Professional
Credentials
Professional
Credentials
You know, the field of radiation and radioactivity sounds pretty interesting.
Are there a lot of people that work in this area?
Yes there are. Many people fulfill roles as scientists, technicians, and
radiation protection professionals at government and commercial facilities
throughout the world.
Is there some form of license that attests to your qualifications?
There are actually two important credentials available to radiation protection
professionals. The first is Certification by the ABHP, and the second is
Registration by the NRRPT.
What is the ABHP?
The ABHP is an acronym that stands for the "American Board of Health Physics".
Sounds impressive. How did this Board start?
Well, shortly after the Health Physics Society (HPS), a professional
organization, was formed in 1956, a committee was established to examine
the need for and develop plans for certification of health physicists. (In
case you aren't familiar with the term, "health physicists" are those individuals
who by their education, training, and experience practice in the field of
radiation safety.) The committee eventually recommended that the ABHP be
established. Soon after . . . well, actually on November 8, 1958 . . . a
"temporary" ABHP was formed. Approximately one year later, on October 29,
1959, the ABHP was officially recognized as the Certifying organization for
health physicists following an amendment to the bylaws of the HPS.
What are the goals of the ABHP?
The ABHP is actually charged with three important tasks. The first is to
develop standards and procedures. The second is to examine (test) the proficiency
of candidates. And the third is to issue written proof of "certification"
to successful candidates who satisfy the Board's requirements.
So if you become certified, what designation do you achieve?
You are simply referred to as a "Certified Health Physicist" or a "CHP".
However, if you want to present a (perhaps) more interesting title, you can
also refer to yourself as a "Diplomate of the American Board of Health Physics"!
All of these titles are equivalent.
Ok, you've got me interested. Where do I begin if I want to be a
CHP?
First, you have to submit an application to the ABHP. The ABHP requires that
each candidate have a minimum level of education and experience in the field
of health physics (or closely related) in order to meet their criteria to
take the exam. The application must be submitted by January 15 of the year
in which you hope to take the exam. Included in the application process are
requirements for references from individuals who know you and who can attest
to your capabilities and potential "readiness" for success on the exam. And
of course, there is an application fee!
Sounds fair. Now tell me about the examination.
Sure. First, the exam is offered each year at the time of the annual HPS
meeting, which is typically in June or July. Candidates that are approved
to sit for the exam may opt to take the exam at the site of the annual meeting.
Alternatively, you may wish to go to one of several "satellite" exam locations
in various parts of the country that have been approved in advance by the
ABHP.
Okay, what about the test itself?
Well, it is not a single exam. It actually consists of two parts, appropriately
known as Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 consists of 150 multiple-choice questions
covering fundamental topics in health physics. The candidate has three hours
to complete this portion of the exam. It is then graded by the Part 1 Panel
of Examiners. The final score is compared to a passing score established
by the ABHP, the candidate is informed as to whether he/she was successful.
And if you are successful?
You're on your way! However, you are not a Certified Health Physicist yet
. . . although you may designate yourself as an "Associate" member of the
American Academy of Health Physics (AAHP). This designation acknowledges
the effort that has already been made by candidates on the road to Certification.
You said the test was in two parts. What about Part 2?
In contrast to Part 1, Part 2 is six hours long, and is divided into two
sections. The first section covers six "core" questions, which all candidates
must answer. The second section consists of seven "specialty" questions.
The candidate must choose and answer any four questions. Each question has
a maximum score assigned to it. Once the candidate submits the completed
exam, the panel of examiners reviews and grades the responses. Candidates
who satisfactorily complete both Parts 1 and 2 (not necessarily in that order)
achieve "Comprehensive Certification" by the ABHP and are henceforth entitled
to call themselves CHPs.
Ok, stop right there. What is this American Academy of Health Physics
you keep referring to?
Good question. The AAHP was created in 1982 when it was felt the growing
number of CHPs should have more input and participation in the certification
process. Accordingly, the AAHP provides a mechanism for CHPs to assist in
the selection of board members and ongoing programs associated with the Academy.
Okay, thanks. Now let me get back to the exam. How long does the candidate
have to wait to hear from the Board after a Part 1 or Part 2 exam is
taken?
The candidate is typically informed of the exam results in late November,
approximately five months after the exam. Yes, both the exam and the subsequent
waiting process lend themselves to periods of nervousness, but remember,
important milestones are not achieved without a lot of effort . . . and some
anxious moments.
Really, though, is becoming a CHP that important?
Absolutely. This is a significant professional milestone for practicing health
physicists. Certainly it is true that pursuit of this designation rests with
an individual's personal career goals and perhaps the expectations of the
company they wish to work for. While it is not always a necessary prerequisite
to fulfill a particular work assignment, in many instances it is a fundamental
requirement to work for a certain company or to tackle a particular
radiation-related job or task. In any case, it is the ultimate "benchmark"
for a professional health physicist and one that we at IEM believe is truly
worth pursuing.
