Certified Health Physicist is an official title granted by the
American Board of Health Physics, the certification board for
health physicists in the
United States.[1][2] A Certified Health Physicist is designated by the letters CHP or DABHP (Diplomate of the American Board of Health Physics) after his or her name.
A certification by the ABHP is not a license to practice and does not confer any legal qualification to practice
health physics. However, the certification is well respected and indicates a high level of achievement by those who obtain it.
Certified Health Physicists are plenary or emeritus members of the
American Academy of Health Physics (AAHP). In 2019, the AAHP web site listed over 1600 plenary and emeritus members.
Professional responsibilities
A person certified as a health physicist has a responsibility to uphold the professional integrity associated with the certification to promote the practice and science of
radiation safety. It is expected that such a person will always give
health physics information based on the highest standards of science and
professional ethics. A certified individual has a responsibility to remain professionally active in the health physics field and remain technically competent in the scientific, technical and regulatory developments in the field.
General requirements required to receive the certification
The requirements for prospective candidates for certification are [3]
Academics. At least a
bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in physical sciences, engineering, or in a biological science, with a minimum of 20 semester hours in physical science.
Experience. At least six years of professional experience in health physics. By permission of the Board, advanced degrees may substitute for one year (
master's degree) or two years (
doctorate) of the required experience.
References. A reference from the immediate supervisor and from at least two other individuals, including one from a currently certified Health Physicist.
Written Report. A written report that reflects a professional health physics effort.
Examination. A two-part exam, which is currently given during one week of the year.
Part I consists of 150 multiple choice questions in fundamental aspects of health physics. This portion of the test is three hours long, and can be taken without most of the above requirements. It is given at
Pearson Vue testing centers throughout the world in the week before the
Health Physics Society's annual meeting.
Part II consists of open-ended written questions, which determine competency in
applied health physics. This portion of the exam is six hours long, and can only be taken after having passed Part I, or immediately after having taken Part I the week before. It is given on the Monday of the
Health Physics Society's annual meeting, and on the same day at other locations throughout the country.
After passing Part I, the applicant must pass Part II within a period of seven years, or retake both parts.
If a candidate scores particularly poorly on Part II, he or she will be barred from taking it the following year.
Both parts include all of the topics below, but Part II requires candidates to answer only six mandatory questions and four of eight topic area questions.