The Steps Towards HFACS Certification
The Human Factors Analysis Classification System (HFACS) is recognized as the “Gold Standard” in human factors analysis and classification. HFACS has direct application to accident investigation and analysis, risk reduction, safety, quality and productivity improvement. HFACS certification ensures that users of the system have legitimate credentials and clearly identifies them as industry leaders.
HFACS, Inc. offers two levels of Certification. They are the “Associate” HFACS Professional (AHP) and the “Certified” HFACS Professional (CHP). Certification involves a combination of professional, classroom and field experience using the HFACS system, and passing an online exam. Submission of a work product is required for those hoping to become a “Certified” HFACS Professional.
Associate HFACS Professional
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or 2 years professional experience. Evidence must be submitted along with application.
- Attend a 2 or 3 day workshop or complete HFACS, Inc. online training
- Apply for the AHP certification
- Complete and email the application form to info@hfacs.com
- Complete required readings (Wiegmann & Shappell, 2003; James Reason, 1990)
- Pass the AHP Exam with a score of 80% (Basic HFACS)
- Maintain and renew your certification every year*
*Requires (a) continuing education such as the completion of an approved human factors (HF) or safety related course, publication on a HF or safety related topic in a professional journal, attendance at a HF or safety conference, etc., and (b) annual submission of the HFACS certification renewal information form.
Certified HFACS Professional
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university and 2 years of professional experience or 5 years professional experience. Evidence must be submitted along with application.
- Submit an application for CHP certification
- AHP Designation achieved and verified by the HFACS administrator
- Complete a work product using HFACS
- Submit an HFACS work product
- Maintain and renew your certification every year*
* Requires (a) continuing education such as the completion of an approved human factors (HF) or safety related course, publication on a HF or safety related topic in a professional journal, attendance at a HF or safety conference, etc., and (b) annual submission of the HFACS certification renewal information form.
HFACS Certification Fees
| HFACS Workshop | (see HFACS website for fee schedule) |
| HFACS online training | (see HFACS website for fee schedule) |
| Application Fee | 150.00 USD |
| Exam Fee | 150.00 USD |
| Annual Renewal FEE | 125.00 USD |
Professional Experience
The HFACS certification is intended to enhance the existing Safety Professional’s knowledge and skills related to accident investigation and analysis using the HFACS system. As such, a certain level of proficiency in the Safety field is required. Professional experience is credited through a combination of academic and/or field experience.
Certification Levels
The Associate HFACS Professional (AHP) is an entry-level certification designed to provide the basic HFACS user the opportunity to become familiar with the system. This level requires practical application and passage of an online Basic HFACS exam. The Certified HFACS Professional (CHP) has demonstrated by practical application, submission of work product and passage of an exam their advanced knowledge and skills using the HFACS system. There is no minimum time that a person must possess the AHP designation before applying for the CHP designation, as long as all requirements have been met. This will enable those that have already been using the system to gain rapid certification based upon previous work.
Required Reading
You are required to read the following reference materials in preparation for taking the certification exam.
- “A Human Error Approach to Aviation Accident Analysis” by Douglas A. Wiegmann and Scott A. Shappell; 2003.
- “Human Error” by James Reason; 1990.
Acceptable Work Products
- Your documented completion of 10 Accident Investigations or Analyses. Names and other personal or confidential information should be redacted when submitting a package for review.
- HFACS nano-codes selection based upon your Company needs.
- An essay detailing how you intend to implement HFACS into your Company’s systems and processes.
- An article you have written in a professional journal regarding the use of HFACS.
Exam
The Exam is based upon the knowledge provided in the required reading, workshops or online CBT courses. Passing the HFACS exam is required prior to submitting work products and/or application for certification. A passing grade is 80%. You must also meet the minimum educational and/or work experience requirements. When ready, submit an e-mail request to sit for the exam (info@hfacs.com). Upon review of your HFACS training file, the administrator will send a link to the exam site. You will be required to purchase the exam using a major credit card. There is no limit to the amount of times you may take the exam; however, you must pay the exam fee each time you take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the administrator will advise you that you meet the requirements and need to submit an application and, if applicable, a work product.
