Environmental Health Officers Qualifications Regulations 1993

The Environmental Health Officers Qualifications Regulations 1993 (the Regulations) state that no person shall be appointed as an Environmental Health Officer unless they are qualified, ie hold the National Diploma in Environmental Health Science or a qualification accepted by the Director-General of Health as at least equivalent to it.

Environmental Health Officers Qualifications Regulations 1993

The Environmental Health Officers Qualifications Regulations 1993 state that no person shall be appointed as an Environmental Health Officer unless they are qualified, which means they hold the National Diploma in Environmental Health Science (National Diploma) or a qualification accepted by the Director-General of Health as at least equivalent to it. See the list of qualifications accepted as equivalent below.

Applying for Equivalency

If your qualification is not on the list, you may apply to the Ministry for an equivalency assessment.  Before you apply, see if your qualification is similar to the National Diploma:

  • a full-time three-year degree level qualification focused on Environmental Health; or  
  • a one-year graduate level diploma (Level 6 or 7) focused on Environmental Health, with a health or science degree entry level requirement; and 
  • the environmental health specific courses include the majority of those provided by the National Diploma.

If you believe your qualification is equivalent to or of a higher standard than the National Diploma and was:

  • not from a country already on the equivalency list, then you will need to have the academic level of your qualification assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) so we can understand the comparability with a New Zealand qualification. 
  • obtained from a country already on the equivalency list, or you have an NZQA assessment that shows it is at the right academic level, then you can apply directly to the Ministry for an equivalency assessment.

Applications can be emailed directly to the Ministry at [email protected].  Please provide the following information:

  • Your contact details including physical address, email address and contact phone number.
  • University website, and a university contact person, if possible.
  • A copy of your qualification(s) and transcript of your completed qualification.
  • The profession the course was aimed at (purpose statement), as described by the university – provide weblinks if possible.
  • The pre-entry requirements for your qualification.
  • The academic level of the qualification.
  • The hours and years required to obtain the qualification.
  • Details of the environmental health specific courses – provide the content overview from the university.
  • If applicable in the country the qualification was obtained, whether the qualification is recognised by the country’s Environment Health Association or registration body. 

Qualifications Accepted as Equivalent or Better than the National Diploma in Environmental Health Science

Australian Qualifications

  • Diploma in Applied Chemistry (Environmental Health), Swinburne Institute of Technology, Melbourne (1979-1989)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health), University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health), Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health), Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health), Curtin University of Technology, Perth
  • Graduate Diploma of Environmental Health Practice, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide

Canadian Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Environmental Health, Concordia University of Edmonton, Edmonton, Alberta

Fijian Qualifications

  • Bachelor in Environmental Health, Fiji National University
  • Bachelor of Environmental Health, Fiji School of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Environmental Health, University of South Pacific

Irish Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of Ulster, Jordanstown

New Zealand Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science (majoring in Health Protection), Auckland University of Technology (for graduates entering the programme from 2012)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science, Auckland University of Technology (for graduates entering the programme after 2004)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science, Auckland University of Technology, together with the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health, Environmental Health Specialisation, Auckland University (for graduates entering the programme after 2002)
  • Bachelor of Health Science (Environmental Health), Massey University
  • Bachelor of Health Science (Environmental Risk Management), Massey University
  • Bachelor of Health Science (Human Health and Environment), Massey University (from 2009 onwards)
  • Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health, Massey University (from 2004 onwards)
  • Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Science, Massey University
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health), Wellington Polytechnic (1995 to 2002)
  • Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice (Environment and Health), University of Canterbury
  • Master of Health Sciences (Environment and Health), University of Canterbury
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Environment and Health), University of Canterbury
  • Royal Society of Health Diploma in Public Health Inspection

South African Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from any South African University 
  • Bachelor of Technology: Environmental Health, Durban University of Technology
  • National Diploma for Health Inspectors, with recent experience
  • National Diploma in Public Health, from any South African Technikon
  • National Diploma: Environmental Health, Durban University of Technology
  • National Diploma in Public Health, Cape Technikon
  • National Diploma in Public Health, Department of National Education
  • National Diploma in Public Health, Cape Technikon, Cape Town
  • National Diploma in Public Health, Central University of Technology Free State (formerly the Technicon Free State), Bloemfentein
  • National Diploma in Public Health, ML Sultan Technikon, Durban
  • National Diploma in Public Health, Natal Technikon, Durban
  • National Diploma in Public Health, Pretoria Technikon, Pretoria
  • National Diploma in Public Health, Technikon Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

United Kingdom Qualifications

  • Environmental Health Officers Education Board Diploma in Environmental Health
  • Public Health Inspector's Education Board Diploma in Environmental Health
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of the West of England, Bristol (formerly Bristol Polytechnic)
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of Wales Institute of Higher Education, Cardiff
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of Edinburgh – Medical School, Edinburgh
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds (formerly Leeds Polytechnic)
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of Greenwich, London
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Kings College London, School of Life, Basic Medical and Health Sciences, London
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Middlesex University, London
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Manchester Metropolitan University (formerly Manchester Polytechnic)
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Nothumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of Salford, Salford
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health, University of Ulster, Newtonabbey Co, Antrim
  • Bachelor of Science with Honours in Environmental Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
  • Bachelor of Science with Honours in Public Health (Environment), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
  • Master of Science in Environmental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham
  • Master of Science in Environmental Health, University of the West of England, Bristol
  • Master of Science in Environmental Health, University of Derby, Derby
  • Master of Science in Environmental Health, Kings College, London

Zimbabwe Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Environmental Science and Health, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo.

