Apply For Registration
REHS/RS
To become credentialed in Minnesota as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) a candidate may apply to sit for the NEHA computer-based REHS/RS exam, taken at an approved Pearson VUE testing location, OR apply for Minnesota REHS/RS reciprocity (when currently registered by NEHA or registered in another state as an REHS/RS).
The candidate must meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, 4695.2500 – 4695.3200. These rules may differ from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) credential requirements as an REHS/RS.
The Minnesota REHS/RS Advisory Council meets four times annually to review applications and documentation for approval. The deadline for submission is set for February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 each year. Following each meeting, MDH informs candidates of the decision and details of next steps.
Applications and documentation are reviewed on these four requirements:
- Education
Evidence of receiving a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, or other related environmental health field. - Coursework completed
Evidence the degree includes at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical or biological sciences. - Supervised time in environmental health
Evidence of at least one year of supervised employment in one or more of the program areas listed in part 4695.2600, subpart 7, definition of "environmental health specialist/sanitarian." - Qualified supervision
Evidence the supervision was provided by an environmental health specialist or a sanitarian or a licensed health professional, or an engineer or other professional with a graduate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences, or other person whom the commissioner deems has equivalent environmental health background.
Instructions
Go to Sanitarian Registration - Apply Online for new applicants.
Note: This is not for renewals. Please Contact us to obtain instructions and a unique claim code to renew your credential.
Licensing System Help includes answers to common problems had while applying for a credential at the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System.
Paper applications will no longer be accepted after March 31, 2025.
In your application, be prepared to provide evidence of receiving a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree and credits earned.
Official transcripts are used to determine evidence of receiving a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree in environmental health, sanitary science, sanitary engineering, or other related environmental health field, which includes at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hour credits in the physical or biological fields. See Approved Science Course List.
Have your official college/university transcript(s) sent directly to MDH. If you attended more than one college and/or university, provide all transcripts that support your application.
Official Paper Transcripts
To be considered an official educational transcript it must be received at the department’s office in the sealed envelope from the College Registrar’s Office/Transcript Office.
Mail official transcripts to:
Minnesota Department of Health
Sanitarian Registration Program
625 Robert Street North
PO Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
Official Electronic Transcripts
Electronic transcripts sent directly from the school or transcript service are accepted when e-mailed to health.sanitarians@state.mn.us.
If you received a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree outside the United States, you must obtain a third party foreign education evaluation service review of your transcripts to determine equivalency to schools within the United States. For service listings, go to National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Send the report provided by the third party with your application.
Applying for Minnesota REHS/RS reciprocity
If applying for Minnesota REHS/RS reciprocity, you need to submit:
- Official transcript(s)
- Minnesota REHS/RS Supervised Employment History Form (PDF)
- Copy of your qualifying supervisor‘s credential(s)
- Copy of your current REHS/RS or state REHS/RS certificate of registration
- Documentation of passing the REHS/RS credentialing examination
Required Exam Scores for Reciprocity
| Exam | Required Minimum Score | Date of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| NEHA | 650 or higher | On or after July 13, 2014 |
| NEHA | 68 percent or higher | Jan 1, 1998 to July 12, 2014 |
| PES | 70 percent or higher | Before Dec 31, 1997 PES exams taken after Dec 31, 1997 are not eligible to receive REHS/RS reciprocity |
Required fees
Applying to take the computer-based REHS/RS exam
Submit a non-refundable $45 Registration Fee via the MDH Licensing System. If not paying online, submit fee made payable to the Minnesota Department of Health, using a cashier’s check, money order, or personal check. Do not send cash.
If the Minnesota REHS/RS Advisory Council approves your application, NEHA will contact you about taking the computer-based exam and submitting payment of the $280 NEHA fees.
Applying for Minnesota REHS/RS reciprocity
Submit a non-refundable $45 Registration Fee via the MDH Licensing System. If not paying online, submit fee made payable to the Minnesota Department of Health, using a cashier’s check, money order, or personal check. Do not send cash.
Failure to provide complete application information or payment may result in application denial by the REHS/RS Advisory Council.
Go to >top.