Minutes of the Certification Criteria Committee - 7 December 2007
Present for the meeting were Marc Binder, Amy Costello, Jennifer Gaalswyk Sebastien Humbert, Anne Landfield-Grieg, Mike Levy, Sean McGinnis, Manuele Margis, Rita Schenck, and Bo Weidema.
The group discussed the listing of learning objectives. Because the objectives are listed in different formats it was difficult to make direct comparisons. It was suggested that the list be re-formatted to lay out the objectives, and ways to verify the objectives. They should be sorted into groups such as knowledge of the standards, and data quality. Amy Costello will do this task.
There was some discussion of the need to have practical experience of LCA even at the entry level. This could be accomplished through an internship or through class projects. The key element is that the individual should have had real-world experience with each step of the LCA process under the direction of an experienced professional.
It was noted that not only the mechanics but the issues of scoping and limitations of LCA needed to be taught.
We re-iterated that two certifications are being developed: one that is an entry-level certification and one that is more advanced. We are focusing on the entry-level requirements first.
There was some discussion of the mechanics of the examination process. These are governed in part by the ISO 17024 standard as embodied by the management system. It is not possible to do the testing via the internet, because positive identification of the tested individual is not possible that way. The test must be proctored, and evaluation of the test cannot be delegated to other bodies. It will be possible to set up a system where professors could proctor the exam for their students, as a final exam.
Rita will share the draft of the management system with the committee.
The next meeting will be set up via email exchange.