Certification Practices Research Articles

Evaluation of Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) Examination Rates

BackgroundInfection Prevention professionals develop through training and certification practices, with the Certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC®) exam being the industry standard for infection prevention and control expertise. MethodsThis study conducted a secondary analysis of Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) exam scores from 2013-2022. Reliability coefficients, Spearman-Brown coefficients, and Standard Error Measurement (SEM) averages were calculated for the CIC® exam’s eight objective areas from 2016-2022. ResultsOver the past decade, pass rates varied from 57.30% to 85.40%, with a mean of 69.7%. The number of exam participants ranged from 574 to 1,392. Despite the variability, the highest reliability, Spearman-Brown, and SEM averages were consistently observed in areas such as identifying infectious disease processes, surveillance, epidemiological investigation, and controlling transmission of infectious agents. ConclusionAs more facilities push for certification, the number of CIC® exam takers has increased. However, the evolving nature of infection prevention and the lack of a standardized training track contribute to variations in reliability coefficients across the exam's objective areas.

Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare Reform: A Call to Action.

The success of healthcare reform hinges on policymaker, regulator, and administrator actions that shape policies at various levels. These policies can either facilitate or hinder the practice of healthcare professionals and collaborative work environments. It is imperative for all healthcare professionals to fully utilize their education and certification, as fostering an equitable workplace culture is vital for retaining staff and improving access to care. Using nurse practitioners (NPs) as an exemplar, this article aims to specify systemic barriers to healthcare reform and call for policymakers, regulators, and clinical agency administrators to enact change. Barriers to NP practice include restrictive oversight by external stakeholders, financial incentives for indirect billing, and hierarchical constraints that limit NP contributions to the healthcare system. The growing healthcare provider shortage disproportionately impacts primary care and rural settings. NPs are increasingly more likely to fill these roles than medical doctors and have documented positive patient health outcomes. Removing systemic obstacles for NP practice increases access to care. Nursing-the largest healthcare workforce with diverse roles-operates under complex oversight from multiple organizations for licensure, accreditation, certification, and education. The recent trend of external stakeholders influencing and requiring additional oversight has created barriers to nursing practice. Despite national education, accreditation, and certification standards, nursing licensure and practice are increasingly negotiated with external stakeholders and supervised at the state and institutional levels. Supporting all healthcare professionals to practice according to their education and certification can advance healthcare reform, address workforce shortages, increase access to care, and improve health.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment and Aviation Safety Using Major Depression as a Reference.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pilots is considered a threat to flight safety. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has recently revised assessment pathways for applicants with attentional problems because of an increasing recognition that ADHD is a clinical condition with a broad symptom spectrum; some individuals may have a historical diagnosis which has been in remission for several years, while others may be using psychostimulants to enhance mental focus. This commentary compares major depression as a reference and its Federal Aviation Administration certification/clearance policy with those policies associated with ADHD. Major depression can be considered a model example of a mental disorder where appropriate treatment strategies such as medication have been demonstrated not to have adverse effects upon aviation safety. We wish to highlight that when reviewing certification and assessment practice guidelines for the assessment of pilots with ADHD, decisions must be based upon robust scientific evidence that has been obtained in aviation. Vuorio A, Bor R, Gray A, Suhonen-Malm A-S. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder assessment and aviation safety using major depression as a reference. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(11):873-875.

Sustainability in sustainability certifications in Thai hotel industry

Thailand is actively working to position itself as a sustainable tourism destination, with sustainability embedded within the nation’s tourism industry framework. Assessment and certification play pivotal roles, serving as essential tools that validate the implementation of sustainable management practices within the accommodation sector. This article explores the concept of sustainable tourism through the lens of widely adopted certifications in Thailand’s hotel industry. A content analysis was conducted to compare certifications based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria. Furthermore, the study evaluated the efficacy of certifications in promoting the practical integration of sustainable tourism. To deepen the analysis, a thematic review examined the extent to which these certifications integrate principles of Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). The findings highlight a tendency of certification organizations to prioritize environmental aspects over economic and social dimensions. This suggests a need for better alignment in facilitating the holistic integration of sustainable tourism principles into certification practices.

