How do I become an EHO?
To qualify as an EHO in Scotland requires academic study, structured professional practice and completion of a professional examination. Anyone registered on an accredited course of study or completing the professional practice is entitled to be a Student member of the Institute.
Academic Study
Academic Study requires the completion of a REHIS accredited academic programme. This is to ensure that the course includes all the academic elements required for a career as an EHO in Scotland.
Abertay University in Dundee offers REHIS accredited MScs in Environmental Health. The entry requirements to the master’s programmes are a minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, in a relevant scientific discipline such as biosciences, chemistry, food and nutritional sciences, zoological sciences, or related fields. Previous studies should demonstrate a solid foundation in scientific principles appropriate to environmental health.
MSc Environmental Health with Professional Practise | Abertay University
MSc Environmental Health | Abertay University
Professional Practice
Structured professional practice of at least 48 weeks can be completed through a formal training placement with a local authority or by gaining experience learning from a number of relevant organisations.
The training may be incorporated within the accredited course, or may be completed during vacation periods or in an ‘end on’ manner, after completion of the academic study.
Registration with REHIS as a student or graduate trainee EHO at the commencement of professional practice is essential. On registering, a copy of the current Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland Scheme of Professional Practice is provided to guide the student/graduate trainee EHO through the competencies which require to be gained during training. Overview of the Scheme of Professional Practice
Professional Examination
The Scheme of Professional Practice requires the completion of a portfolio, in accordance with the scheme, based on the period of structured professional practice.
The portfolio is assessed by REHIS assessors and subject to meeting the requirements of the scheme the trainee is eligible to present for the professional interviews.
At the professional interviews, candidates are asked scenario-based questions by REHIS examiners, who assess professional competence in each of the programme areas.
On passing the professional examination, the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health is awarded, the qualification required to practice as an Environmental Health Officer in Scotland.
How-do-I-become-an-Environmental-Health-Officer-1.pdf
EHO Alternative Route
It is recognised that professionals who hold a science based academic degree, may seek to evidence elements of the above requirements . The Institute has a system in place for the assessment of the qualifications and experiences of such professionals. For more information on the EHO Alternative Route