National Diploma in Environmental Health Science –
List of Environmental Health Specific Courses

Toxicology

Aim: Overall perspective of the mode of action and transport of different types of toxic substances in the human body

Topic:

  • General principles
  • Physiological responses
  • Specific toxicants
  • Information sources and administration
  • Current topics

Food Evaluation 2

Aim: In depth understanding of the principles of food evaluation

Topic:

  • Nutrition
  • Food chemistry
  • Additives
  • Food processing
  • Hazard analysis
  • Statutory requirements/codes
  • Application

Communicable Disease Control

Aim:

  • Introduction to the nature of communicable diseases.
  • Examine factors that influence the occurrence, spread, prevention and control
  • Methods used to investigate sources and trends
  • Understanding of terminology, concepts, principles and basic procedures that apply to disease control
  • Generate microbiological principles of disease control aimed at the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Topic:

  • Collection and transport of specimens
  • Laboratory investigations and reports
  • Food poisoning
  • Water microbiology
  • Dairy microbiology
  • Public health and epidemiology
  • Communicable diseases.

Noise Assessment and Control

Aim: Measurement of noise in the community and occupational situation

Topic:

  • Physics of sound and occupational noise
  • Nature of sound
  • Mechanism of sound generation
  • Intensity and pressure
  • Loudness
  • Character of noise
  • Leq
  • Hearing hazard
  • Sound level meter
  • Microphone
  • Calibrators
  • Filters
  • Dosimeters
  • Noise rating
  • Legislation
  • Environmental noise
  • Propagation of sound
  • Environmental noise
  • NZ standards
  • Legislation
  • Town and country planning
  • Noise reduction

Building 2

Aim:

  • Principles of NZS1900 Chapter 5
  • Report on buildings for compliance with above plus Hygiene Certification where applicable
  • Understand how commercial low rise and multistorey buildings are constructed
  • Food preparation servicing and serving areas construction
  • Understand the properties and uses of materials

Topic:

  • Elements and their function
  • Construction (finishing surfaces)
  • Fire protection
  • Materials
  • Hazardous substances

Management and Public Administration and Environmental Health Law

Aim:

  • Concept of management and demonstrate skills which will assist the student in managing their own work and in dealing with clients
  • Explain, in relation to environmental health, the group behavior of local power structures and their interlocking nature

Topic:

  • Management concepts
  • Organisational structures
  • Motivation and behaviour
  • Management skills and processes
  • Public sector organisations
  • Communities.

Urban and Regional Planning

Aim: Understanding of urban and regional planning

Topic:

  • Historical overview
  • Purpose and nature of town planning
  • Legislation, responsibilities and rights
  • Practical applications.

Public Health Engineering 2

Aim: Understanding of the engineering principles and systems that apply to public health

Topic:

  • Spa and swimming pool control
  • Water supply
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Hazardous waste disposal.

Occupational Health

Aim: Response of the human physiology to occupational conditions, methods of assessment; control of hazards within acceptable parameters

Topic:

  • Health and safety at work
  • Investigations and assessment
  • Physiological responses
  • Hazard control
  • Personal protections

Environmental Health law

Aim: Use of legislation of New Zealand as it applies to environmental health and how to apply it responsibly, correctly and sensibly

Topic:

  • Selection and use of law
  • Rights and responsibilities
  • Interrelationships
  • Evidence collection
  • Evidence presentation

Legal Studies 1

Aim: Familiarity with the New Zealand Legal system and processes

Topic:

  • The need for Law
  • Legal basis and organisation
  • Inheritance of English Laws
  • Making Law by Parliament
  • Making Laws by Courts
  • Civil and Criminal Proceeding
  • Court and evidence
  • Property Laws
  • The Tort
  • Legal personality
  • Rights of entry
  • Contract law

Pollution Control

Aim:

  • Inter-relationships of the various sources of pollution of air, land and water
  • Standards of environmental quality to be maintained
  • Economic aspects of pollution control
  • Measures necessary for the prevention and control of pollution and means of monitoring

Topic:

  • Air pollution control
    • Intro
    • Effect of air pollution
    • Meteorolgical effects
    • Dispersion
    • Common air contaminants
    • Control technology
    • Control methods/equip
    • Transport effects
    • Combustion processes
    • Legal controls
  • Land and water based pollution control
    • Liquid and sludge wastes
    • Toxic industrial wastes
    • Emergency control of chemical spills
    • Hazardous substances in industry
    • Trade waste bylaws
    • Refuse disposal
  • Noise control
    • Nature and production of sound
    • Measurement of sound
    • Propagation of sound
    • Criteria, codes of practice
    • Psychoacoustics
    • Noise control techniques
  • Pollution control law
    • Statutory considerations
    • Topical issues
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