How many CHPs are there?
Well, the number varies of course with each passing year. As new candidates
are certified, others retire, and some become "inactive". As of the year
1999, for example, there were 1,169 active CHPs and 174 active "emeritus"
CHPs, for a total of 1,343 active CHPs. For a variety of reasons and
circumstances that are only aware to them, there were also 303 CHPs
who were listed as being on inactive status with the AAHP. However,
all of these numbers have changed somewhat since then.
Well now you've got me wondering what the distinction is between an "active"
and "inactive" CHP.
It is an important distinction. Essentially, an active CHP fulfills the
requirements of the AAHP by continuing to study his/her profession on an
ongoing basis, such as staying current with the scientific literature, attending
approved scientific meetings and courses, etc., submitting annual dues, and
maintaining the specified standards of professional responsibility. An inactive
CHP has opted to forego one or more of these requirements.
How is an ongoing active certification status documented?
To maintain an active certification, the CHP is required to accrue 64 continuing
education credits through various means over the course of each four-year
period. The principal ways are through attendance at local and national health
physics society meetings, participating in professional enrichment program
(PEP) and continuing education (CE) courses offered by/through the HPS, and
by taking (or teaching) other approved courses. This information is submitted
to the HPS once every four years. Once approved, and as long as the rest
of the requirements have been met, the CHP begins another four year
re-Certification cycle.
Can an inactive CHP regain active status?
Yes, it is possible and has actually occurred. The individual would be required
to contact the AAHP and discuss the approach, however, since each case is
different. However, once the conditions for re-Certification are met, the
individual would return to the active status.
The number of CHP's you cited a moment ago doesn't seem like a large
number.
How right you are! It certainly isn't. For that reason, it is a designation
that an individual can proudly point to as a unique sign of achievement within
the radiation safety profession.
Does IEM have any CHPs on board?
We certainly do. All of our senior-level staff members know first-hand what
it takes to meet this milestone, since they are all CHPs.
Where can I learn more about the AAHP and the ABHP?
The AAHP and the ABHP share a common website at http://www.aahp-abhp.org.
There you can learn much more about these important organizations, including
the latest certification figures. The HPS can be contacted through its website
at http://www.hps.org or by telephoning society headquarters in McLean, Virginia
at 703-790-1745.
At the start of this conversation you mentioned something called the "NRRPT".
What is that all about?
The NRRPT stands for "National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists",
an organization established in 1976 for verifying the knowledge level of
Radiation Protection Technologists (RPTs).
And its purpose?
Unlike the AAHP and ABHP, the NRRPT focuses on the Registration (not
Certification) of radiation protection (health physics) technicians.
I'm a little puzzled. Why would a person pursue ABHP certification versus
NRRPT registration or vice versa?
An excellent question! First be aware there are several individuals that
have achieved both credentials with the NRRPT often being the first step
and the ABHP following later. However, one is not necessarily a precursor
tothe other. While the response to this question will differ somewhat depending
upon whom you speak to, here is a pretty good contrast: To begin with, health
physicists, or radiation protection professionals, develop, control, and
monitor equipment and programs to protect individuals and the environment
from the potentially harmful effects of radiation during the use and operation
of radiation-producing machines and radioactive materials. As with any other
field, the practice of health physics can demand different qualifications,
depending upon the needs of the employer and the type of radiological work
to be performed. So while an ABHP certified individual is often responsible
for overseeing a health physics program and interpreting the results of field
and analytical data, a NRRPT registered technician ordinarily supports the
operational objectives of the program, that is, actually performing the field
measurements, collecting samples, monitoring personnel exposures, controlling
contamination, and a host of other critical tasks.
So one is not better than the other?
Nothing can be farther from the truth. A Registered technician
will typically not have the same type of responsibility as a CHP, but the
amount of responsibility can be equal and sometimes even greater. Because
of the distinction of achieving NRRPT Registration, this technician is positively
viewed and respected by his/her peers, by radiation workers for whom they
are responsible, by regulatory authorities, and by management.
How is Registration accomplished?
Similar to the ABHP process, the candidate submits an application (including
references) with an accompanying fee. Upon concurrence from the Board of
the NRRPT that the candidate satisfies the necessary educational and experience
requirements, the candidate is permitted to sit for the examination.
What educational requirements do I need to enter and then advance in the
health physics field?
A bachelor's degree in physics will generally qualify graduates for entry
into the health physics field. And there are several programs around the
country that offer an Associates Degree in Health Physics or Radiation Protection
Technology. Course work in physics, math, chemistry, biology, statistics,
and computer sciences is essential. Some individuals enter the profession
with a bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline, and take additional
courses in health physics. Many health physicists earn a bachelor's degree
in a physical, biological, or engineering science and then complete graduate
study in nuclear physics, radiation physics, bionucleonics, or a related
specialty.
