The International Board of Electrologist Certification Credential Turns 25
Twenty-five years ago, the American Electrology Association took the electrology profession to a whole new level.
Aug 9, 2010

WENATCHEE, Washington -- American Electrology Association (AEA) announces that November 11, 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of the first International Board of Electrologist Certification (IBEC) Exam in Atlanta, Georgia.

Before IBEC, it was difficult for a consumer to gauge the competency of an electrologist. Since electrolysis was not considered to be part of "real" healthcare, the industry lacked the standards and regulations that cover other types of healthcare. Even now, some states have licensing requirements, but others do not. Consumers remain largely unaware of what, if any, requirements an electrologist must meet to practice in any particular state.

For twenty-five years, the Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) credential served to create a standard - an assurance that the board certified electrologist has been tested and measured against a national standard of excellence and has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to continuing education in the field of electrology.

Sharon Ortiz, CPE and President of the American Electrology Association, was there for that first IBEC exam. She recalls the professional environment that inspired the AEA to create a standardized certification. "The pre-IBEC era was a time of development and growth for the profession. We wanted to be considered part of the allied health field and be truly recognized as a viable profession. Since the public and private health sectors were increasing regulations and standards to ensure competency and effectiveness in the health care system, electrologists wanted to follow suit for our profession as well. A certification program, indicative of the highest level of professional competency in the field of electrolysis, was a major step forward in achieving recognition and status for the electrology profession."

The Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) credential is a voluntary credential, which requires continuing education pursuits. The board certified electrologist must obtain seventy-five hours of continuing education in a five-year period to maintain this credential, or be re-tested. (http://www.electrology.com/consumer/cpe.html)

The American Electrology Association is the largest international non-profit membership organization for permanent hair removal professionals. It exists to promote the highest standards in electrology education, practice and ethics and champion state licensing and regulation of the profession to protect the public interest.