Important Update:  Applications for individual certification of Certified Organizational Ombuds is now open. The CO-OP designation will no longer be awarded. Current CO-OP certified individuals should see the recertification page for information.

About the Board of Certification

• To identify the body of knowledge necessary to perform the organizational ombuds job;
• To establish the level of experience and other eligibility requirements for certification and re-certification;
• To encourage consistency of standards of practice for organizational ombuds practitioners;
• To identify to their peers and to the public those organizational ombuds who have voluntarily sought and obtained certification; and
• To promote the advancement of the organizational ombuds profession.

Connection to IOA

The Board of Certification was established by the International Ombuds Association (IOA) to oversee the certification process of organizational ombuds. IOA is the premier organization serving the organizational ombuds profession. The certification program for organizational ombuds practitioners was developed under the auspices of IOA over the course of five years of planning, seeking feedback from members, and assessing the results of a market survey. Although the Board of Certification is, and for the foreseeable future is expected to remain, a division of IOA, the Bylaws of the Board of Certification provide that the Board of Certification, not IOA or any other organization, has the sole discretion to manage and make all decisions relating to certification matters. Certification does not require membership in IOA, participation in IOA training, or attendance at IOA conferences.

Board Information & Policies

• Board of Directors  
• Standing Committees
• Board Policies and Ethics Statement
• Board of Certification By-laws
• Use of Credential Policy
• Ethics Complaint Procedure
• Annual Reports & Past Exams

Certification Board of Directors

*Officers of the Board of Certification are chosen from among the Board of Directors.

Ethics Statement: The Board of Certification is dedicated to the advancement and recognition of the organizational ombuds profession by awarding a certification credential to those meeting specific requirements. Based on the traditions and values of organizational ombuds practice, the Certification Board of Directors, as well as all participants in the governance of the Board of Certification, including members of committees and task forces, promote and engage in ethical conduct in the performance of their Board duties and in exercising their Ombuds role.