Ergonomics is an important discipline for any workplace, aimed at making sure that employees have access to and use ergonomically responsible environment designs, equipment, and furniture. To ensure that employees are working in an ergonomically correct environment, many companies are now requiring that their staff receive ergonomic certifications. These certifications provide an industry-wide standard of ergonomic best practices, helping to ensure that employees are working in a way that is both safe and comfortable.
The main benefit of requiring ergonomic certifications is that it helps to reduce the number of ergonomic related issues in the workplace, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs can lead to decreased productivity, increased costs associated with medical treatments, and potential litigation, so it is important that employers take the initiative to prevent them. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of ergonomic certifications and how they can help create a safer and more comfortable workplace.
8 common types of ergonomics certification
For those who are already employed in the field, there are various ergonomic certifications available. Different credible bodies offer these types of certification. Here are eight examples of certifications in ergonomics:
1. Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics
The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics credential is provided by the International Association of Ergonomics. The National Board of Ergonomics Certification has requirements for professionals who want to obtain this certificate. These requirements include:
Professionals who hold this certification must recertify every five years. Those wishing to maintain their certification must provide proof that they have at least complied with two of the five requirements for recertification. These standards include:
2. Oxford Research Institute (ORI) certification
Professionals in ergonomics who work in industrial ergonomics or human factors engineering may find their careers benefited by earning the Oxford Research Institute Certification. This certification is provided by the ORI, and the program is accredited by the National Board of Ergonomic Certification. Professionals looking to earn this credential meet three criteria. These criteria include:
Obtaining certification through the ORI entitles practitioners to a number of advantages provided by the organization. For instance, those who hold certificates have access to free job placement services, research publications from the institute, and patent attorneys to safeguard their intellectual property after creating a tool or ergonomic technique.
3. Certified Office Ergonomics Specialist
Ergonomists can receive training on a variety of topics through the Certified Office Ergonomics Specialist credential. Professionals with this credential, for instance, learn how to carry out duties like:
Professionals working toward this credential complete an online training course. Once certified, they might be eligible for additional perks through the program. These advantages consist of a mentoring program, ongoing access to additional training materials, and the chance to attend monthly conferences with subject-matter experts.
4. Mathesons Ergonomic Evaluation Certificate
An introductory program is the Ergonomic Evaluation Certificate provided by Matheson. It trains ergonomists in nine key areas. Program development, risk assessment, survey execution, anthropometrics, industrial material handling, and control strategies are some of these areas of professional development. Although anyone can enroll in the course, those with prior experience in occupational or industrial rehabilitation are encouraged to do so. Ergonomist consultants or non-ergonomist employees who want to learn workplace risk assessment skills may benefit from this course.
5. Practice and Management of Occupational Ergonomics Certification
The Practice and Management of Occupational Ergonomics Certification is an advanced practice certificate in ergonomics assessment and methodology offered by the American Kinesiotherapy Association. The successful completion of a 16-hour training course is necessary to obtain this credential. Candidates in this program study the principles of occupational ergonomics as they relate to various contexts, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and standard office settings. The following professionals could gain the most from this training, despite the fact that there are no prerequisites for those seeking to enroll in this program:
6. Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator
The independent, nonprofit organization Humanscale offers a two-day course leading to the Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator credential. Candidates who want to work as professional ergonomic assessors are eligible for this certification. Candidates learn how to conduct ergonomic assessments for workplaces, including those at home. The first day of instruction teaches students how to evaluate spaces, identify health risks, and set up workspaces for worker efficiency and comfort. On the second day of the program, students gain practical experience that helps them develop their skills. Professionals who can benefit from this certification include:
7. Industrial Ergonomic Evaluator Certification
Professionals who have earned the Industrial Ergonomic Evaluator Certification are qualified to evaluate and suggest changes to industrial work environments. Through evidence-based assessment and consultation protocols, students in this program acquire knowledge and abilities to prevent accidents at the workplace. Holders of the certificate can conduct risk analyses and use assessment tools to determine the likelihood of upper and lower back injuries based on worksite ergonomics after completing the program. This is a certificate program at the entry level with no prerequisites for students. It takes three days to complete. Professionals who may benefit from having this certificate include:
8. Certified Remote Ergonomics Specialist
Ergonomists may choose to obtain the Certified Remote Ergonomist Specialist certificate in order to enhance the workspaces of employees who work remotely or from home. Many employees do so. This credential requires students to complete a 10-hour training course. Some topics that students study in the program include:
While there are no prerequisites for this training, it is advised that participants have at least one to two years of experience in ergonomics evaluation. For those who are interested in remote medical care, this can also be a fantastic opportunity. Some professionals who may benefit from this certification include:
What are ergonomic certifications?
