Physical Environment and Life Safety Certified Program
Validate Your Expertise in Physical Environment and Life Safety
About the Program
The Physical Environment and Life Safety – Certified (PELS-C) program is a professional certification and training course developed by ACHC to equip healthcare personnel with a comprehensive understanding of the physical environment standards that impact facility operations. Rooted in ACHC accreditation requirements, the program also integrates essential regulations and best practices from NFPA 101, NFPA 99, OSHA, and other relevant codes and standards.
Unlike other certification programs that focus solely on the Life Safety Code, the PELS-C program provides 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.
This three-day, instructor-led course is ideal for individuals in facilities management, but it is also highly valuable 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 regulatory landscape they operate within. Anyone involved in supporting the operational environment of care will find actionable insights and practical tools through this certification.
$995 for 3-year certification: this in-person training will take place January 27th-29th, 2026 in Cary, North Carolina at ACHC’s Corporate Office.
Speaker
Certification 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
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.
Agenda
Jan January 27– 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
January 28 – 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
January 29– Day 3 (Half-Day): Medical Equipment, Utilities, Construction, Program Evaluations
8:00 – 9:00 am – Breakfast & Networking
9:00 – 10:30 am – Medical Equipment & Utility Systems
10:30 – 10:45 am – Morning Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Construction & Program Evaluations
