Are You Really Certified?

In January 2009 NOCA published its Standard 1100, Standard for Assessment-based Certificate Programs.

Among the purposes of the standard is "to aid stakeholders in gaining a better understanding of the distinctions between assessment-based certificate programs, ... and professional or personnel certification programs." (NOCA 1100, Introduction)

According to the standard, a "certificate" program performs three functions:

1. Provides a training course.

2. Gives a test on course content.

3. Awards a certificate only to those who pass the required course/test.

Those who complete a certificate program may NOT use acronyms or letters after their names, nor may they use the word "certified" in describing their credential.

By contrast, a professional "certification" program performs two functions:

1. Delivers an assessment which is based on industry knowledge, independent from training courses or course providers.

2. Grants a time-limited credential to those who meet the assessment standards.

Those who complete a professional certification program use acronyms and letters after their names and use the word "certified" in describing their credential.

Certification programs that qualify as such according to Standard 1100 include designations offered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH), the Institute for Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) and the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC).