Certification

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Certification for Health Care Professionals

Certification for Health Care Professionals

IHI is proud to deliver trusted credentialing options for a global health care audience. Our certification programs establish core standards and benchmark competencies necessary for health care professionals.

Benefits of Certification

For professionals: IHI certifications provide those working in the field a means to demonstrate their proficiency and skill in the discipline.

For organizations: Requiring or preferring certified candidates provides a way for employers to validate a potential candidate’s knowledge, skill base, and critical competencies for today’s health​​ care challenges and opportunities.

Which Certification Is Best for Me?

When considering certification, we recommend reviewing the detailed certification exam content outline and eligibility requirements to see how both align with your current responsibilities or future goals. If one of your goals for pursuing certification is a promotion or career change, it can be helpful to look at job descriptions or job titles of others who are certified to help understand what opportunities certification might open for you. Additionally, interests and competencies often overlap, which leads many health care professionals to pursue more than one certification. 

 

Need Help?

Email our team at certification@ihi.org

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Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care Review Course: Live Webinar March

Formatar:
Online
Data:
Jun 11–12, 2025
Duração:
2 Days
Taxa:
USD $449

*Os preços estão listados em USD

Revise nossa Política de Cancelamento abaixo.

Não está recebendo e-mails do IHI ? Peça ao seu departamento de TI para adicionar o domínio ihi.org à lista de Remetentes Seguros da sua organização.

Prepare for the CPHFH Exam by Reviewing Content Areas and Test-Taking Strategies

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) offers review courses — offered as live webinars on scheduled dates — to experienced human factors professionals who plan to take the Certified Professional in Human Factors in Healthcare (CPHFH) examination. The CPHFH Review Course can help participants prepare for the CPHFH exam by reviewing domain content areas and test-taking strategies. The CPHFH Review Course is not required to pass the CPHFH certification exam. Participation in review courses does not guarantee a passing score on the certification exam.​​​​
Review Course Description
Review Course Description

O curso de revisão pode ajudar os participantes a se prepararem para o exame Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH), revisando áreas de conteúdo de domínio e estratégias de realização de testes.

Após esta sessão, os participantes serão capazes de:

  • Revise os três fatores humanos nos domínios da assistência à saúde, seguindo o esboço do conteúdo do exame
  • Discuta fatores humanos em exemplos de cenários de assistência médica semelhantes a questões de exames reais
  • Avalie seu próprio nível de preparação para o exame e aborde áreas adicionais para autoestudo

O CPHFH Review Course foi desenvolvido em colaboração com o MedStar Health National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare, um líder global no avanço da segurança do paciente e eficiência do sistema por meio da ciência dos fatores humanos. Como parte do MedStar Health, o centro desempenha um papel direto na definição de como o atendimento é prestado, garantindo que a tecnologia e os processos apoiem tanto os provedores quanto os pacientes. Sua equipe multidisciplinar aplica pesquisas a desafios do mundo real, produzindo trabalhos que influenciaram a política nacional de saúde. Com um forte histórico de publicação e colaboração, o centro continua a impulsionar a inovação, tornando a assistência médica mais segura, mais eficaz e mais intuitiva para aqueles que prestam e recebem atendimento.

About Certification

The Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH) credential is earned by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in applying the core standards of human factors, systems thinking, and design to health care improvement. The CPHFH credential distinguishes health care professionals who meet the competency requirements in the areas of human factors and who demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to plan and implement human factors initiatives effectively.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests may be submitted in writing at certification@ihi.org. Requests received 72 hours (3 business days) before the scheduled start time will receive a full refund. Refund requests submitted less than 72 hours (3 business days) before the scheduled start time will be ineligible for a refund.

Handouts

Handouts for this course will be sent to registered course attendees a few days before the course date. Handouts will not be given onsite for live courses; therefore, attendees are responsible for printing or downloading them before the course. Attendees are encouraged to bring their computers to the live courses.

Need Help?

Email certification@ihi.org

Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care Review Course: Live Webinar March

Formatar:
Online
Data:
Jun 11–12, 2025
Duração:
2 Days
Taxa:
USD $449

*Os preços estão listados em USD

Revise nossa Política de Cancelamento abaixo.

