What to do before you apply

There are several things you need to do before applying for Registered Membership:

1. Assure yourself that you have the necessary knowledge and experience

In order to be a Registered Member, if you have a qualifying degree then you need a minimum of 3 years' experience of working in ergonomics/human factors, if you do not have a qualifying degree then you need 4 years' such experience.

You must also demonstrate a level of knowledge and understanding across all the prime domains of ergonomics. The primary Knowledge Areas are:

Anatomy, anthropometry and physiology in human activities
Environmental stressors (performance shaping factors), psychophysiology
Socio-technical systems
General & Organisational psychology
Survey and Research Methods

You are not, however, expected to have a high level of expertise across all the areas.

A primary competence for all ergonomists is the ability to integrate across the various domains (understanding the interactions), and also to be able to address practical issues.

2. Keep a log book

You need to support your application with documentary evidence of your academic achievements and of your periods of qualifying work experience. This should be detailed in a log book which ideally should be started as soon as you start working professionally.

You also need to identify some reports from the log book projects which can be submitted with your application.

3. Find two referees

You will need to provide the names of two referees who are Registered Members or Fellows of the Institute. At least one of your referees must be employed by a different organisation.

If you are unable to provide details of referees who are members of the IEHF, you can provide referees who are of an equivalent standing in your own national or international ergonomics/human factors society, or related professional body.

4. Find a mentor

You will need to find a mentor who is a Registered Member or Fellow of the IEHF. If you are a graduate of a 'Qualifying Course', you should have at least 1 year of experience under the supervision of a mentor. Otherwise, this period of mentored supervision should be at least 2 years. Your mentor must submit a report on your work when you apply. Your mentor may not also be a referee.

Under exceptional circumstances the period of mentoring could be waived by the PAB. It is not expected that the PAB would consider waiving it for applicants with fewer than 10 years’ experience in ergonomics work.

Read further information on mentoring and the related FAQs.

5. Read the Code of Conduct

As a Registered Member of the Institute you must agree to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct as set out by the Council of the Institute. You should read the details of this Code to ensure that you will be able to comply.

6. See what the assessors will be looking for

You should also read about the assessment process to ensure that you will satisfy all the requirements.

You now need the application forms

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