Illuminating Engineering Society Assumes Management of NCQLP

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) announces it has formalized an agreement with the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP) to assume management of their Lighting Certified (LC) examination and recertification programs, effective January 1, 2023. The two organizations share a rich history following the IES's in-kind establishment of the Technical Knowledge Exam (TKE), as well as the Society's annual LC study group and on-going delivery of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required for prospective and renewing individuals.

The IES mission to "improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge into actions that benefit the public," combined with the longstanding relationship between the two organizations, offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the exam and its importance to the industry and to implement a process of continuous quality improvement to ensure the exam remains accessible, relevant, and respected.

While the IES will provide strategic, operational, financial, and administrative support to the LC program, the NCQLP will continue to maintain its separate 501(c)(3) status, bylaws and its own Board of Directors. The organizations will work to establish liaisons between their respective Boards, and the IES executive director, Colleen Harper, will now serve as the NCQLP executive director. The IES will continue to host the LC Study Group; however, to eliminate any conflicts of interest it will now be under the IES Events umbrella and study group materials will be developed solely by third-party instructors.

"NCQLP and the Lighting Certificate Program are fundamental to the lighting industry and lighting practitioners," states Frank Agraz, IES board president. "I'm so proud that the IES now has an opportunity to support and strengthen the program, to enhance its branding and, ultimately, ensure its sustainability long into the future."

Bernie Erickson, NCQLP board president shares, "For over 30 years, the NCQLP has been providing lighting practitioners the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and experience. I'm confident with the IES more deeply involved, we will witness the LC program become even more prestigious and essential."

For more information about the NCQLP and the LC Program, click here.