How do you become a health inspector in Tennessee?

To become a health inspector in Tennessee, you will need to meet certain requirements and complete specific steps:

1. Education: You will need to obtain at least a Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as environmental health, public health, biology, or chemistry. Some positions may require a higher level of education, such as a Master's degree.

2. Experience: Prior experience in the field of environmental health or a related field is generally preferred. This experience may include roles like an environmental health technician or in the food service industry.

3. Licensure: Health inspectors in Tennessee are required to become licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health. To obtain a license, you will need to:

- Pass the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certified Environmental Health Specialist (CES) exam or the NEHA Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) exam.

- Complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised field experience in environmental health.

4. Training: In addition to licensure requirements, health inspectors in Tennessee are required to complete mandatory training programs to maintain their license.

5. Application: Once you have met the education, experience, and licensing requirements, you can apply for health inspector positions with the Tennessee Department of Health or with local health departments within the state.

6. Continuing Education: Health inspectors in Tennessee are required to complete continuing education credits to maintain their license. These credits can be obtained through attending conferences, workshops, seminars, or online courses related to environmental health.

It's important to note that requirements may vary slightly between different health departments in Tennessee, so you should refer to the specific requirements set by the relevant health authority in the area where you intend to work.