Education · 1 of 4

The path

A science degree, then a registration exam, then a lot of kitchens.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology and chemistry, plus anything that makes you comfortable talking to adults who do not want you there.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Environmental health is the direct route. Biology, microbiology, chemistry and public health degrees are widely accepted, usually with a minimum number of science credits.

3. 3

   Get hired as a trainee

   6 to 12 months

   Health departments hire graduates and train them in-house, often with a probation period before you can inspect alone.

4. 4

   Registration exam

   Within 1 to 2 years

   Most departments require the Registered Environmental Health Specialist credential, or your state's own sanitarian registration, within a year or two of hire.

5. 5

   Specialize

   Ongoing

   Food, drinking water, wastewater, pools, housing, vector control, body art. Most inspectors end up with a program area they own.