Physical Environment and Life Safety Certification
Validate Your Expertise.
About the Program
Physical Environment and Life Safety Certification (PELS-C) is a training course for hospital facilities management professionals. The program equips healthcare personnel with a broad, systems-based perspective that addresses the full scope of physical environment responsibilities in health care, spanning infrastructure, utilities, safety systems, and operational integration. Rooted in ACHC accreditation requirements, the program integrates essential regulations from NFPA 101, NFPA 99, OSHA, and other relevant code sets to build comprehensive understanding of the physical environment standards that impact facility operations.
This three-day, instructor-led course is appropriate for professionals in environmental services, infection prevention, safety and risk management, biomedical engineering, emergency preparedness, security, quality assurance, and accreditation. The program is especially beneficial for new facility managers and safety officers who need a focused, in-depth understanding of their responsibilities and the relevant regulatory landscape. Anyone involved in supporting the operational environment will gain actionable insights, best practice tips, and practical tools through this certification.
Price: $995 (includes certification exam and 3-year validated credential)
Format: In-Person
Dates: October 5–7, 2026
Location: ACHC Corporate Office, Cary, North Carolina (special hotel rate available)
$995
Certification Requirements
To earn the PELS-C designation, candidates must meet the following prerequisites:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have at least three years of experience in physical environment roles, with a minimum of two years of experience in a healthcare setting**
- Have completed the full PELS-C training course
**Qualifying physical environment experience includes roles in facilities management, life safety, safety and security, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, medical equipment, and utility systems management.
Exam Overview
- Assessment must be completed within 30-days
- Format: 100 multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
- Passing Score: 80%
- Time Limit: 180 minutes
- Delivery: Secure online platform
- Retake Policy:
- Up to 2 retakes
- Third attempt requires supplemental training and documentation
What You Receive
- Digital and printable certificate valid for three years
- Official designation:
- PELS-C – Physical Environment and Life Safety – Certified
Certification Requirements
PELS-C eligibility includes:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Three years experience in physical environment roles, with at least two years in a healthcare setting*.
- Daily attendance at the ACHCU PELC-C training and successful completion of the certification exam within 30 days.
*Qualifying physical environment experience includes roles in facilities management, life safety, safety and security, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, medical equipment, and utility systems management.
Exam Overview
- Assessment must be completed within 30-days
- Format: 100 multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
- Passing Score: 80%
- Time Limit: 180 minutes
- Delivery: Secure online platform
- Retake Policy:
- Up to two retakes
- Third attempt requires supplemental training and documentation
The Credential
- Digital and printable certificate valid for three years
- Digital PELS-C badge
- PELS-C – Physical Environment and Life Safety – Certified
Agenda
October 5 – Day 1: Safety, Security, Hazardous Materials
8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast & Networking
9:00 am – 10:30 am – Safety Management
10:30 am – 10:45 am – Morning Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Safety Continued
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Group Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Security Management, Hazardous Materials and Waste
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm – Afternoon Break
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Fire Safety
October 6 – Day 2: Fire Safety & Life Safety
8:00 – 9:00 am – Breakfast & Networking
9:00 – 10:30 am – Fire Safety & Life Safety (Part 1)
10:30 – 10:45 am – Morning Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Fire Safety & Life Safety (Part 2)
12:00 – 1:00 pm – Group Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 pm – Fire Safety & Life Safety (Part 3)
2:30 – 2:45 pm – Afternoon Break
2:45 – 4:00 pm – Fire Safety Wrap-Up
October 7 – Day 3 (Half-Day): Medical Equipment, Utilities, Construction, Program Evaluations
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast and Networking
9:00 – 10:00 Medical Equipment and Utility Systems
10:00 – 10:15 Morning Break
10:15 – 11:00 Construction & Program Evaluations
11:00 – 12:00 AI for Facilities Management