Exploring Globalization's Effect on Accreditation and Certification Practices Through Time

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of globalization's impact on accreditation and certification practices—from their inception to the present day. It digs into the historical context of the first known accreditation and certification systems, tracing their evolution in response to the globalizing world. The study further investigates how globalization has influenced these practices, affecting their standards, procedures, and overall significance in various professional fields. Through critical analysis of data, the article presents a detailed overview of the current state of global accreditation and certification practices. It also projects potential future trends in this area, considering the ongoing dynamics of globalization. The article aims to provide a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of globalization, accreditation, and certification.

Incorporating military certification practices in the aerospace industry for enhanced safety and compliance

This study investigates the transfer of certification practices from the military aviation industry to the aerospace sector, emphasizing operational safety and compliance with international standards. The objective is to analyze and compare military certification processes with those of innovative aeronautical and space products, aiming to enhance their effectiveness and applicability. The adopted methodology includes a systematic literature review on military and aerospace certification, as well as a detailed comparison of the type certification processes for aeronautical and space designs. The main results highlight the shared technological complexity and economic challenges faced by the sectors, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive certification processes to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, supporting strategic objectives in advancing a safe aerospace sector aligned with global standards.

Bridging the Gap: Specialized Training Programs for Infection Prevention Specialists Increase Certification Success

Background: The role of the infection preventionist (IP) is complex and encompasses a range of responsibilities requiring extensive knowledge in infection control practices, data analysis, surveillance, performance improvement and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Infection prevention certification (CIC) by the certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC) is a standardized marker of knowledge and competencies required for practice in the field. In a 2020 survey of IPs, less than half were certified or planned to become certified. Of those that do take the certification exam, less than three quarters pass on their initial exam attempt. Methods: From 2017 to 2023, fifty-two new IPs were enrolled in a competency-based training program which combined didactic and applied learning on core IP job functions, and a structured mentoring program. The initial didactic phase consisted of evidence-based learning modules with validation of competency through post-training testing and practical demonstration. Education was provided by an advanced practice IP via remote webinars, which included discussion of questions, skills coaching, and review of post-tests. Novice IPs were partnered with at least two preceptors: one advanced practice lead preceptor guided the novice IPs through assigned education modules and oversaw program management and training benchmarks. A second, near-peer preceptor or mentor collaborated with the novice IP in the facility setting. Initial training focused on facility operations, surveillance, rounding and other facility specific activities. Facility mentors were responsible for combining education module topics with practical application of skills. Mentors guided novice IPs through National Healthcare Surveillance network (NHSN) surveillance training and validated surveillance and infection coding until the novice IP had an interrater reliability validation assessing surveillance competency. After the initial training phase, the novice IPs began preparation for certification. This phase included additional training modules aligned with the CBIC certification content outline and practice exams. Results: All 52 novice IPs completed the training program and attempted the CIC examination. The initial pass rate for the certification exam among IPs in the supervised training and mentorship program was 98.1% (n=51). This is 33% higher than the initial pass rate published by CBIC, which was 73.9% (Figure 1). Conclusions: Organizing evidence-based guidelines into topic-specific modules builds a foundation of infection prevention and control knowledge, which is enhanced through remote instruction and direct application of skills under a preceptor’s supervision. This method allows IPs to be introduced to concepts covered in the board certification exam upon hire and support certification with improved outcome

Evaluation of Errors on Death Certificates.

