CD Training and Certification
CERTIFYING AS A CD FOR THE FIRST TIME:
To qualify for Certification as a Course Director (CD), an applicant must fulfill #1 and #2 below to be eligible for a course. International applicants should also read #1c.
STEP 1 - Professional Requirement (license or certification):
CD applicants must document possession of one of these current credentials for the legal practice of their profession. International applicants should also complete c. :
a. Proof of US Licensure:
- Audiologist
- Occupational Health Nurse (RN/NP or equivalent)
- Physician (Due to policy, PAs are not eligible)
- Otolaryngologist
- Occupational Medicine Physician
b. Proof of Certification:
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- Board Certification in Noise Control Engineering (INCE Bd. Cert.)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
c. Proof for those outside the United States:
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS who do not meet the US criteria must meet the equivalent requirements of their local jurisdiction for professional practice. Applicants must first have their education verified and translated by one of the agencies located at this link. Only verified documents from one of these agencies should be used to complete a CD Prerequisite Profile.
Step 2 - Document your Experience (Required for new applicants)
New applicants must fulfill both of these requirements prior to attending the class (this is not needed when re-certifying):
a. Work Experience:
Complete the equivalent of at least one (1) year (=1000 hours) of work experience in occupational hearing conservation activities within the past five (5) years. Please have your supervisor provide a letter attesting to your 1000 hours of experience.
Qualifying hearing conservation activities must include three (3) or more of the following: Noise hazard identification and evaluation, Engineering noise control development or evaluation, Hearing protection device selection and fitting, Occupational audiometric testing, Hearing conservation education/training, Audiometric review and follow-up for hearing conservation programs, Hearing conservation program evaluations and management.
b. Teaching Experience:
Participation as adjunct Faculty and as Practicum Assistants under the direct supervision of a CAOHC-approved Course Director (CD) for at least one (1) complete OHC certification course. A letter of verification from the leading CD is required. It is suggested that you work with a Course Director that you already know, or find one through the CD Directory, click here.
The OHC course must be an in-person or hybrid course. The applicant must perform the following functions appropriately: Successfully communicate with and instruct adult learners, guide learners in groups and as individuals during audiometric testing practice, hearing protection device fitting practice and ear inspection.
Step 3 - Complete a CD Prerequisite Form
A CD Prerequisite Form must be completed for every CD taking a course. A copy of your license, proof of work experience and teaching experience should all be included in this form (see above for the documentation required). Once submitted, these forms are review by CAOHC staff once a week but may take longer during certain times of the year. Please plan ahead.
Step 4 - Register for a CD course and exam
Click here to register for an upcoming course and exam. Your form in Step 3 must first be approved before your are able to register for any course.
RE-CERTIFYING AS A CD
To re-certify as a CD, applicants must fulfill the requirements of EITHER Option 1 or Option 2 below BEFORE their current CD Certification expires. Once expired, CDs must start the certification process over.
Option 1: Complete the CD training workshop and pass the exam.
First fill out a CD Prerequisite Form (#3 above) providing just a copy of your current license. Then, once your form is approved, register for a course and exam (#4 above).
Option 2: Fulfill at least two (2) of the following requirements during the current five-
year CD certification period.
a. Serve as CD for a minimum of ten (10) CAOHC-approved OHC training courses with
no substantiated violations of CAOHC policies and procedures.
b. Actively participate on a CAOHC Committee or Task Force for at least two (2) full
years. Active participation is defined as attendance at scheduled conference calls
and contribution to Committee or Task Force projects.
c. Accrue a minimum of ten (10) continuing education contact hours related to
Occupational Hearing Conservation.
d. Participate as an approved instructor in one or more CAOHC sponsored CD workshops
To apply for option 2, first fill out a CD Prerequisite Form (Step 3 above) providing a copy of your current license and proof of completing a, b, c or d above. Then, once your form is approved, register for a course and exam (Step 4 above).
Applicants that are approved for recertification option 2 will be able to register for the online, on-demand CD exam. These applicants must complete the CD exam with a passing score of 80% or higher.
Complaint & Appeals Policy
CAOHC is committed to upholding ethical conduct for its certified occupational hearing professionals to protect the public and safeguard the integrity of the professions and CAOHC credentials. Policies and procedures are established and administered fairly and equally to all individuals subject to these policies. Any complaints of misconduct or misuse of credentials by Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationists (COHCs), Course Directors (CDs), or Professional Supervisors (PSs) should be reported to the CAOHC office. Click here for the CAOHC complaint and appeals policy.