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The Need For Certification
Ergonomists are individuals with a wide range of training in ergonomics/human factors. Law in Canada has not restricted the term Ergonomist such that anyone, regardless of knowledge and competency, can refer to themselves as an “Ergonomist”. In order to protect employers and the public, a voluntary professional certification program is available through the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE). Certification through the CCCPE provides the designation “CCPE” (Certified Canadian Professional Ergonomist), and has been available since 1999. The Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE) designation is the only ergonomics/human factors certification in Canada, which requires applicants to meet a consistent set of standards in education and professional competencies across the full scope of ergonomics and human factors. The Associate Ergonomist (AE) designation is earned by individuals who have met the ergonomics/human factors education requirements to move towards the CCPE designation. The administration of these designations is performed by the CCCPE Board, which has the sole purpose of providing a certification program that ensures a minimum level of knowledge and skills in ergonomics/human factors. Applicants who attain the CCPE designation, or the AE designation, must comply with the CCCPE Code of Ethics.
A Brief History
The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) (formerly the Human Factors Association of Canada/ Association Canadienne d’ Ergonomie, HFAC/ACE) was founded in 1968. In response to an increasing interest within the Canadian human factors community for professional credentials, HFAC/ACE established a two-member Committee (Dr. Robert Webb and Dr. Paul Stager, both university professors) on Professional Education. A comprehensive paper on the Committee’s report was presented at the 23rd annual conference of HFAC/ACE (in 1990). Also about this time, members of HFAC/ACE were actively meeting with and encouraging University departments of psychology, kinesiology and industrial or system engineering to broaden and/or integrate their course offerings related to Human Factors and Ergonomics into major or minor degree programs. In 1998 the Executive Council established the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists. The Executive Council of HFAC/ACE selected the first president (Dr. Alison Smiley) and seven other members were then selected to serve, with the aim of creating a Board for the College that was representative with respect to geography, language and the physical and cognitive areas of the discipline as well as ensuring that both language groups were served. In 2000, a Code of Ethics for Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomists (a code that was initiated by a Quebec committee several years before) was approved with a vote at the ACE AGM.
In 2020, the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists was granted International Ergonomics Association (IEA) endorsement.
Why Get Certified
With the growing recognition of the field of ergonomics and human factors, there has been increased demand for ergonomic services. These services are currently offered by individuals with a wide range of training in ergonomics. Certification, with its requirement to meet a set of standards in training and experience, is important both for ergonomists and for the users of ergonomic services.Becoming certified is evidence of a minimum level of professional competence since a certification program tests the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a job. It is not to be confused with a “certificate program”. A certificate program assesses whether a student has learned specific objectives provided in an educational or training program. Becoming certified will:
Protect Consumers
Users of ergonomics services will be able to identify a professional who has met a predetermined set of professional and educational standards.
Protect The Field
The reputation of ergonomics depends on the professionalism of its practitioners.
Enhance Credibility
Gain professional credibility and enhance practice quality with certification from Canada’s only internationally recognized ergonomics certifying body.
Provide Personal Satisfaction
Proof of professional competence is gratifying.
Improve Earning Capacity
Employers prefer to hire certified professionals: Ergonomists’ salaries are increasing.
Enhance Career Prospects
CCPEs and AEs have better opportunities to be hired and to be promoted.
Our Leadership Team
The CCCPE Board of Directors is composed of accomplished leaders in the field of ergonomics and human factors. Each board member brings a wealth of expertise and experience, demonstrating excellence in applying ergonomic principles to enhance human well-being and system performance. Together, they guide the CCCPE in upholding the highest standards of certification, advancing professional practice, and promoting the critical role of ergonomists in diverse industries across Canada and beyond.
President
Christine Joli-Coeur, CCPE
Ergonomist, Public Services Health and Safety Association Eastern, ON
Secretary
Tegan Slot, CCPE
Manager, Workplace Wellbeing
Public Services Health and Safety Association, Ottawa, ON
Treasurer
Gina Vahlas, CCPE
Occupational Hygiene OfficerWorkSafeBC, Surrey, BC
Director
Oluwatobi Durowoju, CCPE
Senior Ergonomist, EWI Works Inc., Edmonton, AB
Director
Jeanne Guerin, ECCPE
Certified Trainer, Ergonovix Inc. Blainville, QC
Director
Rob Fontaine, CCPE
Consultant, Integrate Health, Founder and CEO, Campbell River, BC
Director
Donya Dales, CCPE
EHS Manager / Ergonomist, Wajax Limited, ON
Director
Shona Anderson, CCPE
President, Anderson Ergonomics Consulting Inc., Calgary, AB
Past President
Aaron Miller, CCPE
Director , Interior Health, Kelowna, BC
Our Foundation:
The CCCPE Constitution
The Constitution of the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE) outlines the guiding principles, mission, and structure of our organization. It serves as the cornerstone for promoting excellence in ergonomics, ensuring the integrity of our certification process, and upholding the highest standards of professional practice.
Our Commitment:
The CCCPE Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics of the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE) defines the ethical standards and responsibilities expected of all certified professionals. It reflects our dedication to integrity, accountability, and the promotion of human well-being, ensuring trust and excellence in the practice of ergonomics.
