What does a course need to cover to be accredited?
A professional ergonomist is someone with knowledge of several core disciplines (e.g. physiology, psychology etc.), the ability to integrate knowledge across domains and able to apply a systems approach. An accredited course therefore need to cover these core disciplines, the holistic ergonomics approach and prepare the student for effective application. To be accredited by the IEHF a course must cover essential ergonomics knowledge in the following areas:
- Human mental characteristics
- Human physical characteristics
- Systems ergonomics
- Ergonomics methods
- Research methods
The course must also show clear evidence of essential ergonomics themes that run through the knowledge areas above and wider curriculum.
- Ergonomics approach characteristics: user centred design, participatory, holistic and integrated essential knowledge areas
- Ergonomics knowledge attributes: theoretical and practical knowledge, scientific basis, integrated, evidence based
- Ergonomics knowledge aims: health, safety, wellbeing, efficiency, effectiveness
- Ergonomics knowledge application: product design, workplace interventions, systems design and evaluation
- Professional skills: legislation, standards, project management, ethics, communication, interdisciplinary work
It should also end with a substantial ergonomics based research project. Please read more details about the required criteria for the course content.
Who can teach the course?
At least half of the programme content must be led by members of the IEHF and there should be a minimum of two members of the IEHF on the programme teaching team.
What benefits will there be from having a course accredited?
Courses accredited by the IEHF will be actively promoted through this website, at conferences, at careers events and in response to enquiries for training. Only accredited courses are recommended to people who ask us about ergonomics/human factors training. Graduates from IEHF-accredited courses qualify for Graduate Membership of the IEHF and it also contributes to their future application for full professional membership as a Registered Member. This is a great incentive for them to apply for an accredited course.
You can use a special IEHF-accredited course logo and the text “This is an IEHF-accredited course” in your publicity for the course. Once accredited, details of the course will appear in the next edition of our membership magazine ‘The Ergonomist’.
How much does it cost?
The accreditation fee is £200+VAT.
How long does my course accreditation last?
Accreditation lasts for five years or until changes are made to any key area (i.e. duration, teaching staff, content, assessment). If this occurs, the course must be reassessed. The IEHF reserves the right to carry out random spot checks on any of the accredited courses.
Who will assess my course?
Your course will be assessed by the Education & Training Panel of the Professional Affairs Board of the IEHF.
How do I apply?
- Complete the application form.
- Complete a matrix which details how the programme and specific modules cover the knowledge areas and ergonomics themes.
- Gather electronic copies of the programme handbook, detailed curriculum, assessments, module specifications, staff CVs and other documentation that demonstrates the programme meets all the requirements.
- Email it all to the IEHF office at iehf@ergonomics.org.uk.
I need help!
If you have any queries and need help or further information, please contact us.
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