Não está recebendo e-mails do IHI ? Peça ao seu departamento de TI para adicionar o domínio ihi.org à lista de Remetentes Seguros da sua organização.

Prepare for the CPHFH Exam by Reviewing Content Areas and Test-Taking Strategies

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) offers review courses — offered as live webinars on scheduled dates — to experienced human factors professionals who plan to take the Certified Professional in Human Factors in Healthcare (CPHFH) examination. The CPHFH Review Course can help participants prepare for the CPHFH exam by reviewing domain content areas and test-taking strategies. The CPHFH Review Course is not required to pass the CPHFH certification exam. Participation in review courses does not guarantee a passing score on the certification exam.​​​​
Review Course Description
Review Course Description

O curso de revisão pode ajudar os participantes a se prepararem para o exame Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH), revisando áreas de conteúdo de domínio e estratégias de realização de testes.

Após esta sessão, os participantes serão capazes de:

  • Revise os três fatores humanos nos domínios da assistência à saúde, seguindo o esboço do conteúdo do exame
  • Discuta fatores humanos em exemplos de cenários de assistência médica semelhantes a questões de exames reais
  • Avalie seu próprio nível de preparação para o exame e aborde áreas adicionais para autoestudo

O CPHFH Review Course foi desenvolvido em colaboração com o MedStar Health National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare, um líder global no avanço da segurança do paciente e eficiência do sistema por meio da ciência dos fatores humanos. Como parte do MedStar Health, o centro desempenha um papel direto na definição de como o atendimento é prestado, garantindo que a tecnologia e os processos apoiem tanto os provedores quanto os pacientes. Sua equipe multidisciplinar aplica pesquisas a desafios do mundo real, produzindo trabalhos que influenciaram a política nacional de saúde. Com um forte histórico de publicação e colaboração, o centro continua a impulsionar a inovação, tornando a assistência médica mais segura, mais eficaz e mais intuitiva para aqueles que prestam e recebem atendimento.

About Certification

The Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH) credential is earned by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in applying the core standards of human factors, systems thinking, and design to health care improvement. The CPHFH credential distinguishes health care professionals who meet the competency requirements in the areas of human factors and who demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to plan and implement human factors initiatives effectively.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests may be submitted in writing at certification@ihi.org. Requests received 72 hours (3 business days) before the scheduled start time will receive a full refund. Refund requests submitted less than 72 hours (3 business days) before the scheduled start time will be ineligible for a refund.

Handouts

Handouts for this course will be sent to registered course attendees a few days before the course date. Handouts will not be given onsite for live courses; therefore, attendees are responsible for printing or downloading them before the course. Attendees are encouraged to bring their computers to the live courses.

Need Help?

Email certification@ihi.org

Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care

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Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care

Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care

The Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH) establishes core standards for the field of human factors in health care, benchmarks competencies necessary for health care professionals, and sets an expected proficiency level. Connect with IHI and obtain the expertise to improve workforce and patient safety through the implementation of human factors initiatives.
Prepare for the CPHFH Examination

Human factors is a discipline that seeks to optimize the relationship between technology, the environment, systems, and humans. In health care, it is an essential component for mitigating risks to both patients and the workforce.

The Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH) credential is earned by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in applying the core standards of human factors, systems thinking, and design to health care improvement.

Certification is awarded upon passing a comprehensive examination covering three key domains: Assess and Analyze, which involves evaluating and understanding human-system interactions to identify potential risks; Design, which focuses on designing and implementing systems and processes that enhance safety and efficiency; and Improve and Monitor, which entails continuously refining and overseeing systems to ensure ongoing safety and sustainable effectiveness.   

Health care professionals who are educated in human factors are empowered with valuable insights into the relationship between humans, patients, and the systems with which they interact.

