Education · 1 of 4

The path

One specific degree, a practicum, then a national certification exam.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Grade 12 biology or chemistry, English and math. Admission averages are moderate, about 70% and up.

2. 2

   Accredited degree

   4 years

   Only six schools are accredited by the Board of Certification: BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology), Cape Breton University, Concordia University of Edmonton, Conestoga College, Toronto Metropolitan University and Université de Montréal. Courses in microbiology, food safety, water, air, housing and public health law.

3. 3

   Practicum

   12 weeks

   At least 12 weeks (420 hours) at an approved health unit, supervised by a certified inspector. Built into the degree.

4. 4

   Certification exam

   After graduation

   Two written inspection reports plus an oral board exam, held each April and October. Pass and you earn the CPHI(C) (Certified Public Health Inspector, Canada) credential.

5. 5

   First job

   Months

   Health units hire new grads as inspectors. You start with routine food and pool inspections and get the complaints and outbreaks as you gain experience.