Technical Member

If you’re a specialist who undertakes ergonomics/human factors as a significant part of your work, you could become a Technical Member and get all the benefits of membership. For example, you may be a psychologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, a back care advisor, an engineer, a product designer, or a systems designer. Check the eligibility criteria below.

Quick eligibility check

  • I carry out ergonomics/human factors as a significant part of my work (I may not call it that though).
  • I have at least an awareness of 50% of the competencies listed in the CIEHF Professional Competency Guidance.
  • I have higher proficiency levels in at least one area of competence.
  • I've carried out ergonomics/human factors work for at least 200 days over a period of at least 2 years.
  • I have carried out at least 6 significant activities or projects during that time.
  • I have at least 5 documented examples of my work such as final reports.
  • I can find 2 referees, at least 1 of whom works outside my organisation, and at least 1 is a Registered Member or Fellow of the CIEHF (or equivalent in a related professional body).
  • I will abide by your code of professional conduct.

Key points

Your Log Book

Your log book is a key part of your application as it demonstrates to the assessors the ergonomics and human factors work that you have undertaken over your minimum 2 year period. It should contain separate records of between 6 and 12 significant activities over the period.

There must be at least 200 days work undertaken during that period (part time ergonomics work is pro rata, e.g. 40 half days = 20 full days). If you have worked on a long term project you can break it down into smaller activities.

Each log book record should be 1-2 pages long and comprise:
a) a brief summary of the activity
b) details of the ergonomics and human factors involved
c) a description of the outputs from the work
d) details of how this work demonstrates your ergonomics and human factors approach

You need to support the log book by at least 5 documented examples of your work, for example the final reports from the work you described. These should show in detail the ergonomics and human factors work you undertook during that project. Note that a multi-authored report can be difficult to assess as evidence, so you must be explicit about your contribution to such a report.

Your referees

You referees must know you well enough to form a robust opinion of your professional work and status. Their reports are an important part of your application and must show strong support for it.

Assessment of your application

Two suitably qualified members of the Institute’s Professional Affairs Board (PAB) will assess your application. They might ask you to submit additional information if there are any areas which need clarification.

In order for your application to have the best chance of success, make sure it contains enough information for the assessors to answer positively all the following questions:

  • Have you completed the necessary two years professional experience?
  • Have you demonstrated sufficient knowledge?
  • Does your log book contain sufficient work to enable the assessment to be done?
  • Have you demonstrated an ergonomics and human factors approach to your work?

During the assessment of your application, all assessors follow specific written guidance and complete a checklist to ensure they work consistently and we maintain an clear record of your application. You should read these too before you apply to understand what the assessors are looking for, how they do their assessment, and to give yourself the best chance of success.

Questions you might have


That depends on several things such as the quality and completeness of your application, and the speed with which we receive your referees reports. The assessors are all volunteers so must find time to assess your application, though they will endeavour to do this as quickly as possible. If all goes well, we hope to have your application processed within 6 weeks.

Congratulate yourself! If your application is accepted, we will let you know straight away and you will be sent confirmation of the decision. You will also get a certificate and will be able to use the post-nominal TechCIEHF, as recognition of your professional status.

You will be given guidance as to the areas in which it was felt that your application was lacking, so that you get a chance to improve the material so you can reapply in the future. Alternatively, you have the option, if you wish, to appeal a decision to reject your application. In which case, within 6 weeks of the decision being sent to you, should contact us by email to membership@ergonomics.org.uk. We will then guide you through the process.

£137 for a year. There is also a one-off application and assessment fee of £60.

No, you will need to upgrade to Registered Member first, as only Registered Members and Fellows are eligible for Chartered status.

How to apply

1. Check your competencies

Download the Professional Competency Checklist and check your competencies

2. Create your log book

Download the template, complete your log book entries and gather your supporting documents.

3. Contact your referees

Download the referee report form and email each of your 2 referees a copy. Ask them to email it directly back to us (details are on the form).

4. Complete the application form

Click on Apply now to download the application form and follow the instructions it contains.

5. Pay the application fee

Once we have received your application, we will issue you with an invoice for the application fee, together with instructions on how to pay. Once you have paid the invoice, we can begin the assessment process.

Become a Technical MemberApply now