Benefits of CPHFH Certification

  • Health Care Leadership Confidence: Leadership is assured teams are capably skilled to effectively manage complex health care environments through a deep understanding of human-system interactions.
  • Skills to Improve Team Performance: Certification affirms competence in applying human factors principles to streamline and optimize team interactions and workflows for more efficient and effective health care delivery.
  • Enhanced Patient Safety: Health care professionals with human factors credentials use their knowledge to enhance patient outcomes, minimize errors, design safer systems, and reduce adverse events.
  • Professional Recognition: This certification, fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS), validates specialized knowledge in human factors, distinguishing professionals as highly valued experts in creating user-centered and safer health care systems.
  • Career Advancement: Human factors in health care certification opens doors to roles that require expertise in system improvement and human factors, positioning professionals for leadership and specialized positions within healthcare organizations. 

Why Certification Is Important

This professional certification program establishes core standards for the field of human factors in health care, benchmarks requirements necessary for health care professionals, and sets an expected proficiency level.

  • For professionals, the CPHFH credential provides those working in human factors a means to demonstrate their proficiency and skill in the discipline.
  • For organizations, requiring the CPHFH credential provides a way for employers to validate a potential candidate’s human factors knowledge and skill base, critical competencies for today’s health care challenges. 

Requirements for Certification

Candidates for the CPHFH credential are those who include human factors practices as an integral component of current or future professional responsibilities. Candidates must also possess academic and professional experience at one of the following levels:

  • Diploma (e.g., associates, bachelors), plus 3 years of experience in Human Factors in Health Care Related Field over five years (either full time or part-time)

OR

  • Master/Doctorate in Human Factors Related Field, plus 1 year of full-time experience or 2 years of part time experience in Human Factors in Health Care Related Field over five years

These candidates may include:

  • Physicians, Nurses, and Pharmacists
  • Patient Safety Professionals
  • Quality, Improvement, and Risk Professionals
  • Human Factors and Systems Engineering Professionals
  • Health Care Executives
  • Non-Clinical Health Care Professionals
  • All other health care professionals with the requisite background

The Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) randomly audits a limited number of applications per year to confirm eligibility requirements are met. If your application is selected for audit, please be prepared to provide documentation attesting to your education and experience.  

Leah M. Konwinski, MS, CPE

Director, Human Factors and Innovation, System Quality, Safety and Experience, Corewell Health

Director, Human Factors and Innovation, System Quality, Safety and Experience, Corewell Health

"The human factors professional certification affords organizational leadership an added layer of confidence for any team looking to drive performance in health care."

Need Help?

Email our team at certification@ihi.org

Email

Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH) Examination

Segurança do paciente

CPHFH Examination

The Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH) examination is a computer-based test offered both in person at PSI Assessment Centers and online via live remote proctor.

The examination for the Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH) credential is offered throughout the year at PSI Assessment Centers located domestically in the United States and internationally. The examination is also available online via live remote proctor.

The examination is administered by appointment only.

Available dates will be indicated when you schedule your examination. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Candidates will be given 2.5 hours to complete the examination. 

CPHFH Content Areas

Candidates will be tested on the following human factors in health care domains:

  • Assess and Analyze
  • Design
  • Improve and Monitor

CPHFH Examination Costs

  • CPHFH Examination: US $549
  • CPHFH Examination for international candidates: US $649
  • CPHFH Practice Exam: US $99

How to Book a CPHFH Examination

The CPHFH examination is administered by appointment only at a PSI Assessment Center or online via live remote proctor.

  • CPHFH Examination appointments will be available beginning in March 2025. 
  • Practice Exam is currently available (see below).

Live Remote Proctoring for CPHFH Exam

Live remote online proctoring option for the CPHFH exam is available allows CPHFH candidates to continue advancing their personal and professional goals without having to travel to a testing center. See the “How to Book an Examination” section for more information.

Please be advised: Using a work computer for the remote proctored exam, even one which passes the System Compatibility Check, is highly discouraged due to administrator firewalls and IT security systems which frequently prevent exam launch.

International Candidates

Candidates testing outside of the US may submit their applications online or by mail. International candidates will be notified of the exam scheduling process as follows:

  • Online applicants will be notified by email as soon as they complete the application.
  • A candidate who submits a paper application form will be notified by email within 10 business days of receipt of his or her application form.

Additional fees may apply for international candidates.

