservationist “is a person who can conduct the practice of hearing conservation, including a pure–tone air conduction hearing evaluation and other associated duties under appropriate supervision, and who can function with other members of the occupational hearing conservation program team.” Certification of OHCs…

• Better defines the criteria for professional recognition.
• Identifies the body of knowledge and the work experience needed to qualify as a certified occupational hearing conservationist for industry and mining.
• Stimulates and encourages the professional development of all individuals in the field.
• Measures the candidate's knowledge and ability with respect to the current state of the art.
• Provides personal satisfaction with recognition of competency among a professional group.
• Benefits the hearing health of occupationally noise-exposed workers.

To become CAOHC certified as an OHC:

1. Complete a CAOHC approved 20–hour certification or 8–hour recertification course. Locate CAOHC approved courses. Course registration is made through the Course Director.
2. Upon completion of the course, your Course Director will submit an application, that you have completed, and send it to CAOHC along with the appropriate fee of $60.00 for you. You will be certified for 5 years forward of the course date.

OHCs receive a congratulatory letter from the Council with their certification number, official certificate and a wallet ID card. In addition, they receive the newsletter known as the UPDATE – written by experts in the field of hearing conservation who will keep them informed about industry changes and offer specific and practical guidelines as a member of a hearing conservation team.