What is Board Certification?

Board certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, experience, and professional competence in a specialized area of environmental engineering or environmental science.

Board certification goes beyond simply meeting the requirements to practice a profession. It provides recognition that an experienced professional has achieved a high level of expertise in a particular specialty.

What Does "Board Certified" Mean?

Board certification indicates that a professional's qualifications have been evaluated against established standards for education, professional experience, knowledge, and competence in a specific field.

For environmental professionals, board certification can provide an additional level of professional recognition beyond an academic degree, professional license, or general work experience.

Board Certification vs. Professional Licensure

Professional licensure and board certification serve different purposes.

Licensure establishes that an individual has met the requirements established by a governmental licensing authority to legally practice a regulated profession.

Board certification is a voluntary professional credential that recognizes advanced expertise and specialization within a profession.

In environmental engineering, for example, an individual may be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and also become a Board Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE). The PE license establishes professional licensure, while the BCEE recognizes advanced expertise in environmental engineering.

Who Can Become Board Certified?

Board certification is intended for experienced professionals who have developed substantial expertise in a particular area of environmental practice.

AAEES offers board certification for both environmental engineers and environmental scientists, with certifications covering specialized areas of professional practice.

How Is Board Certification Different From a Degree?

A degree demonstrates academic education and preparation in a field.

Board certification recognizes professional experience, specialized knowledge, and demonstrated competence developed throughout a professional career.

In that sense, board certification represents a professional milestone that comes later in an individual's career.

What Does AAEES Board Certification Represent?

AAEES board certification represents a commitment to professional excellence, specialized expertise, and continued advancement of the environmental engineering and environmental science professions.

Board-certified professionals have demonstrated their qualifications through a formal certification process established by AAEES.