Become an AIOH Member.
AIOH membership supports occupational hygienists at all stages of their professional journey, from those commencing their career through to experienced practitioners and recognised industry leaders. Membership levels have been developed to reflect qualifications, competency, professional experience and contribution to the occupational hygiene profession.
As the peak professional body representing occupational hygiene in Australia, the AIOH is committed to supporting the development of competent, ethical and highly regarded professionals dedicated to protecting worker health. Applicants are encouraged to review the membership levels.
Our members are dedicated to protecting worker health and creating safer, healthier workplaces. Whether you're a qualified occupational hygienist or passionate about improving occupational environments, there's a place for you in our community.
Joining the AIOH gives you access to valuable benefits from professional development and networking opportunities to exclusive member discounts, resources, and support.
Explore the benefits and pathways to membership below.
How to Apply?
Select the membership level you wish to apply for below.
NB: You must be a Full Member of the AIOH to be eligible to submit an expression of interest for Certification.
Professional Membership & Certification
The Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH)® status is the highest level of recognition for a professionally competent, independent and ethical occupational hygienist, and shows you are a leader in your field.
It is an internationally recognised status and equivalent to overseas certification programs for occupational hygienist.
Full membership of the AIOH is a pre-requisite.
Membership at this level enables occupational hygienists to use the post-nominals MAIOH.
Full Members must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a first degree or diploma in Science or Engineering, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to Council, with appropriate quantitative science subjects and occupational hygiene studies
- At the time of application, be working in the field of occupational hygiene or one of its specialist branches
- Have more than five years’ experience working in a professional capacity in occupational hygiene
- Demonstrate to Council a satisfactory level of professional competence
- Typically, at least 50% of current work activity must be directly related to occupational hygiene practice
Full Members must be able to demonstrate to Council that a satisfactory level of professional competence has been achieved.
Membership benefits include:
- Recognition of professional achievement in occupational hygiene practice
- Engagement with the largest professional network of occupational hygienists
This is the first of the professional grades within the AIOH.
Membership at this level enables persons to identify themselves as occupational hygienists.
Provisional Members must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a first degree or diploma in Science or Engineering, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to Council, with appropriate quantitative science subjects and occupational hygiene studies
- Have completed relevant tertiary studies in occupational hygiene or a related field, including those currently undertaking an accredited university Master’s course in occupational hygiene or a related discipline
- Have been working in the field of occupational hygiene or one of its specialist branches for at least one year in a professional capacity
- At least one year full-time (or equivalent) experience in occupational hygiene practice, with a minimum of 50% of work activity directly related to occupational hygiene
- Demonstrate to Council an acceptable level of understanding of the principles of occupational hygiene
Membership benefits include:
- Recognition of professional level achievement in occupational hygiene practice
- Engagement with the largest professional network of occupational hygienists
- Eligibility to apply for Professional Development Awards, including the Air Met Award, Draeger Award, and AES Post Graduate Scholarship Awards
- Professional development through AIOH activities, committees, working groups and projects in a voluntary capacity
- Access to the AIOH Mentoring Program
- Reduced cost to meetings, training courses, seminars and conferences
- Access to OH Matters and the latest news on occupational health legislation and events in Australia
- Access to the job market for occupational hygienists
General Membership
This level of membership is suited to those working in, transitioning into, or holding a professional interest in occupational hygiene, occupational medicine, occupational health and safety, environmental health or related allied fields. It is also well suited to generalists, early career professionals, or those wanting to further develop their understanding of occupational hygiene and worker health.
A candidate for admission as an Associate Member is required at the time of application to be working in the field, or have a professional interest in one or more of the following areas: occupational hygiene, occupational medicine, occupational health and safety, environmental health, or another closely allied field acceptable to Council.
Membership benefits include:
- Engagement with the largest professional network of occupational hygienists
- Professional development through AIOH activities, committees, working groups and projects in a voluntary capacity
- Access to the AIOH Mentoring Program
- Reduced rates for meetings, training courses, seminars and conferences
- Access to OH Matters and updates on occupational health legislation and industry activities across Australia
- Access to the occupational hygiene job market and career opportunities
This level of membership is aimed at those who are currently completing a full or part-time course in occupational hygiene and who are not currently working full-time in occupational hygiene.
If you are working full time, you are not eligible for Student membership, even if you are studying. In this case, you should apply for Associate or Professional membership grades, depending on your experience and role.
A special upgrade pathway to Associate membership is available for applicants who are completing a Master’s qualification through one of our accredited university courses. Proof of enrolment is required, including full course enrolment details outlining the expected completion date.
Student membership is not applicable for short courses.
Student membership is free to full-time students who are not working full time.
Membership benefits include:
- Engagement with the largest professional network of occupational hygienists
- Professional development through AIOH activities, committees, working groups and projects in a voluntary capacity
- Access to the AIOH Mentoring Program
- Reduced cost to meetings, training courses, seminars and conferences
- Access to OH Matters and the latest news on occupational health legislation and events in Australia
- Access to the job market for occupational hygienists
- Eligibility to apply for appropriate Professional Development Awards
Retired Membership
Retired status refers to a special financial status as confirmed for an individual by the Council and relating to a particular member of at least ten (10) years good standing who does not practice occupational hygiene for remuneration for more than 20% of any single financial year and who is 55 years of age or over.
Retired status is not a membership grade; it is a special financial status relating to membership dues and may apply to any grade of membership.
To apply, please download and complete the form below and return to membership@aioh.org.au.
Retired COH status refers to the Certified Occupational Hygienist who has decided to no longer operate at a level to maintain their Certification status. The following conditions apply.
- Entitled to use the postnominal COH®(Ret).
- Cannot use the AIOH COH seal or stamp.
- Member’s name will be removed from the AIOH active COH Register and website list.
- Do not need to maintain CM points or pay COH fees.
- Reactivation of COH status at any time within two years of processing the application for Retired COH status, but only on one occasion.
- Member will be subject to the AIOH ethics case procedure provisions if they are found to be in violation of the voluntary surrender terms.
Retired COH status is not a membership grade, it is a special financial status relating to membership fees.
To apply, please download and complete BOTH form below and return them to membership@aioh.org.au.
How will I benefit from membership?
Access to opportunities
Take the next step in your career & gain access to the largest professional network of occupational hygienists with over 1,000 members.
Grow your knowledge
Access to tools and resources. Receive a subscription to OH Matters magazine with the latest news in occupational health & legislation.
Access to mentorship
Our Mentoring Program offers an opportunity to enhance your professional skills, and develop a pathway to enhance your career prospects.
Pathway to leadership
Be part of an organisation that strives to improve the practice of occupational hygiene and the knowledge, competence & standing of its practitioners.
You need to submit professional references with your application. Download & use the referee template below.
International Partner Members
BOHS
For AIOH members wanting to join the British Occupational Hygiene Society with a discounted fee, click on the link below and visit the BOHS website.
AIHS
For AIOH members wanting to join the American Industrial Hygiene Association with a discounted fee, click on the link below and visit the AIHA website.
International Partners
If you are a member of an association that is part of the IOHA network, we invite you to join our International Partner Scheme. Visit our partner page to find out how.