Why get accredited?
Quality
It shows that your course has been assessed as meeting high standards of content and training, which attracts delegates who want to learn practical human factors tools and techniques.
Promotion
Courses accredited by us are promoted here and in response to enquiries for training. We only recommend accredited courses to people who ask us about human factors training.
Recognition
You can use a special CIEHF-accredited training course logo and the text “This is a CIEHF Accredited Training Course” in the publicity for your course, enabling it to stand out from the crowd.
What's needed?
If you'd like to get your course recognised as an accredited training course (or 'Short Course'), click on each item below to find out more about the different requirements for your application.
Content
Requirements
You must demonstrate that the content is within the scope of the IEA ergonomics definition adopted by CIEHF as follows:
“Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.”
The course content description must also clearly demonstrate:
- What's being taught on the course.
- How and where the content fits into the system view of the discipline.
- How long the course is.
- What the target learning objectives are.
- Who the target audience is and any relevant prerequisites.
- What competencies if any should be achieved.
- What materials are being used.
- What resources are required.
Competencies
Requirements
The course content must cover the first of the Professional Competency Checklist areas: ‘Ergonomics/human factors principles’ and teach delegates how to identify and apply methods of analysis, evaluation and validation with respect to human interfaces for tasks, activities and environments.
The course may also cover one or more of the other 4 areas:
- Ergonomics/human factors theory and practice
- Human capabilities and limitations
- Design and development of systems
- Professional skills and implementation
Vocational training courses must cover at least 5 elements within the Professional Competencies Checklist.
Trainers
Requirements
All trainers must hold suitable and sufficient qualifications and experience in the topics being taught, and be able to cover the scope and depth of the content.
All trainers must be able to demonstrate practical application of the material they are teaching and show evidence of the knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary to manage and deliver the course.
Trainers must have experience in teaching, ideally to include a qualification such as City & Guilds 7303 or 6302 or other Level 3 award.
Other evidence of training experience can be submitted in lieu of a teaching qualification, such as feedback from delegates who have attended your course in the last two years, and or any related, recent (within the last two years) CPD that relates to teaching.
Assessment
How your course is assessed
Two 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.
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.
See the assessor guidance
See the assessor checklist
Frequently asked questions
How long will the assessment process take?
That depends on several things such as the quality and completeness of your application. 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.
If my application is successful, what happens then?
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 a special logo to promote your course as being accredited.
What if my application is rejected?
You will be given guidance as to the areas in which it was felt that the application was lacking, so that you get a chance to improve the material and could reapply in the future.
Ready to apply?
If you think you're ready to apply, this is what you'll need to do.
- Complete the Professional Competency Checklist. Download the Checklist.
- Gather digital copies of the course material including a detailed syllabus and information on course design, timetable, content, components, practical work, hand-outs, reading lists and target audience.
- Gather trainer CVs and any other documentation that demonstrates the course meets all the requirements.
- Fill in an application form.
- Email the application form to us, together with the Checklist, course documents and trainer CVs.
- Pay the application fee when you receive our invoice.