CD Training and Certification
How to Apply to the CD workshop:
- Start by fill out a Qualifications Profile by clicking here. Allow time for review and approval. Reviews are typically conducted once per week but may take longer at certain times.
- After your Qualificaitons Profile has been approved, register for a course by clicking here.
- Applicants must attend the course instruction and pass the course exam to become certified.
Checklist of Qualifications:
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.
1) Professional Requirement:
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.
2) 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.
Re-certifying as a Course Director (CD)
To re-certify as a CD, applicants must fulfill the requirements of EITHER Option 1 or Option 2 below PRIOR to the
expiration date of the current CD certificate. Once expired, CDs must start the certification process over.
Option 1: Complete the CD training workshop and pass the exam.
Option 2: Fulfill at least two (2) of the following requirements during the current five-
year CD certification period, apply for the "Exam Only" option of any CD course, and pass the CD exam.
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
All applicants for recertification must complete the online CD examination with a passing score of 80% or higher. These exams are held in conjunction with CD training workshops. Re-certifying CDs should register for this option by first completing a prerequisite profile under CD Training.
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.