NEHA currently serves 5,000 members to advance the environmental health and protection professional for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all. Professionals who earn a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian credential from NEHA are recognized as having achieved an established standard of excellence. These environmental health professionals master a body of knowledge (which is verified by examination), and acquire sufficient experience to satisfactorily perform work responsibilities in the environmental health field.

In addition to maintaining high standards of practice and testing for its credentialing programs, NEHA provides training and resources for continuing education through online courses and an online bookstore; holds an annual conference; fosters networking and career growth; and publishes the widely-respected peer-reviewed Journal of Environmental Health.