Criteria to become a registered environmental health specialist (REHS) include a diploma from an approved four-year high school or the equivalent and completion of a four-year degree from a college or university with a minor or 24 semester hours in environmental health, biological science or physical science. An applicant is required to pass a written examination in subjects specified by the Cabinet. An oral examination may supplement written examinations. Upon successfully passing the examinations, the applicant will be certified as a registered environmental health specialist or sanitarian.
Registered Environmental Health Specialist Examination Dates
The registered environmental health specialist examination is conducted once a month or 12 times a year, at least once per year in each region at locations determined by the committee. The exam consists of 270 multiple-choice and true/false environmental public health-related questions. The exam fee is $50.
Applicants must register 30 day prior to the test date. Applicants must furnish picture identification and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to test time.
REHS Application
Exam times (unless otherwise specified)
Section I: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Section II: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Eastern Time
Exam Dates 2026
Jan. 7th, 2026
Feb. 11th, 2026
March 17th, 2026 - KPHA Conference in Northern Kentucky
April 8th, 2026
May 13th, 2026
June 17th, 2026
July 15th, 2026
Aug. 12th, 2026
Sept. 15th, 2026 - KYEHA Conference in Lexington, Kentucky
Oct. 14th, 2026
Nov. 18th, 2026
Dec. 16th. 2026
For specific times and locations, please message the REHS Program Inbox or call (502) 564-0733.
Registered Environmental Health Specialist Examining Committee
Registered Environmental Health Specialist By-Laws and Ethics
Contact Hours Required to Maintain Registration
Before renewal of registration can be issued, the registrant must submit evidence of having completed 10 contact hours approved by the committee. Ten contact hours of continuing education are required per year.