MICHIGAN'S VOLUNTARY LABORATORY ANALYST CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The paper will review the development, implementation and modification of the voluntary, laboratory analyst certification program in Michigan. The development process covers work done over a number of years by the Laboratory Practices Committee (LPC) of the Michigan Water Environment Association. This work included a survey of potential users, the writing of bylaws, the preparation of exams and the creation of a training workshop.The program was implemented in 1991 when the first workshop and a Level 1 examination were offered. Level 2 was added in 1992 and a Level 3 exam was first given in 1995. The training and test materials were continually reviewed and improved annually based on analyst feedback and Michigan LPC input. From 1991 to 1999, a total of 430 analysts were certified or recertified through Michigan's program.Although the program was a success, the workload experienced by the members of the Michigan LPC was a significant burden. There had always been thoughts of turning the program over to another group and the time for change came in 2000. At that time, the Michigan LPC joined forces with the California WEA to offer, in Michigan, the program created in California. The program, which is working in Michigan, may serve as a model for other states interested in offering a certification program to laboratory analysts.