제  목 : ABIH CM changes imminent
  일  자 : 1997년 12월
  제공처 : INTERNET

   ABIH CM changes imminent
   -------------------------

 As 1998 approaches, the approved changes in the American Board of Industrial
Hygiene (ABIH) certification maintenance (CM) program are imminent. Adopted in
October 1996, the changes become effective January 1. The new requirements will
help ABIH achieve its purpose, to ensure that Diplomates continue to develop and
enhance their professional industrial hygiene knowledge and skills.

The primary procedure change is a five- rather than six-year reporting cycle,
with a reduction in cycle point requirements. As Diplomates complete their
current cycle, their next reporting cycle will be a five-year term. The shorter
cycle requires a total of 40 points with a maximum of 14 per year compared to 60
total and 20 per-year maximum of the six-year cycle.

Following is a summary of any changes relative to the categories in which
points are earned:

    Category I   Active Industrial Hygiene Practice
    Work experience credit is expanded to include the allowance of some
    points for those who perform industrial hygiene duties 20-50 percent of
    their time. For full-time work (50% or more of activity in industrial
    hygiene),required points are reduced to maintain parity with the current
    schedule.

    Category II   Professional Society Membership
    Credit for organizational membership is eliminated and required points are
    reduced accordingly.

    Category III   Technical Professional Committee Work
    Some extra credit is retained for chairs of technical and professional
    committees, including local section boards.

    Category IV   Publications
    Some extra credit is retained for primary authors of peer reviewed articles.
    Non-peer-reviewed articles may be submitted under Category VIII, if
    appropriate.

    Category V   Meetings and Educational Programs
    Conference and meeting attendance is still awarded credit. Subject areas
    permitted for credit are expanded to cover related fields, but a minimum of
    Category V credit must be obtained in rubric subject areas. Specific
    courses may be used for credit only once per cycle unless documented
    as being significantly different than others claimed.

    Category VI   Teaching
    Teaching of continuing education and college courses is awarded credit,
    generally at a level twice that of attending the course.

    Category VII   ABIH Examination
    No change.

    Category VIII   Other Activities
    Most of the areas currently approved for credit under this category are
    retained.

For more specific information, contact ABIH at 517-321-2638.