Certification for Individuals

Certified Organizational Ombuds

Stand Out to Make a Difference!

Are you interested in taking your role as organizational ombuds to a new level by becoming certified through the International Ombuds Association? This exciting new option — the only certification credential offered for the organizational ombuds — is designed to help you:

Gain Recognition: Enhance your credibility and professional standing with the organization(s) that you serve
Invest in Your Career: Demonstrate your professional experience and skills to build your career development opportunities
Show Commitment: Accentuate your dedication to the profession and the IOA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
Distinguish Yourself: Stand out by joining an elite community of professionals
Strengthen and Professionalize the Organizational Ombuds field

How to Apply to Become a Certified Organizational Ombuds

All applicants for the Certified Organizational Ombuds designation must submit a complete application packet and pay the nonrefundable administrative application fee of $250 USD for IOA Members and $450 for Non-Members. The complete application packet consists of the online application form, proof of passing the certification exam, and any supporting documents. Any supplemental materials must be attached to the online application form.

Prepare for Your Certification Application

Complete Individual Certification Application Form

The Eligibility Committee will schedule an interview with the applicant and inform if any additional materials are required. The Eligibility Committee will endeavor to notify applicants of their final determination within 90 days of receiving the complete application packet. Official notification of certification status will be sent to the applicant via email.

Certification Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the organizational ombuds function by passing a written examination. Candidates must also demonstrate relevant education and experience.

Written Examination

A candidate must have passed the written certification examination prior to submitting an application for certification.

In order to sit for the exam, you need to attest that you have at least 2,000 hours of experience working as an organizational ombuds within the last four years.

The certification application requires a copy of the certification examination results statement documenting the date of passing the examination. Passing the exam is only once piece of the process to become certified.

Take the Certification Exam

Education

Certification requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education. Those who do not hold a bachelor's degree may submit evidence of a comparable university degree. The Eligibility Committee may also consider relevant professional experience or academic work in place of a bachelor's degree. Candidates may submit proof of relevant professional experience to the Eligibility Committee for individual consideration.

Applicants must complete a minimum of 80 hours of education or training based on Professional Development Hours (PDH) standards. This training must include Foundations or an equivalent program, or a suitable substitute that ensures a strong understanding of the Organizational Ombuds (OO) model.

Please see our preapproved course list to see courses that are approved for PDH. You may also receive Professional Development Hours (PDH) in the following four categories:

1. Education

Attending courses, classes, webinars, workshops, training programs, conferences, or meetings. Attendance may be in-person, online, by phone, or by conference call.
Maximum PDH: 15 PDH for a single educational activity (e.g. a 40-hour workshop, a full semester college class, or a single IOA conference), but up to 60 PDH total during a four-year recertification cycle.
How to Calculate PDH: On an hour-for-hour basis, rounding down to the nearest half-hour increment. Hours should be calculated from the beginning to the end of a single session or program, including brief "stretch" or refreshment breaks. Longer breaks, such as one-hour lunch breaks, do not count toward PDH for the activity.

2. Presenting & Instruction

Preparing and delivering presentations or instruction featuring substantive content aligned with the CO-OP® Domains.
Maximum PDH: 15 PDH during a four-year recertification cycle.
How to Calculate PDH: On an hour-for-hour basis, rounding down to the nearest half-hour increment for both preparation and presentation.

3. Mentorship

Participating as a mentee or a mentor in the IOA Mentoring Program, COFO program, or any other ombuds mentoring relationships.
Maximum PDH: 15 PDH during a four-year recertification cycle.
How to Calculate PDH: On an hour-for-hour basis, rounding down to the nearest half-hour increment. Verification may be provided by attestation from the mentor/mentee.

4. Writing & Publishing

Producing original research and writing that relates to one or more of the CO-OP® Domains and is published in peer-reviewed or closely vetted venues.
Maximum PDH: 15 PDH during a four-year recertification cycle.
How to Calculate PDH: One PDH per published page.

Application for Certification

Certification also requires completing the application form in full, and submitting it for review by the Board of Certification, with all requisite supporting documentation and payment of a non-refundable certification application administrative fee. You can find all that is required for the application here.

Prepare for Your Certification Application

Certification Appeal Procedure

If a candidate's application for certification is denied by the Eligibility Committee, the candidate may appeal the decision. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee within 30 days of receipt of notification of denial, and sent to:

Appeals Committee, IOA-Board of Certification
2150 N 107th St, Ste 330
Seattle, WA 98133 USA

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1-206-209-5275

The appeal must contain a statement of why the individual believes that the denial was improper and must be accompanied by supporting documentation. The Appeals Committee will notify the candidate within seven business days of its receipt of the appeal and will endeavor to render a decision within a period of 30 days. The decision by the Appeals Committee will be final.