So a degree in physics isn't necessary?
No. However a broad-based science degree is. On the other hand, if you enter
the profession and wish to pursue Certification by the American Board of
Health Physics, you must complete specific requirements of study and professional
experience (typically a 4-year technical degree and five years of experience).
And as we mentioned previously, you must pass an examination designed to
test your competence in the field of health physics, you must subscribe to
the Standards of Professional Responsibility as set forth by the AAHP, and
you must maintain continuing certification/education as established by the
AAHP. These requirements are established and administered by the ABHP.
What about the amount of experience necessary to sit for the NRRPT
exam?
We encourage applicants to check directly with the NRRPT to ensure their
requirements have not changed. Typically, however, at least five years of
operational (hands-on) experience is required in order to be eligible to
sit for the exam. The NRRPT will consider waiving a portion of the experience
requirement for individuals with a Master's or Doctorate degree.
So I can't get out of the exam if I opt to pursue Registration,
huh?
Unfortunately, no. Similar to Part 1 of the ABHP exam, the NRRPT exam also
covers health physics fundamentals, focusing on areas considered relevant
to the types of activities a technician needs to know to perform his or her
job adequately.
Why did you say Part 1 only, and not Part 2?
Because the NRRPT exam is a series of 150 multiple choice questions taken
over a period of three hours . . . the same format used by the ABHP for Part
1.
When is the exam offered?
The NRRPT exam is offered in February and August of each year. And f there
is sufficient need and demand, additional exam dates will be set.
What happens if I apply to take the NRRPT exam, I am accepted and I
pass?
Your family, friends, co-workers, and everyone around you will congratulate
you and designate you - rightfully - as a Registered Radiation Protection
Technologist. We hope you will then put the initials "RRPT" after your name!
Then what?
Well, you definitely can't rest on your laurels. There are requirements which
must be completed in order to maintain registration.
What do you mean?
In January of 1999, the NRRPT instituted a Registration Maintenance Program
to assure that registered technicians maintain their professional qualifications.
Basically, the registrant must participate in professional development activities
that have been approved by the NRRPT and must also maintain membership in
the Registry for the entire maintenance cycle.
Is there more?
The maintenance cycle covers a calendar year (January 1 to December 31) period.
Twenty credits must be earned in each five year cycle.
Does IEM have any Registered technicians on staff?
Absolutely. All of our Project Managers maintain Registration by the NRRPT.
We feel this is a vital credential for insuring the radiological safety of
people, facilities and the environment for the duration of our projects.
If I want to learn more, how can I contact the NRRPT?
The NRRPT is located in Kennewick, Washington. For individuals interested
in pursuing registration, you really should visit the NRRPT's website at
http://www.nrrpt.org/. The Executive Secretary can be contacted by telephone
at 509-736-5400 or via e-mail at nrrpt@aol.com.
Why is it so important to IEM that its radiation protection professionals
be credentialed?
There are many reasons. However, the most overwhelming one is the fact that
companies looking for assistance on radiological issues want real -
as opposed to self-professed - radiation protection professionals on their
team. Sometimes they have already learned, through an unfortunate prior
experience, that it can be costly and even dangerous to work with individuals
with narrow experience and knowledge, or those without an adequate understanding
of basic radiation protection theory and principles.
You mean people actually practice radiation protection with deficient
qualifications?
Unfortunately, they do. Furthermore, these are the first ones to assure you
that they are "every bit as qualified as any ivory tower health physicist".
They are also prone to preying on the fear value associated with radioactivity
and radiation as a means of maximizing their financial gains.
So how do I avoid these rascals?
One way is to interview your service vendors carefully, and to check every
one of their references. (Be sure those references are from solving problems
similar to yours!) You should even ask to see example products and
deliverables so that you can evaluate the quality of the vendor's work and
their ability to communicate clearly what are often highly technical concepts.
A credible vendor would be pleased to provide you with as many examples as
you can stand. And don't forget to ask your regulatory authorities
whether they have ever heard of the vendor and/or its key radiation protection
staff; bearing in mind, of course, that if the answer is "yes", it could
be either a good or a bad thing.
Hm-m-m . . . sounds tough. Isn't there an easier way?
There sure is! Since credentialed personnel have already demonstrated, to
the satisfaction of their examining boards, that they have achieved the minimum
level of education, experience and technical competence necessary to be a
radiation protection professional, you can always insist that the radiological
professional(s) working for you be either a CHP or an RRPT, depending upon
the type of problem to be addressed.
Or I could just call IEM . . . right?
Come to think of it, that's not a bad idea!
Copyright © Integrated Environmental Management, Inc., 2000