Resource Information on Professional Certification Associated With Health Physics

Certification Organizations

American Academy of Health Physics

The American Academy of Health Physics (AAHP) advances the profession of health physics and encourages the highest standards of ethics and integrity in its members. The AAHP offers membership to all individuals who have been granted certification in comprehensive health physics by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP). Associate membership in the AAHP is offered to those individuals who sit for and successfully pass one of the two parts of the certification examination.

The AAHP is incorporated as a nonprofit organization. This website includes information regarding the organization of the academy, its leadership, its membership, and other useful items.

The certification process, including requirements for certification, is under the purview of the ABHP. Information on these requirements along with all necessary forms and information on the membership of the Board and Examination Panels may be found at the associated ABHP website at this link or at the link in the header.

American Board of Health Physics

Certification indicates that the recipient has completed certain requirements of study and professional experience, which the ABHP considers to constitute an adequate foundation in health physics, and has passed an examination designed to test competence in this field. Holders of ABHP certification may identify themselves as either certified health physicists (CHP) or diplomates of the American Board of Health Physics (DABHP). It should be recognized that the certificate awarded by the ABHP is not a license and, therefore, does not confer a legal qualification to practice health physics.

American Board of Medical Physics

Established in 1987, the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) certifies physicists and related scientists to practice clinical medical physics and perform research on human subjects. Originally, the ABMP certified medical physicists in the traditional disciplines of radiation therapy physics and diagnostic imaging physics but by agreement with the American Board of Radiology in 2001, the ABMP discontinued new examinations in these two subdisciplines. Certificates are issued to candidates who have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency by successfully completing comprehensive written and oral examinations. Currently, the two primary certificates are offered in the field of radiological sciences: magnetic resonance imaging physics and medical health physics. The ABMP also has ongoing programs for the maintenance of certifications in radiation therapy physics, diagnostic imaging physics, magnetic resonance imaging physics, and medical health physics.

National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists

The objective of the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) is to encourage and promote the education and training of radiation protection technologists and, by doing so, promote and advance the science of health physics.  Registered practitioners are persons who have satisfied their registration maintenance requirements or who have not yet come to the conclusion of their first cycle. Practitioners actively support the NRRPT by paying an annual sustaining fee.

American Board of Radiology

A certificate will be issued to each candidate who has satisfactorily met the training requirements specified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and has passed the computer-based examinations (Part 1 and Part 2) and the oral examination (Part 3), demonstrating an adequate level of knowledge and ability in medical physics in accordance with the definition as stated in the bylaws, policies, and procedures of the ABR. ABR Medical Physics Certificates issued in 2002 and beyond are time-limited certificates.

Board of Laser Safety

The Board of Laser Safety (BLS) offers two types of certification. The first type is called certified laser safety officer (CLSO) and is intended for professionals who are working with lasers in a scientific, manufacturing, or industrial environment. The second type is called certified medical laser safety officer (CMLSO) and is intended for professionals who are working with lasers in any medical environment. 

Working in laser safety can be highly competitive, and becoming certified can help you stand out from other job candidates. At the same time, becoming certified adds a higher level of credibility to your "on the job" experience. The combination of laser safety experience and certification demonstrates to current and potential employers that you are accomplished and qualified in the field.

"BLS certification demonstrates to the public, colleagues, and employers one's qualifications and proficiencies," states BLS Executive Director Barbara Sams. "It identifies the individual as an LSO who has achieved a specific level of knowledge and expertise, and possesses a higher level of commitment to the industry. It enhances the LSO's credibility as the authoritative individual responsible for the facility's laser safety program."