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.	2010 HPS Midyear Topical Meeting Radiation Risk Communication to the Public 24-27 January 2010 Albuquerque, NM
.	2010 HPS Professional Development School Radiation Risk Communication: Issues and Solutions 27-29 January 2010 Albuquerque, NM

21 November 2009

Answer to Question #2408 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Safety Careers — Career Development and Certification

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I have a PhD in toxicology and pharmacology, a Master of Public Health (environmental health), and a BS in natural resources. I have been consulting in environmental toxicology and health risk assessment for almost 20 years. Some of these projects have included radionuclide-contaminated site risk assessments. I would like to increase my career emphasis on such sites and would like to join the Health Physics Society and become a Certified Health Physicist. Do you think there is any way I could qualify to take the CHP exam? If so, what would be the best approach to preparing for the exam? Thanks.

Thanks for submitting your question to the Ask The Expert feature of the Health Physics Society Web site.

First, the Certification exam and process is conducted by the American Board of Health Physics, which is overseen by the American Academy of Health Physics. These entities are totally separate from the Health Physics Society (HPS). Therefore, your questions about qualifying for the exam and approaches to the exam are appropriate for those organizations. Take a look at the American Academy Web site. There are also a number of questions similar to yours, with answers from experts, in our Ask the Experts databank. You might look through them under the Career Development and Certification Category.

Second, there is no question that one of the best preparations you can do for the certification exam is to join the HPS. As a member of the HPS you will get the latest materials and news regarding advancements and developments in the profession, topics that often underlie certification questions. It also allows you to participate in the profession, gives you access to job postings, and gives you the ability to network with the experts who are currently working in the areas in which you would like to increase your involvement. You can join the Society by clicking on the "Membership" tab at the top of the HPS Web site homepage and then click on the "How to Join" tab in the Masthead on the left.

I hope this helps and I look forward to having you as a part of this exciting profession.

Keith H. Dinger, CHP
Associate Web Editor for Society Operations

Answer posted on 9 April 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.