HP Certification

[John C White <ohjcw@utxdp.dp.utexas.edu>]

I have followed the discussions with much interest, as I (Like so many others)
am at a crossroads requiring a decision:  Should I pursue CHP or another
certification?  After 22 years in the field of radiation effects on systems,
from NAA in a lab marine system, to certification as a Nuclear Med Tech, to
Nuclear Effects Engineering of communications electronics, to research Reactor
Health Physics, now an Academic RSO, it seems logical that CHP should be my
next step.  But I'm not so sure.  I am deeply concerned that the Health Physics
Society allows to stand an 18% pass rate for certification of its members.
Where is the Society's support for those who wish to become certified in its
specialty?  Where are the readily available study guidelines and test-taking
techniques?  Why does this professional society NOT provide assistance to its
members in achieving certification?  There are a number of high-quality private
organizations who do a superior job of training customers to pass the CHP exam,
for a fee.  It seems to me that the HPS owes its members an effort to improve
the profession in general by organizing information to assist its members in
taking and passing both parts of the exam.  Perhaps this topic should be
discussed in Seattle.  For myself, I have broadened my search beyond the
area of Health Physics alone, and will pursue certification not only in Health
Physics, but also in Industrial Hygeine.  The IH professional societies have
broadened their efforts in the area of radiation (Witness the non-ionizing
symposium presented in California last fall).  I have received information on
studying for the CIH examination which includes resources for support.  I think
the calibre of persons in the HPS certainly lends itself to an effort which
would improve on the low pass rate.  Though the HPS remains my first loyalty,
I feel obligated to myself and my family to have resources which extend beyond
one technical area in these times of downsizing and uncertainty.
  The topic of non-ionizing radiation will be presented in depth at the 1997
HPS Summer School in San Antonio, prior to the HPS National Conference there
next year.  I hope to see most of you in Seattle and party in San Antonio.
  I welcome your comments in private or on this forum.

John C. White, RSO                     º  President, South Texas Chapter
The University of Texas at Austin OEHS º     Health Physics Society
304 E. 24th St., SER 202               º  -Host of the 1997 HPS National
Austin, TX  78712-1024                 º     Conference  *La Fiesta Grande*
(512) 471-2042                         º     June 28-July 3, 1997
(512) 471-6918 FAX                     º  Bring Your Family!
OHJCW@UTXDP.DP.UTEXAS.EDU              º