The only thing constant in life is change, and this rule applies equally to the various certification exams that you might be preparing for. In October 2019, the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) announced a new blueprint for the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) exam. The current blueprint, which has been in effect since July 2013, was reviewed and a Job Task Analysis (JTA) performed. This JTA involved current CHMMs providing feedback on what tasks and skills are necessary for a minimally qualified hazardous materials manager to be competent.

The updated CHMM blueprint, which goes into effect in October 2020, is a refinement of the previous blueprint. The overall structure of the blueprint remains the same, with the exam separated into the same twelve domains and competencies (previously called duty areas) that we saw in the 2013 blueprint. Within each of the twelve domains and competencies, there is a list of tasks performed that would fall within that category. Compared to the 2013 blueprint, the new 2020 blueprint provides a greater level of detail describing the types of tasks a CHMM candidate should be able to perform, helping to make study and preparation a little bit easier.

Overall, not a lot has changed with the new blueprint of the CHMM exam. The topics covered on the exam remain essentially the same, with most of the changes related to how the topics are distributed on the exam. For example, the revised 2020 blueprint significantly increases the emphasis on the domains and competencies of Planning for Materials with Hazards (9.35% of the exam up from 7.9%), Shipping and Transporting Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials (10.34% of the exam up from 7.6%), Recordkeeping and Reporting (7.49% of the exam up from 5.2%) and Environmental Studies (6.35% of the exam up from 4.7%) while reducing the emphasis on Disposition of Materials with Hazards (8.46% of the exam down from 11.8%), Health and Safety (10.57% of the exam down from 12%), and Remediation (6.5% of the exam down from 8.1%).

Anticipating the changes to the exam, Bowen EHS has reviewed our course content to make sure that it is up-to-date and relevant for clients taking the exam under the current blueprint as well as those who might take the exam after the new blueprint goes into effect. The CHMM blueprint can be a valuable tool to help guide your study process. Reviewing the domains and competencies as well as the tasks can help you identify those areas where you may want to focus your studying.

To receive a copy of the new CHMM Blueprint, fill out this IHMM - CHMM Blueprint form.

If you need help preparing for the CHMM exam, consider the Bowen EHS^® CHMM Online Review.

As of this writing, 55% of the Kryterion Testing Centers are open and they are working with applicants to schedule or reschedule their exam.

- William J. Pate, DrPH, MBA, CHP, CIH, CSP, CHMM
Senior Instructor-Bowen EHS