Become a Technical Member

Education

What type and level of qualification you need

Main requirement

You need a minimum of a National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 which equates to a graduate degree, a BTEC level 6 or an NVQ level 6. If you have alternative qualifications, please contact us to discuss. 

Work experience

How much experience you need and how to document it

Main requirements

You need to have carried out ergonomics/human factors work for at least 200 days over a period of at least 2 years. You should have carried out at least 6 significant activities or projects during that time.

How to show this in your application

You'll need to complete a log book detailing your activities or projects. Your log book is a key part of your application as it demonstrates to the assessors the ergonomics and human factors work that you've 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 to 2 pages long and comprise:

1. A brief summary of the activity
2. Details of the ergonomics and human factors involved
3. A description of the outputs from the work
4. Details of how this work demonstrates your ergonomics and human factors approach

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a log book example?

Yes, we have an example that will give you guidance in the level of detail required to satisfy the assessors that your knowledge and competence meets the criteria required. Download our Technical Membership log book example.

Can I complete my log book retrospectively?

Yes, your log book can reflect work you have already done.

Evidence

What form your evidence can take and what you need to demonstrate

Main requirement

You need to support the log book by at least 5 documented examples of your work.

How to show this in your application

Your evidence could be 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.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as evidence?

Many different things can count as evidence for example, project reports you've been involved in, conference papers and posters you've written, book chapters you've contributed to, training material you've designed and webinar presentations you've given. This list is not exhaustive. The assessors may ask for more information if your contribution to the evidence is not clear or if the evidence is not strong enough.

Competence

What competence you need and how to link it to your work

Main requirement

I can cover a minimum of 60% of the competencies listed in the CIEHF Professional Competency Checklist. And I have higher proficiency in at least one section of the checklist.

How to show this in your application

A checklist of professional competencies has been developed by CIEHF as a guide to expected competencies for qualification as an ergonomist and human factors specialist. It can be used in conjunction with a proficiency scale to show progress in breadth and depth of skills and expertise as your career progresses.

The checklist forms part of the application for Technical Membership to help demonstrate breadth (through the number) and depth (through levels of proficiency) of claimed competencies. You will need to give evidence for all proficiency claims at level 4 or 5. Examples of these could be log book entries, training courses or a publication.

See the checklist and the guidance.

Referees

Who can be a referee and what they need to do

Main requirement

Learning Pathway route: You will need a mentor who is a Chartered member of the CIEHF and 1 referee.

Non-Learning Pathway route: You will need to find 2 referees, at least 1 of whom works outside your organisation, and at least 1 is a Registered Member or Fellow of the CIEHF (or equivalent in a related professional body).

How to show this in your application

Your 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. Download our referee report example.

Assessment

How your application will be assessed and how long it will take

How your application 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.

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 a 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.

Download the assessor guidance
Download 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, 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.

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 the post-nominal TechCIEHF, as recognition of your professional status.

What if my application is rejected?

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. We will then guide you through the process.