As you know, IOA has revamped its certification options, creating the new Ombuds Certification Program that includes certification for both individuals and programs. In December 2024, we stopped accepting applications for the CO-OP designation and in May 2025, we introduced the new criteria and process to apply for the new individual certification. Last month, we began accepting applications for programs to be certified.
The Board of Certification has been busy discussing how best to transition current CO-OP over to the new program. Last month, the Board met and acted on several recertification issues:
1. Determined a date to stop processing recertification applications under the old CO-OP system,
2. Addressed new recertification requirements to transition current CO-OP to the new system, and
3. Approved special fees for the transition.
New Requirements
To move all current CO-OP over to the new system, we will stop processing recertification applications under the old CO-OP system as of 1 September 2025. In order to be recertified after 1 September, the following will be required:
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Demonstrated completion of 30 qualifying hours of PDH
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A letter of recommendation for continued certification from a supervisor or Certified Organizational Ombuds or CO-OP (this is from someone who can speak to your skills as an Ombuds i.e., mentor, supervisor, or other colleague)
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An ethical attestation (the same one required by new applicants)
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Two additional names as references (similar to what would be required in a job application)
All of this information will be uploaded in a new recertification application on the recertification webpage. Once reviewed and approved, you will be recertified as a Certified Organizational Ombuds for a period of two years.
Timeline
The following timeline will apply to those currently certified as CO-OP:
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If you were scheduled to be recertified on or after 1 September 2025, you will file your recertification application by the day and month you would have recertified under the old program in 2025 by filing documentation in accordance with the new recertification requirements. You are strongly encouraged to submit the application at least 2 - 4 weeks before this expiration date to ensure timely processing.
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Note: for those whose recertification date is in August 2025, you have the choice whether to recertify under the CO-OP program or the new program, becoming a Certified Organizational Ombuds.
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If you were scheduled to be recertified in 2026, you will file your recertification application on the day and month you would have recertified under the old program in 2026 by filing documentation in accordance with the new recertification requirements. You are strongly encouraged to submit the application at least 2 - 4 weeks before this expiration date to ensure timely processing.
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If you were scheduled to be recertified in 2027, 2028, or 2029, you will file your recertification application according to the following timeline:
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Old recertification due January - June: By 1 March 2027 by filing documentation in accordance with the new recertification requirements.
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Old recertification due July - December: By 1 August 2027 by filing documentation in accordance with the new recertification requirements.
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As noted above, you are strongly encouraged to submit the application at least 2 - 4 weeks before this expiration date to ensure timely processing.
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By 1 August 2027, IOA will discontinue the use of the Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP) designation.
If recertified, you will be recertified using the new designation of Certified Organizational Ombuds.
Changes to the Recertification Fee Schedule
We recognize that applicants who have recertified assumed the certification would be valid for a period of four (4) years. In recognition of this, the following fee adjustments will apply to recertification as we make this transition from CO-OP to Certified Organizational Ombuds:
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For those certified or recertified before 1 January 2024, the recertification fee will be reduced by 50% (or $125 for members and $225 for those who are not members of IOA), as it will now cover a period of two (2) years, not four (4) years.
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For those certified on or after 1 January 2024, the recertification fee will be waived.
The Board will finalize the recertification requirements for all Certified Organizational Ombuds in the next few months. The Board is also discussing intermediate and advanced designations to roll out in 2026.
Please note that abbreviating the designation of Certified Organizational Ombuds or using the acronym COO is not an approved certification term under the new program. All certified ombuds who receive the designation of Certified Organizational Ombuds shall use the full name of the certification - both for education purposes and to avoid any internal confusion with other functions who are called COOs.
We will also hold a Q & A session for CO-OP on 28 August 2025 at 12:00 PM ET. A calendar invite has been sent with Zoom information.
If you have any questions prior to the Q & A, or are not able to attend, please feel free to contact Allison Monyei Whaley, Board of Certification President, and/or Ellen Miller, IOA Executive Director