Certified Expert Witness Professional (CEWP) Student Study Guide
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Course Description
The Certified Expert Witness Professional (CEWP®) Policies, Procedures, and Forms Manual is a comprehensive professional reference publication developed by the International Association of Safety, Health & Environmental Professionals (IASHEP). This manual provides a practical framework for establishing and operating a professional expert witness practice, combining ethical principles, case administration procedures, investigation methodologies, report writing guidance, document management systems, and standardized forms into one comprehensive reference. Rather than focusing solely on courtroom testimony, this manual addresses the entire lifecycle of an expert witness engagement—from the initial attorney contact through case acceptance, investigation, research, report preparation, deposition, trial testimony, billing, record retention, and case closure. The objective is to develop expert witnesses who possess not only technical expertise but also the administrative systems, ethical standards, communication skills, and professional discipline necessary to provide reliable and defensible expert opinions. This publication is intended exclusively for educational, professional, and reference purposes in support of the Certified Expert Witness Professional (CEWP®) program and related professional development activities.What You'll Learn
- Upon successful completion of this manual, readers will be able to:
- Understand the history, evolution, and legal foundations of expert witness testimony.
- Navigate federal and state court systems and understand the role of the expert witness.
- Apply the Frye, Daubert, Joiner, and Kumho Tire standards to expert testimony.
- Conduct conflict of interest reviews and professional case intake procedures.
- Manage case files, evidence control, and record preservation systematically.
- Perform accident investigations and root cause analysis using accepted methodologies.
- Conduct technical research and analyze OSHA regulations, consensus standards, and engineering principles.
- Write professional, defensible expert witness reports.
- Work effectively with attorneys and prepare for depositions and trial testimony.
- Present credible courtroom testimony and utilize demonstrative evidence effectively.
- Build and manage a professional expert witness practice.
- Maintain professional independence, ethics, and objectivity throughout every engagement.
Who Should Attend
The Certified Expert Witness Professional (CEWP®) Policies, Procedures, and Forms Manual has been prepared for professionals involved in technical investigations and expert witness services, including: Occupational Safety and Health Professionals Environmental Professionals Industrial Hygienists Professional Engineers Fire Protection Specialists Human Factors Professionals Construction Safety Professionals Accident Reconstruction Specialists Machine Guarding and Robotics Safety Professionals Electrical Safety Professionals Process Safety Professionals Emergency Management Professionals Insurance Investigators and Claims Professionals Attorneys and Risk Managers Government Inspectors and Compliance Officers Forensic Consultants and Independent Expert Witnesses Corporate Safety Directors and Regulatory Agency Personnel Professional Educators and Academic Researchers
Certified Expert Witness Professional (CEWP) Student Study Guide Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CEWP(SSG) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CEWP(SSG), accessed May 14, 2026.