How do I become an EHO?

To qualify as an EHO in Scotland requires academic study and structured practical training.

Academic study

Acceptance onto a REHIS-accredited MSc or BSc (Hons) Environmental Health degree course. The admission requirements will vary and full details on entry requirements is available from each university.

Practical training

Structured practical training must also be undertaken. The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) Scheme of Practical Training consists of a minimum of 48 weeks experiential learning placement with a local authority. When you apply to university for acceptance onto an accredited degree course, it is advisable to look for a training place with a local authority as soon as possible.

You may be able to carry out the training in vacation periods throughout the course of academic study (integrated training), or you may defer all training until the completion of academic study (end-on training).

You must register with REHIS at the commencement of your practical training. On registering with REHIS, you will be given a copy of the current Scheme of Practical Training and arrangements will be made with the local authority training provider to produce a training plan to cover your training.

You will be required to keep a training record, (including a portfolio of evidence) detailing the practical work carried out, its relationship to the scheme and indicating its connection to achieving a particular skill or competence.

The training provider undertakes to carry out regular assessments of your progress during your training.

After obtaining the BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health degree or MSc in Environmental Health degree and completing the practical training you will require to pass the Professional Examination which assesses your professional competence in each of the programme areas.

On passing the Professional Examination, you will be awarded the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health the qualification required to become an Environmental Health Officer.