About the CO-OP® Credential & Other Levels of Designation

Stand Out and Make a Difference!

Are you interested in gaining new recognition for your role as an organizational ombuds? Become a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner®.

The Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners® offers three levels of designation: CO-OP®, Candidate for CO-OP®, and Inactive CO-OP®. Learn more about each level by watching our quick intro video below.

Are you looking for information about the CO-OP® Examination? Visit the Exam Page for more details about how the exam works as well as the dates for any upcoming exams.

CO-OP® Exam Information

Levels of CO-OP® Recognition

These CO-OP® Levels Help You:

• Gain Recognition: Enhance your credibility and professional standing with the organization(s) that you serve
• Invest in Your Career: Demonstrate your professional knowledge 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 Ombudsman field 
  
  

How to Earn & Maintain One of the Three Levels of Recognition:

STEP 1: 

Register to take the CO-OP® Examination. Pass the exam with a score of 405 or higher.

STEP 2: 

Apply to become a Candidate for CO-OP®. This level allows ombuds who are unable to fulfill the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics requirements due to organizational limitations to receive a new level of recognition.

OR

Apply to become a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner®. If you are able to fulfill the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics requirements for full recognition submit your application after taking the exam. 

STEP 3: 

Maintain your certification. To maintain you must complete the CO-OP® recertification process every four years.

OR

Apply for Inactive CO-OP® Status. If you have previously held the CO-OP® credential and are no longer able to meet the requirements of CO-OP® credential you can move to Inactive CO-OP® Status. This will allow you to hold your state and not need to start the process over from the beginning if they later want to recertify.