How to Prepare for the CPHFH Examination

Review the CPHFH Content Outline

Download a PDF of the CPHFH content outline

Take the CPHFH Practice Exam

Take a practice examination to help you evaluate your level of preparedness for the certification examination. Practice examinations are available for $99 and may be ordered online.

The CPHFH Practice Exam is an online practice exam that was developed to be parallel in content and difficulty to the actual Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care exam. The practice exam should be regarded as a diagnostic tool to assess strengths and weaknesses, rather than a study guide for the examination. A passing score on the practice exam does not in any way guarantee a passing score on the CPHFH certification examination, nor is it required to sit for the examination. The practice exam will be available online to you for a period of 60 days from the date the order is placed.

Order the CPHFH Practice Exam online

Review the CPHFH Resource List

Journal Articles
Journal Articles
  • Berlin C, Bligård L, Babapour Chafi M, Eriksson S. Development of a stakeholder identification and analysis method for human factors integration in work system design interventions – Change Agent Infrastructure. Hum Ftrs & Erg Mfg Svc. 2022;32(1):151-170. doi:10.1002/hfm.20910
  • Carayon P, Hoonakker P. Human factors and usability for health information technology: old and new challenges. Yearb Med Inform. 2019;28(01):071-077. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1677907
  • Carayon P, Hundt AS, Karsh B, et al. Work system design for patient safety: the SEIPS model. Qual Saf Health Care. 2006;15(Suppl 1):i50-i58. doi:10.1136/qshc.2005.015842
  • Carayon P, Wooldridge A, Hoonakker P, Hundt AS, Kelly MM. SEIPS 3.0: Human-centered design of the patient journey for patient safety. Applied Ergonomics. 2020;84:103033. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2019.10303
  • Dabbs ADV, Myers BA, Mc Curry KR, et al. User-centered design and interactive health technologies for patients. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing. 2009;27(3):175-183. doi:10.1097/NCN.0b013e31819f7c7c
  • Etchells E, Juurlink D, Levinson W. Medication errors: the human factor. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2008;178(1):63-64. doi:10.1503/cmaj.071658
  • Fung EY, Leung B, Hamilton D, Hope J. Do automated dispensing machines improve patient safety? CJHP. 2009;62(6). doi:10.4212/cjhp.v62i6.852
  • Holden RJ, Carayon P, Gurses AP, et al. SEIPS 2.0: a human factors framework for studying and improving the work of healthcare professionals and patients. Ergonomics. 2013;56(11):1669-1686. doi:10.1080/00140139.2013.838643
  • Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Quality of Health Care in America. Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century. National Academies Press (US); 2001.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222274/
  • Kellogg KM, Hettinger Z, Shah M, et al. Our current approach to root cause analysis: is it contributing to our failure to improve patient safety? BMJ Qual Saf. 2017;26(5):381-387. doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2016-005991
  • Koppel R, Wetterneck T, Telles JL, Karsh BT. Workarounds to barcode medication administration systems: their occurrences, causes, and threats to patient safety. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. 2008;15(4):408-423. doi:10.1197/jamia.M2616
  • Kushniruk AW, Borycki EM. Human factors in healthcare IT: Management considerations and trends. Healthc Manage Forum. 2023;36(2):72-78. doi:10.1177/08404704221139219
  • Meadows S, Baker K, Butler J. The incident decision tree. Clinical Risk. 2005;11(2):66-68. doi:10.1258/1356262053429732
  • Meadows S, Baker K, Butler J. The Incident Decision Tree: Guidelines for Action Following Patient Safety Incidents . https://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/advances/vol4/meadows.pdf
  • Miller KE, Mims M, Paull DE, et al. Wrong-side thoracentesis: lessons learned from root cause analysis. JAMA Surg. 2014;149(8):774. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2014.146
  • Parast L, Doyle B, Damberg CL, et al. Challenges in assessing the process–outcome link in practice. J GEN INTERN MED. 2015;30(3):359-364. doi:10.1007/s11606-014-3150-0
  • Pruitt ZM, Howe JL, Bocknek LS, et al. Informing visual display design of electronic health records: a human factors cross-industry perspective. PATIENT SAFETY. 2023;5(2). doi:10.33940/001c.77769
  • Reason J. Human error: models and management. BMJ. 2000;320(7237):768-770. doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7237.768
  • Russ AL, Fairbanks RJ, Karsh BT, Militello LG, Saleem JJ, Wears RL. The science of human factors: separating fact from fiction. BMJ Qual Saf. 2013;22(10):802-808. doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2012-001450
  • Sujan M, Lounsbury O, Pickup L, Kaya GK, Earl L, McCulloch P. What kinds of insights do Safety-I and Safety-II approaches provide? A critical reflection on the use of SHERPA and FRAM in healthcare. Safety Science. 2024;173:106450. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2024.106450
  • Tucker AL, Zheng S, Gardner JW, Bohn RE. When do workarounds help or hurt patient outcomes? The moderating role of operational failures. J of Ops Management. 2020;66(1-2):67-90. doi:10.1002/joom.1015
  • Vargas C, Whelan J, Brimblecombe J, Allender S. Co-creation, co-design, co-production for public health – a perspective on definition and distinctions. Public Health Res Pract. 2022;32(2). doi:10.17061/phrp3222211
  • Vogelsmeier A, Scott-Cawiezell J, Miller B, Griffith S. Influencing leadership perceptions of patient safety through just culture training. Journal of Nursing Care Quality. 2010;25(4):288-294. doi:10.1097/NCQ.0b013e3181d8e0f2
  • Wright M. Exploring Normalization of Deviance and Examining Factors That Predict Culture of Safety in the Operating Room. University of Louisville; 2019. doi:10.18297/etd/3339
  • Xie A, Carayon P. A systematic review of human factors and ergonomics (Hfe)-based healthcare system redesign for quality of care and patient safety. Ergonomics. 2015;58(1):33-49. doi:10.1080/00140139.2014.959070

