Certified Healthcare Operations Professional (CHOP) Certification

The CHOP program equips healthcare facilities, engineering, and operations professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to strengthen compliance, enhance safety, and effectively manage the physical environment of healthcare.

Master the physical environment of healthcare

Healthcare facilities are among the most complex environments to manage. From life safety and regulatory compliance to facility infrastructure, equipment management, and operational oversight, operations professionals play a critical role in ensuring safe, reliable care delivery.

DNV's Certified Healthcare Operations Professional (CHOP) certification program provides a comprehensive pathway for facilities, engineering, safety, and operations leaders to build expertise in healthcare physical environment requirements and strengthen their ability to support organizational compliance, patient safety, and operational excellence. The three-part certification program combines in-depth instruction with practical application, helping participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate today's healthcare environment.

Why complete CHOP training?

The CHOP certification program helps operations professionals:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of healthcare physical environment requirements
  • Strengthen knowledge of DNV NIAHO® standards and ISO 9001 requirements
  • Improve readiness for surveys and regulatory reviews
  • Gain practical insight into healthcare equipment, infrastructure, and facility management
  • Enhance leadership skills related to planning, budgeting, construction, and support services operations
  • Earn a respected professional credential that demonstrates expertise in healthcare operations management

What you'll learn

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Apply NIAHO®, ISO 9001, NFPA 101, and NFPA 99 requirements within healthcare environments
  • Evaluate physical environment risks and opportunities for improvement
  • Better understand the design, operation, and compliance requirements of critical healthcare infrastructure and equipment
  • Support infection prevention and life safety initiatives across their organization
  • Lead facility projects with greater confidence through improved budgeting, planning, and project management skills
  • Demonstrate advanced professional competency through CHOP certification

Earn professional certification

Participants earn certification by successfully completing each level and its associated examination. Certification can be maintained through continuing education activities or by retaking the examination, providing an ongoing pathway for professional development and credential renewal.

Who is this program for?

This program is ideal for professionals responsible for managing, maintaining, or overseeing healthcare facility operations, including:

  • Facilities directors and managers
  • Engineering professionals
  • Plant operations staff
  • Safety officers
  • Environment of care leaders
  • Construction and project managers
  • Healthcare operations leaders
  • Compliance and accreditation professionals

CHOP-B (Basic)

The first phase establishes a strong foundation in healthcare facility compliance and physical environment standards.

Topics include:

  • NIAHO® physical environment requirements
  • ISO 9001 quality management requirements
  • NFPA 101 Life Safety Code®
  • NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code
  • Regulatory compliance fundamentals
  • Survey preparedness

CHOP-A (Advanced)

The second phase focuses on healthcare infrastructure and the essential systems and equipment that support patient care.

Topics include:

  • Hospital infrastructure and utility systems
  • Essential healthcare equipment and its applications
  • Equipment-related compliance requirements
  • Infection prevention and control considerations
  • Alternative Life Safety Measures (ALSM)
  • Navigating NFPA requirements within healthcare facilities  

CHOP-E (Executive)

The final phase prepares participants for higher-level leadership and management responsibilities within healthcare operations.

Topics include:

  • Facilities department management
  • Capital planning and project proposals
  • Construction management
  • Blueprint interpretation
  • Budget development and management
  • Contract review and negotiations
  • Strategic operational leadership

Ready to get started with CHOP training from DNV?

Gain the knowledge and credentials to lead healthcare facility operations with confidence — enroll in CHOP certification training today.

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