Death certificates provide vital data for disease surveillance and health policy. However, errors are common globally, undermining data reliability. This study analyzed prevalence and types of errors in death certificates at a tertiary hospital in Nepal. A cross-sectional study reviewed all death certificates issued at Lumbini Medical College, Nepal from April 2020 to April 2022. Certificates were assessed for errors including improper sequencing, absent time intervals, abbreviations, illegible writing, and inaccurate immediate, antecedent, and underlying causes of death as per international guidelines. Errors were classified as major or minor. Of 139 certificates, none were error-free. The most common error was incorrectly or incompletely filling the immediate cause of death (77.7%). Other errors included absent time of death (17.3%), abbreviations (57.6%), illegible writing (22.3%), and omitting the hospital stamp/medical council registration number (8.6%). Based on international criteria, 76.3% had minor errors, 23% had both major and minor errors. This study found a high rate of errors in death certification at a tertiary hospital in Nepal, undermining data accuracy. Regular training and monitoring with feedback are recommended to improve certification practices. Accurate cause-of-death data is vital for healthcare policy and decision-making in Nepal.

Navigating the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) Success: Insights From Pre-assessment Practices in Preparing Surgical Residents for Competitive Sub-specialties.

Introduction The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is a critical tool in assessing surgical residents' readiness for board certification and clinical practice. While various factors influencing ABSITE performance have been examined, the impact of innovative educational resources, such as TrueLearn, remains underexplored. TrueLearn's adaptive learning algorithms and comprehensive question banks offer a promising adjunct to traditional study methods. This study investigates the relationship between TrueLearn utilization and ABSITE performance among general surgery residents. Methods This retrospective study, ethically approved by the Marshall University Institutional Review Board (IRB No. 2097669-1), analyzed the performance of general surgery residents at Marshall University from 2014 to 2022. Data were collected on ABSITE scores. Additionally, quiz percentages (Quiz %) and scores from two mock exams (Exam 1 and Exam 2), all provided by the TrueLearn platform, were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized the sample characteristics. Linear mixed models were employed to examine the associations between TrueLearn engagement and ABSITE performance, accounting for the correlated nature of the data and addressing any missing data at random. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), with significance defined as a p-value < 0.05. Results The study cohort included 58 residents from 2016 to 2022. Linear mixed model analysis revealed significant positive correlations between TrueLearn Quiz %, Exam 1 scores, and Exam 2 scores with ABSITE performance. A 1% increase in Quiz % was associated with a 0.77-point rise in ABSITE scores (95% CI: 0.65, 0.89; p < 0.0001). For Exam 1, each point increase corresponded to a 6.36-point increase in ABSITE scores (95% CI: 5.01, 7.7; p < 0.0001), while Exam 2 scores showed a 3.8-point increase per point (95% CI: 2.74, 4.86; p < 0.0001). Discussion and conclusion Our findings underscore the significant impact of TrueLearn engagement on ABSITE performance, with higher quiz percentages and mock exam scores predictive of better ABSITE outcomes. This suggests that regular use of TrueLearn's educational resources enhances residents' knowledge and exam readiness. These results advocate for the integration of innovative educational tools such as TrueLearn into surgical training programs to optimize study strategies and improve exam performance. However, the study's retrospective design and single-institution focus limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should explore these relationships in diverse settings and specialties and consider additional factors influencing ABSITE performance. This study highlights the positive association between TrueLearn utilization and ABSITE performance among general surgery residents, emphasizing the importance of innovative educational resources in surgical training. By enhancing engagement with platforms such as TrueLearn, surgical programs can improve residents' readiness for high-stakes examinations, ultimately contributing to the development of proficient surgical practitioners.

Sec-certs: Examining the security certification practice for better vulnerability mitigation

Products certified under security certification frameworks such as Common Criteria undergo significant scrutiny during the costly certification process. Yet, critical vulnerabilities, including private key recovery (ROCA, Minerva, TPM-Fail...), get discovered in certified products with high assurance levels. Furthermore, assessing which certified products are impacted by such vulnerabilities is complicated due to the large amount of unstructured certification-related data and unclear relationships between the certified products. To address these problems, we conducted a large-scale automated analysis of Common Criteria certificates. We trained unsupervised models to learn which vulnerabilities from NIST’s National Vulnerability Database impact existing certified products and how certified products reference each other. Our tooling automates the analysis of tens of thousands of certification-related documents, extracting machine-readable features where manual analysis is unattainable. Further, we identify the security requirements that are associated with products being affected by fewer and less severe vulnerabilities. This indicates which aspects of certification correlate with higher security. We demonstrate how our tool can be used for better vulnerability mitigation on four case studies of known, high-profile vulnerabilities. All tools and continuously updated results are available at https://sec-certs.org.

