Founded in 1937 by healthcare professionals, the National Environmental Health Association strives to advance the environmental health and protection professional for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all. For as long as NEHA has existed, NEHA has strived to elevate the standing and respect accord to those who practice environmental health. One of the mechanisms used by professional societies like NEHA to achieve such a goal is the one of credentialing. Through a professional credential, one evidences to both their employer and to the public they serve that they are competent to carry out the duties and tasks expected of them.