Ergonomic certifications are assessment- and certification-based programs that attest a candidate possesses the skills necessary to work as an ergonomic specialist. You may need a bachelor’s, master’s, or higher degree, depending on the program, to obtain an ergonomic certification. By continuing your education while working as an ergonomic specialist, you can maintain your certification. Ergonomic certifications assist in evaluating a candidate’s expertise in performing particular ergonomic tasks. Often, candidates pass an exam to earn their certification.
Most certification programs are voluntary. Even though obtaining certification might enhance your employment prospects and aid in the development of more specialized or advanced ergonomics skills, the majority of professionals do not require certification for general practice. Your job search may benefit from researching potential employers to learn their expectations as some employers may prefer job candidates who have certification. Having certifications could increase your chances of landing a job by demonstrating your commitment to your position and enabling you to use specialized skills.
Who can benefit from earning ergonomic certification?
Numerous industries place a high value on ergonomics, and a variety of certificates can enable professionals to use their specialized knowledge in an ergonomics assessment. Professionals looking to advance their careers can benefit from earning a certification in addition to developing specialized skills. Here are some examples of who can benefit from certification:
Professionals who want to gain credibility
Professionals who are just starting out in the field may find it beneficial to obtain an ergonomic certification. Getting certified can help you build your career and establish credibility with potential customers or employers. If you have academic credentials in an ergonomics-related field, certification can also improve your reputation. Because certification indicates that you have successfully completed specialized training, it can serve as evidence of your expertise in the field.
Professionals seeking to increase their marketability
Private practitioners of ergonomics may attract more clients by demonstrating their possession of one or more certifications in the industry. For instance, if you are a private practitioner with board certification, clients may prefer to work with you over a candidate without board certification. This level of certification demonstrates your dedication to professional excellence, which can reassure clients that you are knowledgeable in the field.
Professionals seeking new jobs
Some employers may prefer candidates with certifications. Despite the fact that individuals without ergonomic accreditation can still find employment, this can help potential employers notice your resume during the application process. Possessing an ergonomic certification may increase your employment options. For instance, if you’re looking for employment opportunities with an employer who has many remote workers or provides telehealth care services, having the Remote Ergonomic Specialist certification may be beneficial. Your job application may stand out from those of other applicants with the help of this specialized certificate.
Professionals seeking new skills and knowledge
Candidates interested in expanding their knowledge in a specific ergonomic field can obtain certifications that address their area of interest. For instance, becoming certified in a specialty like industrial ergonomics could give you specialized knowledge and abilities that, as a general practitioner, you might not have. Certification can assist you in continuing your education because the field of ergonomics evolves over time with the creation of new research and the development of new tools and assessment methods. Understanding current trends in the industry enables you to use the most up to date evidence-based techniques in your work.
Professionals who wish to expand their professional networks
Expanding your professional network can be accomplished by enrolling in a certification program. The people you meet and the educators you connect with during training might help advance your career. A few certification programs also enable ergonomists to join particular professional associations. These organizations frequently host networking events, professional development workshops, and other occasions for field professionals to develop their networks and mutually support one another.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
Do ergonomic specialists require certification?
FAQ
How do I get certified in ergonomics?
Take and pass a 100-question exam with a 90% correct score Using one of the OSHA Ergonomics Risk Factor Checklists (W-1, D-2, or WAC), thoroughly evaluate one office and one industrial or healthcare job-related video, and then compile a Worksite Ergonomic Analysis Report (WEAR) for each of the videos selected.
Who is qualified to do an ergonomic assessment?
In some circumstances, an internal safety or human factors employee who is qualified to analyze an employee’s work environment and provide pertinent recommendations can carry out an ergonomic assessment.
What degree do you need to be a ergonomics?
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a subject like kinesiology, physiology, or biology will allow you to begin this career path. Others prefer consultants with a degree in occupational health and safety, while some employers favor candidates with a master’s degree in biomechanics, ergonomics, or human factors engineering.
Does OSHA require ergonomics training?
There are no specific training requirements for ergonomics. However, employees who have received training in recognizing and avoiding ergonomic risks are better able to do so, creating a safer work environment.
