About the CHSMS™ designation
The Chartered Health and Safety Management Specialist (CHSMS™) is a specialist-level credential from the Chartered Institute of Management Specialists (CIMS) that certifies experts in health and safety management. It signifies a commitment to excellence in ensuring workplace safety, maintaining compliance with regulations, and safeguarding the wellbeing of employees.
Holders of the designation are recognised as health and safety practitioners who can translate risk-management principles into measurable safety outcomes — from hazard identification through to incident investigation and safety-culture leadership — while upholding the regulatory and ethical standards the profession demands.
Entry requirements
To be considered for the CHSMS™ designation, applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
Academic background
A bachelor's degree or advanced diploma in occupational health and safety, environmental science, engineering, or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution.
Professional experience
Around 5–10 years of relevant work in health and safety management roles, covering responsibilities such as risk assessment, regulatory compliance, incident investigation and the implementation of safety management systems.
Mode of assessment
Candidates are evaluated across several dimensions to confirm their readiness for the designation:
- Review of academic qualifications, focusing on coursework related to occupational health and safety, risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Documentation of professional experience, including health and safety initiatives undertaken, accomplishments in reducing workplace incidents, and their impact on organisational performance.
- Examination of technical knowledge and competency in safety management systems, hazard identification, regulatory frameworks and incident investigation methodology.
- Case studies or practical assignments that assess an applicant's ability to identify workplace hazards, develop corrective action plans, and lead safety-culture improvement initiatives.
Standards & competencies
The CHSMS™ designation is awarded to professionals who can demonstrate consistent, evidenced competency in the following areas:
Features & benefits
Professional recognition
Be recognised as a highly skilled, knowledgeable professional in health and safety management, enhancing your credibility and reputation within the business community and among regulators and organisational stakeholders.
Career advancement
Position yourself for leadership roles in health and safety departments, manufacturing and construction firms, and regulatory or compliance agencies, with opportunities for career progression.
Organisational resilience
Play a crucial role in protecting employees and organisations by reducing workplace incidents, strengthening regulatory compliance, and building lasting safety-first culture.
Continuous professional development
Commit to ongoing learning, staying updated on emerging regulations, technologies and best practice in health and safety management throughout your career.