EHO Alternative Route

Are you interested in becoming an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in Scotland?

Do you hold an academic qualification* and have experience in fields relating to Environmental Health?

*Minimum requirement is a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in a science related subject

If you answer yes to these questions, you may be interested in applying through our Alternative Route.

The assessment process consists of various steps, which are progressed through consecutively (for some cases they can be completed simultaneously) . For details of the fees please contact the Institute.

1 Assessment of your academic qualifications**

This step assesses that your academic education has been broadly equivalent to that of the REHIS core curriculum and an accredited degree programme.

An application form can be obtained by e mailing contact@

Along with the completed application form copies of qualifications certificates, and transcripts/syllabi for those qualifications, must be provided.

If your documentation is in a language other than English, you must supply photocopies of this documentation in the original language and certified English translations (prepared and certified by an accredited translator). The Association of Translation Companies (ATC) www.atc.org.uk/ can advise you about translation companies.

If English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of a suitable qualification and level attained, demonstrating English as a second language or English as a foreign language.

The outcome of this step is that you may be eligible to progress directly to the next step and the relevant application form will be provided and/or that you will be advised of further academic learning which is required.

2 Assessment of your practical training/experience**.

If you are successful at the first step you will be provided with the relevant application form for this step.

The step assesses that your practical training or work experience has covered the relevant subject areas and has been broadly equivalent to that expected of a recipient of the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health.

Professional references will require to be provided.

The outcome of this step is that you may be eligible to progress directly to the next step and the relevant application form will be provided or that you are eligible to register** as a graduate trainee EHO and progress towards the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health. You will be advised of any remaining essential practical training required.

3 Assessment of your knowledge and understanding, across all Environmental Health subjects, of core competencies, core concepts and professional and ethical underpinnings**.

If you are successful at the steps 1 and 2 you will be provided with the relevant application form for this step.

The step assesses that you can demonstrate the competencies broadly equivalent to that expected within a portfolio as completed by an individual working towards the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health.

The outcome of this step is that you may be eligible to progress directly to the next step and the relevant application form will be provided or that you are able to register** as a graduate trainee EHO and progress towards the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health, completing a portfolio and, subject to positive outcome, professional interviews.

4 Alternative Interview**

If you are successful at the steps 1, 2 and 3 you will be provided with the relevant application form for this step.

The step consists of an interview carried out by REHIS examiners which will assess your knowledge to a level broadly equivalent to that of someone sitting the professional interviews for the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health.

The outcome of this step is that you would be provided with a Certificate of Equivalency and you are eligible to practice as an EHO in Scotland, or that you can register** as a graduate trainee EHO and progress towards the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health, completing a portfolio and, subject to positive outcome, professional interviews.

** Fees apply

For further advice please contact the Institute’s office.

Note:

The Institute has a reciprocal agreement with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), and recognises the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) Certificate of Registration. Holders of the Certificate of Registration as awarded by the EHRB are eligible to work as an EHO in Scotland without further assessment.

The Institute has mutual recognition with the Republic of Ireland and recognises the Irish Environmental Health Officer qualification. The Institute can be contacted to confirm eligibility of professionals who qualified in Ireland, to work as an EHO in Scotland.