Connecting Research and Practice for Software Product Quality Evaluation and Certification: A Software Laboratory’s 25-Year Journey

Connecting Research and Practice for Software Product Quality Evaluation and Certification: A Software Laboratory’s 25-Year Journey

PENERAPAN SERTIFIKASI HALAL MENURUT UU NOMOR 33 TAHUN 2014 TENTANG JAMINAN PRODUK HALAL

Purpose this thesis aims to determine the application of halal certification practices according to Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning JPH for D'star Krepes business actors in the city of Palopo; to find out what factors hinder the implementation of halal certification practices according for D'star Krepes business actors in the city of Palopo. Method: The type of research used in this research is empirical research with an empirical juridical approach. Empirical jurisprudence in this research is analyzing phenomena that occur in the field based on applicable laws. The data sources used are primary data, namely Mrs. Mirnawati who is the business owner and main source in the research, and secondary data in the form of official documents, journals, articles and so on. Data collection techniques in this research are observation, interviews and documentation. Data management techniques are editing and organizing. Results and Discussion: The results of this research show that: the implementation of halal certification according to Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning JPH for D'star Krepes business actors in the city of Palopo has implemented halal certification practices in accordance with the JPH Law. Which consists of the obligation to produce halal products, requirements for submitting applications for halal certification, and PPH (Halal Product Process). So the D'star Krepes business actor has succeeded in certifying his business product. However, D'star Krepes business actors have not been able to apply the halal label to products that have been certified halal. The factor that hinders the implementation of halal certification for both business actors and PPH assistants is the network, because registration for halal certification is carried out using the self-declaration method which is done online.

Design of a Blockchain Technology Competence Model for Interdisciplinary Curricula Development

Contribution. This study identifies blockchain-related competences essential for professionals involved in blockchain projects and develops a blockchain technology competence model for interdisciplinary curricula development. Background. Amidst the surge in blockchain implementations, a gap exists in systematic knowledge about the skills required from blockchain professionals. While the number of new blockchain implementation cases is growing, there are no systematic reviews on the success factors or the skills required from blockchain professionals. Lack of systematic information on blockchain projects and their implementers presents a substantial obstacle to the development of new competence-oriented academic and professional educational programs, as well as for guiding recruitment for blockchain projects. Research Question. This research investigates the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage opportunities and adapt to changing employment trends in blockchain technology. The guiding research question of this study is, what knowledge and skills must be acquired in order to be able to exploit opportunities and to be prepared for changes in employment trends in the context of blockchain innovations? Methodology. The study adopts exploratory multiple case analysis based on qualitative content analysis of job advertisement and expert interviews. Findings. The study develops a blockchain technology competence model for interdisciplinary academic and professional educational programs. The developed model can also be used for guiding the development of professional training, certification, and recruitment strategies and practice for blockchain projects.

Enhancing SMCs’ competitiveness through improving material supply chain management practice

Construction material shortages have emerged as a critical issue in developing nations, resulting in increased project costs and delays. This situation strains the construction industry’s (CI) ability to meet growing demands and remain competitive in the global market. Small and medium contractors (SMCs), who heavily rely on the availability and accessibility of construction materials, are disproportionately affected by this challenge, making it a matter of utmost concern. This study aims to identify the challenges faced, develop management mechanisms to enhance the supply chain management (SCM) of construction materials in the Ethiopian CI and provide a comprehensive improvement framework. The study employed semi-structured interviews to collect the perceptions of key industry stakeholders. Thematic analysis was utilized to facilitate a holistic understanding of the participants’ viewpoints. The findings reveal major challenges such as inadequate supply chains, poor communication and coordination, and lack of standardization and certification practices. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders, research and development, and the adoption of standardization and certification practices was highlighted. The proposed framework underscores the roles of stakeholders and offers valuable insights by delineating areas for improving SCM within the CI.

