CD Training and Certification
How to Certify For the First Time:
To qualify for Certification as a Course Director (CD), an applicant must fulfill steps #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 or more 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. It is suggested that you work with a Course Director that you already know, or find one through the CD Directory, click here. Please have the leading CD provide a letter attesting to your participation in the aspects of the course as noted below.
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
To apply as a CD for the first time:
A CD Prerequisite Form must first be completed. A copy of your license and letters providing proof of work experience and teaching experience should be included in this form.
Completed Prerequisite forms are review by CAOHC staff weekly. Once approved, an applicant will receive an automated email prompting them to register for a course. Please plan ahead; forms are typically reviewed and approved once per week, but but may take longer during busy times of the year.
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.
How to RE-Certify:
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.
To apply for option 1:
click here to fill out the CD Prerequisite Form and to provide a copy of your current license. Once your form is reviewed and approved by CAOHC staff, you will receive an email prompting you to register for a course and exam. Please plan ahead; forms are typically reviewed and approved once per week, but but may take longer during busy times of the year.
Option 2: Pass the exam.
For this option, participants are able to opt out of taking the course if they have fulfilled at least two (2) of the following requirements during the current five-year CD certification period:
a. Serve as lead CD or serve as a secondary CD assisting with the entire course 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:
click here to fill out the CD Prerequisite Form and to provide a copy of your current license and proof of completing a, b, c or d above. Once your form is reviewed and approved by CAOHC staff, you will receive an email prompting you to register for the exam. Please plan ahead; forms are typically reviewed and approved once per week, but but may take longer during busy times of the year.
Renewal Extension
CDs who are unable to renew their credential by their expiration date due to extenuating circumstances may request an extension. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and are not to exceed six months after their original expiration date. The following guidelines apply to extension requests:
- Requests for extension must be received by CAOHC no later than 30 days in advance of the CDs credential expiration date.
- If granted, CDs may continue to conduct OHC courses during the extension period.
- CDs who do not request an extension as noted above must apply for reinstatement by completing the same process required for a new CD candidate.
- Requests for extension due to failure to pass the CD examination will not be considered.
Course Directors who are also COHC's
Course Directors wishing to maintain their COHC credential will be required to take an OHC recertification workshop and successfully pass the OHC recertification exam.
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.