IHI Open School for Higher Learning and Residency Programs

Formatar:
Online
Tipo de assinatura:
Group
Custo:
$25 Per User

Para comprar uma Assinatura do IHI Open School Group, entre em contato conosco pelo e-mail OpenSchoolSubscribers@ihi.org . Inclua o nome da sua organização e o tamanho da assinatura solicitada.

Opções adicionais de assinatura

Institutions of higher Learning and residency programs worldwide trust the IHI Open School to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in patient safety and quality improvement. Our curriculum, designed to complement classroom learning and clinical experiences, prepares the next generation of health and health care leaders to drive real change.
Our new subscription plan for higher learning and residency programs offers 12 months of access to 13 essential courses, for just $25 a user. 
Enhance Your Learning
Enhance Your Learning

Uma assinatura em grupo oferece às instituições de ensino superior e programas de residência as ferramentas para integrar educação de qualidade e segurança perfeitamente.

  • Acesso abrangente ao curso: alunos e professores têm acesso a todos os 13 cursos necessários para o Certificado Básico em Qualidade e Segurança .

  • Reconhecimento de Conquistas: Ganhe certificados para impressão para cada curso e um certificado abrangente após a conclusão.

  • Educator's Toolkit: acesse recursos de ensino, incluindo resumos de cursos, slides, tarefas, exames, leituras recomendadas e funcionalidade de relatórios. Visualize slides de amostra para QI 101

  • Preço acessível: apenas US$ 25 por usuário por um ano inteiro de acesso.

How to Purchase

To purchase an IHI Open School Group Subscription, contact us with the name of your organization and the size of your requested subscription at OpenSchoolSubscribers.org

Certification of higher learning or residency program status will be required during the subscription process. Subscriptions will not auto-renew. We will notify you as your expiration date approaches. 

Note: This subscription plan does not include Continuing Education credits. If your organization requires Continuing Education credits, please explore these options:

 

Questions? We’re here to help! Contact us at OpenSchoolSubscribers@ihi.org

Dr. Melvin Blanchard, MACP

Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Greater Baltimore Medical Center

The IHI Open School courses have been transformative for our residency program... with 50% of our second-year residents now leading QI initiatives. I highly recommend these courses for their quality, value, and effectiveness.

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