Institute of Hazardous Materials Management

What Institute of Hazardous Materials Management does

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), founded in 1984 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, is a U.S. not-for-profit professional certification body serving practitioners in hazardous materials management, dangerous goods transportation, environmental protection, and occupational health and safety. IHMM offers a portfolio of 15+ credentials including the flagship Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP), Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP), Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer (CDGT), and the safety-focused CSHM, CSMP, ASHM, CSSM, and CSSM credentials acquired through the 2019 purchase of the Institute of Safety and Health Management (ISHM). Student, associate, and micro-credential tiers (Student CHMM, AHMM, CPPS) broaden the entry funnel. Core credentials carry ANSI accreditation under ISO/IEC 17024, CESB accreditation, and EPA recognition under 40 CFR §312.10 for CHMM, providing third-party regulatory legitimacy.

IHMM's technology stack combines Kryterion for remote-proctored and in-person examination delivery with BadgeCert for digital credential issuance, a My IHMM online portal for certificant management, and a Shopify-based IHMM Store for study materials and merchandise. The COLLABORATION community platform, Mentor Match program, multi-newsletter communications (IHMM Today, EHS Professional, IHMM Insider), and a robust conference presence (AIHce, NSC Congress, ASSP Safety, AHMP Hazmat Summit) form the engagement layer. Revenue is generated through certification examination fees, mandatory recertification via 200 Certification Maintenance Points over 5 years, the IHMM Store, advertising and sponsorship packages sold to employers, and donations channeled through the affiliated IHMM Foundation.

IHMM sells primarily to individual practitioners rather than enterprise contracts, with an active certificant population spanning all 50 U.S. states and 85 countries and a claimed reach of 180,000+ engaged EHS professionals. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director (Eugene A. Guilford, Jr., CAE), supported by 22 staff, multiple standing and scheme committees, a Government Affairs program engaging EPA and PHMSA, and strategic partnerships with IATA, ANSI, AHMP, NSC, ASSP, CHEMTREC, and all five U.S. military COOL programs. Median base salary for IHMM credential holders is reported at $100,000, approximately 20% above the $83,000 median for non-credentialed peers, supporting the value proposition.

Name

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management

Legal name

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management

Website

https://ihmm.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), founded in 1984 in Rockville, Maryland, is a U.S. not-for-profit professional certification body issuing ANSI- and CESB-accredited credentials (CHMM, CHMP, CDGP, CDGT, CSHM, CSMP, ASHM, CSSM) to hazardous materials, dangerous goods, and EHS practitioners across 50 states and 85 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification Services

akta.pro primary industry

Compliance, Risk & EHS Management (BPABAAAK)

Keywords

• Professional certification services
• Hazardous materials management credentials
• Dangerous goods transportation certification
• Environmental health and safety
• Safety management accreditation

Headquarters

HQ city

Rockville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Professional Certification Fees: IHMM generates revenue through certification examination fees, recertification fees, and credential maintenance charges. The organization charges for various credential programs including CHMM, CHMP, CDGP, CDGT, CSHM, CSMP, ASHM, and microcredentials like CPPS.
2. IHMM Store: Revenue from the IHMM Store selling professional development materials, textbooks, merchandise, and other products to certificants and prospects.
3. Advertising and Sponsorships: IHMM offers advertising packages to reach 180,000+ engaged professionals across all 50 states and 85 countries. Organizations can become Friends of the Institute for discounted rates and priority opportunities.
4. Scholarship Fundraising: The IHMM Foundation raises funds through donations to support the Dr. John H. Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship Program for Student CHMMs and Student ASHMs.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

IHMM is a not-for-profit professional credentialing body that develops, administers, and maintains accredited certification programs for hazardous materials management, dangerous goods transportation, environmental protection, and occupational health and safety practitioners. It offers more than 15 distinct credentials (including CHMM, CHMP, CDGP, CDGT, CSHM, CSMP, ASHM, AHMM, CSSM, Student CHMM/ASHM, and micro-credentials such as CPPS) delivered via remote-proctored and in-person exams, plus ongoing recertification through its Certification Maintenance Points (CMP) system.

