January 7, 2023 – With a formal agreement with the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions in hand, the Illuminating Engineering Society is assuming management of NCQLP’s Lighting Certified (LC) examination and re-certification programs, effective January 1, 2023.

“NCQLP and the Lighting Certificate Program are fundamental to the lighting industry and lighting practitioners,” said Frank Agraz, IES. “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.”

According to IES, 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 ongoing delivery of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required for prospective and renewing individuals.

Ultimately, the parties aim 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”.

IES will provide strategic, operational, financial and administrative support to the LC program; meantime, NCQLP will continue to maintain its separate 501(c)(3) status, bylaws, and board of directors. IES executive director, Colleen Harper, now also serves as NCQLP executive director.

The society will continue to host the LC Study Group (under “IES Events”). Study group materials will be developed by third-party instructors.

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