If you wish to or currently do work in ergonomics and human factors in Europe then you could consider applying for registration as a European Ergonomist or Eur.Erg.
Having European Ergonomist registration is evidence of the high level of your professional standing. It is recognised across Europe as being held by committed dedicated professionals in human factors or ergonomics. Registration shows that you have:
- a broad education in ergonomics at university level
- at least three years of practical experience as an ergonomist
- continuously developed your skills in ergonomics
- been granted professional certification following a peer review process
It is particularly relevant if you wish to work on European standards, research projects, industry, technical network groups or consultancy work in Europe. You may be working in research related to practical application of information and knowledge or be in professional employment in consultancies or other businesses.
There are over 400 European Ergonomists, about a tenth from the UK. The registration process starts locally with review by the CIEHF panel responsible for these applications and is overseen by the Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists (CREE).
Minimum requirements for CREE registration
You should be a professional ergonomist or human factors specialist who has a knowledge of the principles of ergonomics and of the relevant human characteristics in the areas of anatomy physiology psychology and social organisation as well as knowledge of the how the physical environment affects people. You need to provide satisfactory evidence of the following:
- Three years of university level education at least one of which is dedicated to ergonomics
- At least one year of supervised training
- At least two years of professional experience following supervised training
- Use of statistical techniques experimental design methods and approaches to investigate modify or design working equipment or workplaces for human benefit
- Experience in taking full responsibility for the use and application of ergonomics knowledge and methods in practical work over a period of not less than two years beyond your main ergonomics education and training
You must agree to abide by the CREE Code of Conduct.
The registration fee is £250 and registration is valid for 5 years.
How to apply
You will need to email the following documents to the Chair of the CIEHF CREE panel Mike Gray with a copy to the CIEHF:
- An up-to-date CV that includes your job history (specifically in the last five years) ergonomics projects you have undertaken together with levels of responsibility your areas of work within ergonomics your achievements and a list of your significant publications
- CPD records with learning outcomes from specific activities or events attended over the course of the last 2-3 years together with a forward plan
- a completed CREE New Applicant Summary Form
- a completed CREE New Applicant Education Form
Renewing your registration
At least 3 months before your renewal is due you will be contacted and invited to renew your registration. You must be able to demonstrate that you are still employed actively in ergonomics. You will need to email the following documents to the Chair of the CIEHF CREE panel Mike Gray with a copy to the CIEHF:
- An up-to-date CV that includes your job history (specifically in the last five years) ergonomics projects you have undertaken together with levels of responsibility your areas of work within ergonomics your achievements and a list of your significant publications
- CPD records with learning outcomes from specific activities or events attended over the course of the last 5 years together with a forward plan
- a completed CREE Renewal Summary Form
What happens next?
Mike Gray, CIEHF CREE Panel chair, will assist you with your application and will organise for your documents to be reviewed by the Panel. At this point you will be invoiced for the application fee. If this initial review is successful your application will be passed on to the CREE Council for approval. If your application is approved you will be issued with a certificate and your name will appear in the register of European Ergonomists and on the CREE website.
About CREE
With the advent of open borders for labour movement it was apparent to the national ergonomics societies within the European Union that some common agreement on the level of expertise to be expected of a competent ergonomist was required for the benefit of those wishing to use the services of a human factors or ergonomics practitioner. To this end the International Ergonomics Association and national societies collaborated to prepare an agreement. In June 1992 a report recommended the harmonisation of professional training and from this the minimum requirements for registration were defined. The Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists CREE was established to undertake and administer the registration process in the European region. CREE has a President Treasurer Secretary and a Council made up of one representative from each of the 12 national ergonomics societies and associations. CREE Council meets twice a year typically June and November to consider new applications or renewals.