Product overview

IHMM offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional credentialing programs for the environmental, health, safety, hazardous materials, and dangerous goods transportation sectors. The core offerings include the CHMM, CHMP, CDGP, and CDGT credentials for hazardous materials and dangerous goods professionals, complemented by CSHM, CSMP, ASHM, and CSSM credentials for safety management professionals acquired from ISHM in 2019. Student and associate-level certifications (Student CHMM, Student ASHM, AHMM) provide entry points for emerging professionals, while micro-credentials like CPPS address specialized needs. The IHMM Foundation supports certificants through scholarships, professional development, and the Collaboration platform featuring Mentor Match. All credentials require periodic recertification through the CMP system. IHMM credentials are ANSI-accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and CESB-accredited, representing the top 1% of professionals in their communities of practice.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IHMM Foundation: The IHMM Foundation (Friends of the Institute) supports professional development, scholarship programs, research initiatives, and affinity programs for IHMM certificants.
• BadgeCert
• COLLABORATION

Products and services

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Primary professional credential validating mastery of hazardous materials management regulations, best practices, and professional standards for protecting people and the environment. Target audience: EHS and hazmat professionals across industry, government, and consulting.
• Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP) Professional credential for practitioners working in hazardous materials management, validating working-level knowledge and skills. For EHS/hazmat practitioners in operational roles.
• Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP) Advanced credential for professionals specializing in dangerous goods transportation, demonstrating expertise in regulatory compliance and international standards (including IATA-related air transport requirements).
• Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer (CDGT) Credential validating the ability to train others in dangerous goods handling and transportation regulations. Target audience: trainers and instructors in hazmat/dangerous goods.
• Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) Credential recognizing EHS managers with mastery of OSHA regulations and industry safety/health standards, brought into the IHMM portfolio through the ISHM acquisition.
• Certified Safety Management Practitioner (CSMP) Credential for safety management practitioners validating knowledge of management systems and safety practices, acquired from ISHM.
• Associate Safety and Health Manager (ASHM) Associate-level credential for emerging safety and health management professionals.
• Associate Hazardous Materials Manager (AHMM) Associate-level credential designed for military veterans and others transitioning into hazardous materials management careers, recognizing skills learned in military service.
• Certified School Safety Manager (CSSM) Specialized credential for professionals responsible for school safety program development, implementation, and management.
• Student Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (Student CHMM) Entry-level certification for students enrolled in IHMM-approved degree programs, providing early credential recognition toward hazardous materials management careers.
• Student Associate Safety and Health Manager (Student ASHM) Entry-level certification for students pursuing safety and health management careers.
• Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist (CPPS) Micro-credential for professionals with expertise in pandemic preparedness and response planning.
• Certification Maintenance Points (CMPs) System Recertification program requiring 200 CMPs over a 5-year cycle (100 from job performance and at least 100 from professional development) to maintain IHMM credentials.