Bridging the gap: Assessing death certification competency in Bulgarian healthcare education

BACKGROUND: In Bulgaria, procedural protocols following a citizen’s death are governed by an intricate network of normative documents. Despite the presumed alignment between international and national guidelines, practical experiences reveal shortcomings in the proficiency of healthcare providers, particularly in cases involving prior medical interventions or systemic vulnerabilities.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to assess the readiness of final-year medical students and early-career physicians in navigating death certification intricacies, including their responses, documentation precision, and postmortem procedures for bereaved families, with implications for national health statistics.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: By employing a mixed-methods approach, this study distributed questionnaires to sixth-year medical students and practicing physicians, including those in emergency medicine centers and general practice. Data collection included paper-based and digital questionnaires, ensuring anonymity and ethical compliance. Statistical analysis, employing parametric (t-test) and nonparametric (Chi-square) tests, forms the basis for actionable recommendations and educational material development.&#x0D; RESULTS: This study included 143 participants, of which 41% expressed apprehension about managing out-of-hospital deaths. Approximately 44% claimed familiarity with death certification regulations, with students displaying higher theoretical confidence but lacking practical knowledge. Remarkably, 74% of physicians never received formal training in death certification. Discrepancies in issuing death certificates, timing, and notification procedures were identified.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Findings reveal varying practices among physicians according to their specialties. Issues related to documentation, timing, and notification were prevalent. The study emphasizes the need for improved training, particularly for medical students. Emergency medicine doctors exhibited higher preparedness levels. Medical students and early-career physicians urgently require enhanced education in death certification preparedness. Incorporating these topics into medical curricula, offering specialized courses, and disseminating instructional materials can significantly enhance effectiveness. Future studies should assess the quality and accuracy of recorded causes of death, which affect healthcare statistics, public service, and legal procedures, underscoring the societal and administrative significance of death certification practices.

Situating halal: religiosity, identity and lifestyle in halal consumption in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates

In this paper we draw on a study of Muslim consumer perceptions and concerns about halal labels and certification practices in two affluent countries: the United Kingdom (UK) (where Muslims are a minority of the population) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) (where Muslims are the majority). The study looked at a stratified sample of 330 Muslim consumers in each country. Our analysis points to a growing demand for variety alongside increasing concern for the presence of food additives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and alcohol in both cases. Expanding demands to label food and other commodities suitable for Muslims with information about quality and standards of production (Gauthier, 2021) are globalising trends, which Muslims everywhere engage with through ‘an Islamic lens – halal’ (Turaeva and Brose, 2020: 301). Our paper wants to address the gap in the literature that very little is known about how consumers perceive the halal concept regarding foodstuffs (see Demirci et al, 2016), and we argue that the expansion and segmentation of halal markets suggests that religious consumerism is affected by religious groups, and also by supply chain actors, and that these markets cannot be controlled by religious authorities. Our research findings provide fresh insight into the existing understanding of religion and consumption, pointing to the geographical specificities of processes of politicisation of halal consumption: the rise of new Muslim youth subcultures in the UK and the coexistence of growing processes of secularisation with ‘halalisation’ in the UAE.

Certification of sustainable palm oil plantations in the co-optation of global vegetable competition: Dialogue and dialectics

Palm oil plantation certification is the right step for sustainable plantations globally, for this reason it is necessary to describe the implementation of sustainable palm oil plantation certification in various political, economic, social and environmental study keywords and look at the forms of cooperation and interaction that exist between palm oil plantation certification in various literacies that can be describe empirically from time to time. The bibliometric analysis technique is limited to 221 research articles published during 2002 – 2023 with the keywords Certification, Palm Oil in the economic, social, political, and environmental areas indexed by Scopus. This research focuses on abstraction analysis and content analysis of the study. The research flow was evaluated using VOSviewer 1.6.19 software. The results show a study trend that leads to certification of palm oil plantations initiated by the government and private sector as well as international institutions and the existence of certification practices for various elements of palm oil utilization and management (Producers and Consumers).

