Certification describes the minimum standards in training (general and ergonomics related education) and experience (professional practice in ergonomics) and as such benefits ergonomists and the users of ergonomics services likewise.

There are two levels of certification, Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) and Certified Ergonomist Associate (CEA). Details about the educational requirements and ergonomics practise are found in the application form and the Rules for Certification. Which can be found on the Resources Page .

A Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) covers the entire range and depth of ergonomics knowledge to address complex problems and advanced ergonomics technologies and methods. A CPE is expected to provide leadership in professional matters, to apply and develop methodologies for analysing, designing, testing, and evaluating system.

A Certified Ergonomics Associate (CEA) is an interventionist who applies a general breadth of knowledge to analysis and evaluation of currently operating work systems and whose scope of practice is limited to commonly accepted tools and techniques.

CERTIFIED ERGONOMICS ASSOCIATE	CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ERGONOMIST
EDUCATION:	EDUCATION:
- Undergraduate degree of no less than three years (NQF level 7) - Ergonomics Education: total 360 hrs in the prescribed knowledge areas	- At least five-year degree (NQF level 9, usually Masters degree) - Ergonomics Education: total of 660 hrs in the prescribed knowledge areas
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:	PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:
- Two years full-time in ERGONOMICS or equivalent amount part time - Work samples to prove ergonomics competencies - two thirds of professional practice after completion of education - can be shortened by 25% if mentored by certified professional	- Four years full-time in ERGONOMICS or equivalent amount part time - Work samples to prove ergonomics competencies - two thirds of professional practice after completion of education - can be shortened by 25% if mentored by certified professional

Applicants who have completed their education (general and ergonomics education), but do not yet have the required amount of professional practise may apply as CEA in training or CPE in training and may apply for transitioning to CEA or CPE respectively. The in-training designation is limited to three years for CEA and six years for CPE and may be suspended (on request) for the time an individual is registered full time for a higher degree.

View Flowchart of application management ( PDF )

Last updated: Aug 2021