The Metcert Cetification Scheme for Calibration Technicians

After taking more than six years to establish and get off the ground, the National Laboratory Association • South Africa (NLA-SA) established a Certification for Persons Scheme for calibration technicians in 2008. During 2010 the first metrologist/calibration technicians were certified under this scheme which was aptly named MetCert (Metrologist Certification). Whilst adoption was initially slow, certification gathered substantial momentum once professional recognition became a requirement by local regulations and the local accreditor adopted MetCert as one of three mechanisms to satisfy this requirement. The paper will provide statistics on how many technicians and which fields they hold which certifications will be reported; difficulties and challenges that have been encountered and how they have been dealt with, as well as how to deal with ongoing competency requirements will also be highlighted. The authors of this paper have been intimately involved in the scheme’s development and they will reflect on its current status as well as the positive impact it has had on the South African calibration laboratory environment.