Certification

[Les Slaback <lester.slaback@nist.gov>]

Most of the comments on certification are overlooking the insidious, but
public, intent of the founders.  The stated purpose of certification is to
encourage the study of Health Physics*.  Based on the comments to date that
would appear to be working.  Overlooked is the added policy of once
certified YOU CAN NEVER STOP STUDYING, otherwise known as the certification
renewal program.

I sort of hate to point this out since it would appear that some folks look
upon certification as a short term crash project while the ABHP looks upon
it as a life term continuing effort.  I would not want to discourage
anyone.  :)

[*Note:  Remember the ABHP was formed before the existence of specialty
degrees and before formal university HP courses.  Take a look at the early
exams. But of course its reason for existence continues to evolve to meet
current needs.]
Disclaimer:  the above are the personal musings of the author, and do not
represent any past, present, or future position of NIST, the U.S. government,
or anyone else who might think that they are in a position of authority. 
Lester Slaback, Jr.  [Lester.Slaback@NIST.GOV] 
NBSR Health Physics 
Center for Neutron Research 
NIST
100 Bureau Dr.  STOP 3543 
Gaithersburg, MD  20899-3543 
301 975-5810 
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