BICE

What is BICE?

BICE is an independent institution for recognizing ergonomists who live or work in Belgium. Based on training, work experience and continuing education, BICE awards the title “Recognized Ergonomist,” “Ergonome Certifié” or “Certified Ergonomist.

BICE meets the international standards of a certification body. When a government does not certify a profession, a certification body can do so according to ISO/IEC 17024. This describes the general requirements for institutions performing certification of persons. In doing so, BICE guarantees the confidentiality of the information given in the context of a certification.

BICE was created with the support of VerV, Professional Association for Ergonomics, in Belgium. Accreditation is open to all candidates who meet the criteria and live or work in Belgium.

Why Approved Ergonomist?

    • Encouraging young ‘ergonomists’ to pursue specialization
    • Encouraging educated ergonomists to undertake further training
    • Valuation of ergonomist position within company
    • Learning good practices for study days
    • First step to making ergonomist a profession
    • More correct use of the term ergonomist and prevention advisor ergonomist
    • Strategy to strengthen quality of the profession

Procedure

A new application to become an Approved Ergonomist can easily be made via the ‘apply’ button. A questionnaire about your education, work experience and continuing education will guide you through the criteria of Approved Ergonomist.

Every year in December, the Certified Ergonomist will receive a questionnaire regarding achievements at work and ergonomics-related continuing education during the past year. This should be completed annually.

If you do not have sufficient continuing education due to circumstances, you can make up for it in the coming year. The BICE committee will follow up with you on this.

Committee

The committee processes Approved Ergonomist applications and reviews the criteria. One usually does or does not meet the unified criteria. An individual pathway for training requirements is also reviewed by the committee.

Every year this committee also reviews the achievements and continuing education of the Approved Ergonomist. An important criterion for the achievements is “adapting the system to the person”. The 2 days of in-service training should be primarily ergonomics-related.

The committee consists of assessors with international experience in recognizing ergonomists. They know and master the international criteria that serve as the basis for the title of Approved Ergonomist.