Blockchain for Resilient Halal Food Certification during Post-COVID Era

This study examines the overwhelming effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global food industry with a specific focus on the challenges faced by the Muslim community in validating and certifying Halal food. The unprecedented disruptions caused by the pandemic, including border closures and lockdown measures, underscored the urgent need for a sustainable ecosystem to ensure food security and maintain the integrity of Halal standards. This study explores the potential of blockchain technology as a robust and transparent solution for enhancing Halal food validation, certification, and auditing. Moreover, this research examines how blockchain is applied in the Halal sector using eHalal.io as a case study and netnography to understand online communities’ behaviour regarding Halal products. By facilitating secure transactions and instilling trust in the supply chain. Blockchain emerges as a transformative tool that can empower Halal authorities to adapt to the evolving demands of Muslim consumers, especially in the rapidly expanding online realm during crisis and post-pandemic era. Through an in-depth analysis of the benefits and implications of blockchain adoption, this study contributes to the discourse of leveraging technology to navigate the challenges Muslim communities face and establish resilient Halal food certification practices in the wake of and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the potential of blockchain as a catalyst for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the Halal food industry, paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive future.

Green certification practices and process innovation alignment: diminishing point and catching up in nation's economic development

PurposeThe manufacturing investment shift from developed countries to emerging and developing regions creates further needs for identifying appropriate green certification strategies. This study proposes that alignments between green certification practices (GCRs) and process innovation (PIN) could help identify appropriate strategies that national economic development can influence.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the diffusion of innovation theories, this study proposed a taxonomy to examine whether sustainable performance differs depending on the levels of alignment and the role of national economic development. The study uses an empirical survey approach to highlight alignments between GCRs and PIN among developed, developing and emerging economic nations, addressing resource allocation for the world's sustainable development goals (SDGs).FindingsManufacturers need to align PIN practices with the level of green certification to achieve sustainable performance. Manufacturers experiencing higher payoffs from various improvements successfully align in GCR and PIN. The alignment between these two concepts can derive different taxonomies, which highlight performance and managerial implications for manufacturers. The manufacturers followed three distinct typologies: minimalist, process active and proactive. Besides, building on the theory of performance frontiers, the findings indicated that manufacturers in developing and emerging economies placed the most substantial GCR effort compared to their counterparts in developed nations. Manufacturers in developed countries are increasingly reaching the “diminishing points” and investing limited resources in GCR just enough to keep their competitive positioning as order qualifiers rather than order winners. Developing economies are catching up very quickly in attaining GCRs and business performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis insight is essential for managers to adapt to nations' economic development conditions and appropriately and effectively align resources.Practical implicationsThe findings offer a decision-making process and provide straightforward guidelines for supply chain managers' green certification adoption.Originality/valueIn including both PIN and green certification, this paper adds greater comprehensiveness and richness to the supply chain literature.

Socioeconomic and environmental impact of forest certification in ejidos and communities of the state of Durango, Mexico

A principal objective of forest certification is to ensure that forest management operations and administration provide opportunities for social, economic and environmental development. This study assessed the implementation of 48 specific forest certification practices through field interviews and site inspections in 13 forest properties certified in Durango according to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and compared them with practices on a pooled set of matching non-certified properties. The results of field observations indicate that forest certification has prompted measurable changes in sustainable forest management practices in Mexico. For 24 identified forest management and environmental certification practices, there were four statistically significant differences at p&lt;0.10, and 7 at p&lt;0.25. Six of 11 forest certification practices were significantly different at p&lt;0.10 for the social component, and 5 of 13 in the economic category. Forest certification in Mexico is related to better forest management practices and as a promoter of a better quality of life for communities. However, it still faces challenges to achieve better prices for certified forest products in the market, but has helped firms enter new market segments.