Frequently Asked Questions about Board of Registration of Sanitarians
By the Division of Professional Licensure
- How can I become a Sanitarian?
- What are the requirements to become approved?
- How will I know if I have been approved?
- How often is the Sanitarian examinations administered?
- What type of examination is administered?
- What is the Massachusetts passing score?
- When does my Sanitarian license need to be renewed?
- How can I obtain a copy of the Massachusetts General Laws for this Board?
- When should I receive my renewal?
- How many CEU’s do I need for the year to renew my license?
- Who can become a "Recognized Entity"?
- Is there an annual audit for CEU verification?
How can I become a Sanitarian?
The first step to becoming a licensed Sanitarian is to file an application to the Board for review.
What are the requirements to become approved?
Bachelor’s degree in sanitary science, sanitary engineering or a minimum of 30 semester hours credit of basic sciences from an institution on the list of accredited colleges of the United States Office of Education; plus one year full time experience in public health or environmental health.
How will I know if I have been approved?
Board staff will send out notification following the review to inform you of approval or denial. If you have been approved, the Board will forward a scheduling form for the examination (forms provided by PCS 1-877-887-9727)
How often is the Sanitarian examinations administered?
The examination is administered three times a year; April, July and November. Scheduling forms for any of the examinations must be received by the deadline date. All examinations are administered by PCS 1-877-887-9727
What type of examination is administered?
The National examination is given by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
What is the Massachusetts passing score?
As of August 1999, the passing score for the examination shall be 68%. Prior to August 1999, the passing score shall be 70%.
When does my Sanitarian license need to be renewed?
On December 31 (annually). For lapsed licenses, please see CMR 255; section 4.07 (1) and (2).
How can I obtain a copy of the Massachusetts General Laws for this Board?
Please visit the General Laws of Massachusetts web pages at www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/index.htm
When should I receive my renewal?
Renewal are mailed out 6 weeks prior to expiration date.
How many CEU’s do I need for the year to renew my license?
For annual renewal 1.2 CEU’s are required. 1 CEU = 10 contact hours
Who can become a "Recognized Entity"?
The Board shall not grant "recognized entity" status to any educational institution, professional organizations or other entity or grant CEU credit for the courses, programs, lectures, workshops or conferences conducted, unless that entity maintains written records pertaining to each such continuing education activity for a period of 4 years from the date the course, program, lecture, workshop or conference is conducted. Such records must be adequate to permit verification of any information submitted by a Registered Sanitarian. (References 255 CMR 2.00 through 5.00; M.G.L.c.13,s.52; M.G.L.c.112,ss.87LL-8700)
Is there an annual audit for CEU verification?
YES. The board conducts an annual renewal each year to 50 randomly chosen licensees. Audit notices are forwarded in late October and responses are requested to be returned to the Board by the expiration date of the license, December 31st.