Quantifiable outcome

• Median annual base salary of IHMM credential holders is $100,000, approximately 20% greater than non-credential holders at $83,000
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hazmat Society (HMS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHMS is the IHMM Foundation organization supporting professional development, scholarship, research, and affinity programs. HMS provides the platform for Friends of the Institute partnerships, jobs board, and training/CMP programs.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIATA is a strategic partner for dangerous goods transportation standards, supporting IHMM's CDGP and CDGT credentials with international air transport expertise.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerANSI provides accreditation for IHMM's CHMM, CHMP, and CDGP credentials under ISO/IEC 17024, conferring international recognition and credibility.
• ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerANAB provides accreditation services supporting IHMM's credential quality standards.
• Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCESB provides accreditation for IHMM's CHMM, CHMP, CSMP, and CSHM certification programs, recognizing expertise through specialty certification.
• Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAHMP is an affiliated organization providing news, events, and professional resources for EHS professionals. IHMM promotes AHMP EHS Hazmat Summit and coordinates membership benefits.
• National Safety Council (NSC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNSC is a member organization providing workplace safety news, webinars, and professional development. IHMM participates as a member and Premier Partner in NSC initiatives.
• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerASSP is a member organization providing safety professional news, webinars, and standards. IHMM collaborates on industry initiatives and conferences.
• International Association of Facilitators (IAF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIAF partnership supports professional facilitation standards and practices relevant to EHS management.
• North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNAHMMA partnership supports hazardous materials management professionals and programs.
• Columbia Southern UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEducational partnership providing degree pathways for students pursuing EHS careers and IHMM certifications.
• COSTHAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership supporting continuing education and training in occupational safety and health.
• Dangerous Goods Advisory Council (DGAC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDGAC (now DGTA) partnership provides dangerous goods transportation advisory services and standards.
• Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerICE partnership supports credentialing best practices and professional certification standards.
• Professional Certification CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partnership supporting professional certification advocacy and standards development.
• FET Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFET Inc. partnership supports fire and emergency training related to hazardous materials.
• CHEMTRECminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCHEMTREC partnership provides hazardous materials emergency response information and training resources.
• Lion Technology Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLion Technology provides hazardous materials training and compliance solutions. IHMM promotes Lion's sponsored content and resources.
• DGI (Dangerous Goods International)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDGI provides dangerous goods training and consulting services. IHMM features DGI sponsored content in publications.
• KryterioncoreTechnology or IntegrationKryterion provides remotely proctored examination services and in-person testing center network for IHMM certification exams.
• BadgeCertcoreTechnology or IntegrationBadgeCert provides digital credential badge system for IHMM certificants to display credentials in email signatures, business cards, and social media.
• U.S. Army COOLcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerArmy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program helps soldiers translate military training to civilian credentials including AHMM.
• U.S. Navy COOLcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNavy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program supports sailors in earning civilian credentials for career transition.
• U.S. Marine Corps COOLcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMarine Corps Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program helps marines transition to civilian careers with professional credentials.
• U.S. Coast Guard COOLcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCoast Guard Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program supports coast guard members in professional credentialing.
• Air Force COOLcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Force Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program helps air force personnel earn civilian credentials for career transition.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES): NCEES administers professional engineering and surveying licensure exams in the US. It is comparable to IHMM as a standards-based credentialing body, with overlapping audiences in engineering-driven EHS practice.
• American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH): ABIH issues the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential and competes with IHMM for EHS professionals, particularly those in occupational health and environmental roles overlapping CHMM and CSHM scope.
• Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP): AHMP is the leading member organization for hazardous materials management professionals in the US and operates the EHS Hazmat Summit. It is closely aligned with IHMM's certificant base and serves as a key GTM partner.
• Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP): BCSP is the leading US-based nonprofit certifying body for safety professionals, issuing the CSP, ASP, CHST, and STSC credentials. It directly competes with IHMM's CHMM, CSHM, and CSMP for the same EHS professional audience.

Emerging players

• CHEMTREC: CHEMTREC provides hazardous materials emergency response information and training, with overlap to IHMM's CHMM and CDGP certificant base in dangerous goods and emergency response.
• International Code Council (ICC): ICC issues certifications for building safety, fire, and code officials, partially overlapping IHMM's school safety credentials (CSSM/CSSS) and broader EHS compliance workforce.
• Lion Technology Inc. Lion Technology offers hazardous materials training and compliance solutions that complement IHMM credentials. It is a GTM partner of IHMM and shares the EHS training and certification audience.

Broad incumbents

• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP): ASSP is a large member association that also offers safety credentials and certifications. While broader in scope than IHMM, it competes for the same EHS professional wallet share and is a GTM partner of IHMM.
• National Safety Council (NSC): NSC is a broad workplace safety organization offering training, advocacy, and credentials. It overlaps with IHMM in the safety and hazardous materials space and is a Premier Partner of IHMM in NSC initiatives.

Others

• Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IAF) – International Association of Facilitators: IAF is a credentialing body for professional facilitators that partners with IHMM. It is adjacent rather than competitive but shares the nonprofit professional-credentialing model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheIHMM
• Facebookfacebook.com/IHMMcertifications
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institute-of-hazardous-materials-management

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Institute of Hazardous Materials Management