A license is required for Health Officers or Registered Environmental Health Specialists employed by local health departments. The Licensure of Persons for Public Health Positions sets forth the license standards.
New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) licenses candidates who meet requirements for education, training and experience. The examination is administered two times per year, May and November.
Examination Dates For 2023
Examination Date
Application Deadline
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Friday, April 28, 2023
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Friday, September 29, 2023
Only applications which are complete and have been received prior to the published examination closing date will be reviewed.
A Health Officer is the public health chief executive officer of a municipal, regional, county or contractual health agency. This individual is responsible for evaluating health problems, planning appropriate activities to address these health problems, developing necessary budget procedures to finance these activities, and directing staff to carry out these activities efficiently and economically.
A Registered Environmental Health Specialist is employed by a local health agency, e.g., an individual municipal local health agency, a regional health commission, or a county health department. Alternatively, some individuals are employed by the Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture, private consulforting companies, or private food concerns.
Examination Resources
Additional information or applications for the examination are available by contacting the Licensure, Compliance and Enforcement Program at 609-292-4993.
Health Officer Examination
Application for Health Officer Examination [PDF] [Word]
Health Officer Qualifications and Examination FAQ [PDF] [Word]
Checklist for the Health Officer examination application [PDF]