Professionals in the modeling and simulation field currently suffer
from lack of standards in areas such as computational science, systems
engineering and training delivery, said Mark Yerkes, assistant vice
president at the University of Central Florida’s Office of
Research.
“This lack of identity and the associated fragmentation of
this evolving industry are an impediment to the necessary development
and application of modeling and simulation technologies and practices,”
he said.
The development and advancement of professionals in this industry
is inhibited, because there is no generally accepted set of qualifications
or functional competencies that are inherent in modeling and simulation,
Yerkes said. “Additionally, there is no specific form of officially
certifying professional modeling and simulation practitioners.”
The lack of guidelines for determining professional competency
makes the establishment and delivery of educational programs difficult,
he said. Furthermore, the lack of metrics and standards “makes
labor market transactions inefficient for both buyers and sellers
of professional services.”
For that reason, an implementation program was developed—to
establish organizations and processes for professional certification
in the modeling and simulation industry.
The Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Commission
(MSPCC) will develop a professional certification program for simulation
professionals, recognizing standard levels of knowledge and competency
for professionals and the industry.
Participants in the program will include professionals from industry,
government (uniform and civilian) and academia.
Seven criteria were used in establishing the initial certification:
basic educational level, math knowledge, science knowledge, computer
knowledge, psychology/human factors knowledge, project/program management,
work experience, continuing education, peer reviewed papers and
letters of recommendation. Individuals with exceptional experience
may apply for a waiver.
Applicants will be required to meet one of the following combinations
of education and experience:
1. Doctorate and three years experience.
2. Masters degree and five years experience.
3. Bachelor degree and six years experience.
4. Associate degree and eight years experience.
As the community/industry matures, the certification and continuing
education requirements will also develop to reflect changes in the
industry, said Yerkes.
The Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Commission
is comprised of two groups, the Implementation Group and Certification
Board. Board membership will last for three years but may continue
for up to two terms, six years total.
The Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Commission
has been in its early stages since the summer of 2001, and is still
going through a trial period. The National Training and Systems
Association (NTSA) is the administrator for the Certification Commission,
and several companies also are involved.
The National Training Systems Association identified the need for
a certification program in 1999.
For more information about MSPCC, contact Mark Yerkes, (407) 822-1301.
For NTSA information, contact Barbara McDaniel at (703) 247-2569
or e-mail bmcdaniel@ndia.org.