Education Requirements

A Certified Ergonomist has completed a Master’s level course in ergonomics. The required study load is 1500 hours or 60 ECTS credits. These can be accumulated in different ways: basic training, specialization, PhD. The following aspects qualify:

Course requirements 60 ECTS
Physical ergonomics
Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics Max. 2
Anthropometry
tables, spaces, models
Min. 2
Ergonomic risks:
lifting, repetitive, standing work, posture, strength…
Environmental factors:
lighting, noise, climate, vibration
Cognitive ergonomics
Psychology, motor learning, psychosocial aspects. Max. 2
Human machine interaction, information and operation Min. 2
Usability, user studies, usability testing
Mental strain, fatigue, attention
Organization ergonomics
Sociology, market research, time studies Max. 2
Work organization, flow, process analysis Min. 2
Participation, autonomy
Culture, change management
Motivation and behavior
Professional aspects
Definition, basic concepts Max. 2
Legislation, standards, practice guidelines
Presenting, communicating Max. 2
Ethics
Design
Methodology, systems approach, production systems Max. 2
Architecture, interior design
Design Guidelines
Research
Statistics, methodology, surveys Max. 2
Ergonomic measurement methods
EMG, posture, dynamometry, heart rate
Min. 2
Final work on ergonomics Max. 20
Course requirements 60 ECTS
Physical ergonomics
Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics Max. 2
Anthropometry
tables, spaces, models
Min. 2
Ergonomic risks:
lifting, repetitive, standing work, posture, strength…
Environmental factors:
lighting, noise, climate, vibration
Cognitive ergonomics
Psychology, motor learning, psychosocial aspects. Max. 2
Human machine interaction, information and operation Min. 2
Usability, user studies, usability testing
Mental strain, fatigue, attention
Organization ergonomics
Sociology, market research, time studies Max. 2
Work organization, flow, process analysis Min. 2
Participation, autonomy
Culture, change management
Motivation and behavior
Professional aspects
Definition, basic concepts Max. 2
Legislation, standards, practice guidelines
Presenting, communicating Max. 2
Ethics
Design
Methodology, systems approach, production systems Max. 2
Architecture, interior design
Design Guidelines
Research
Statistics, methodology, surveys Max. 2
Ergonomic measurement methods
EMG, posture, dynamometry, heart rate
Min. 2
Final work on ergonomics Max. 20

There is automatic recognition for training requirements in the courses listed below:

    • PhD in ergonomics-related subject
    • Odisee, Specialization in ergonomics
    • UMons/ULiège/UCL/ULB, Master gestion des risques et bien-être au travail
    • KU Leuven, Master’s degree in environmental and prevention management: 2011-2019
    • AMS, Specialization in ergonomics: 2007-2011
    • KU Leuven, Ergonomics and work organization: 1990-2000

The first 12 months of installing Certified Ergonomist one can also fulfill the training requirements through the ‘Grandfather principle’. These are ergonomists whose years of practice have made them a reference within the field on a national and/or international level.