News Regarding Certification as an Ergonomics Professional

When people are looking to hire professionals (as consultants or FTE), they usually review the individual's educational background and work experience.  Another key factor may be any certifications that may be offered in the profession.  The gold standard for ergonomic certification is the Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) designation, provided by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics. 

Adding to the value of this designation, is the fact that the BCPE was recently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for its Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE)/Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) program.  Here’s the announcement http://bcpe.org/onlinenews/onlinenews.asp?i=53 .

In addition to the CPE or CHFP designation, BCPE offers as Associate level (AEP) for those who meet the educational requirements but not the experience requirements to sit the exam.  Check out http://bcpe.org/certinfo/default.asp for more info on the certification process.

Thanks to James Mallon of Humantech for contributing this information.

Comments

[Debbie]

The old adage “you get what you pay for” still carries wisdom today. In the current economy there may be a tendency to go for price over qualifications; I’ve stepped into that trap too. I recently read an article What is Ergonomics and Who are Ergonomists; on The Association of Canadian Ergonomists website. Here is an interesting excerpt:

“However, a background in kinesiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, engineering, psychology, etc. is not, in itself, enough to make someone an ergonomist. This background is a good starting point but ergonomists need to have specific education and training in ergonomics methods, theory, concepts, and principles. This is obtained only when a person takes a variety of university level courses that cover different ergonomics subject areas. Just taking a single course called 'ergonomics' isn't enough. After all, you wouldn't want someone to treat you for a heart problem if they had taken a single course call 'medicine'.” http://www.ace-ergocanada.ca/index.php?contentid=142

Whether it’s ergonomics, home repairs or heart treatments; you have the personal obligation to ask the questions and make sure you are getting the best qualifications for your dollars.