Mentorship as Stewardship: Supporting the Next Generation of Certified Professionals 

By: Chris Hamrick: Mentor Program Chair, BCPE.org

Navigating the certification process can feel daunting—especially when you’re trying to assess your eligibility, master a broad body of knowledge, and prepare for a comprehensive exam. That’s where our mentorship program comes in.

Through the program, certified professionals volunteer their time and expertise to help applicants navigate every step of the certification journey, from determining readiness to preparing for the exam. For both mentors and mentees, the experience can be transformative.

That was certainly the case for Vin Cotto and Brock Anderson.

When Vin was preparing for certification, he was paired with Brock, a certified professional who immediately recognized a strong fit. “We had similar backgrounds,” Vin shared. “I knew if Brock could achieve certification, then I could too.” From Brock’s perspective, Vin’s motivation stood out right away. “I could tell he was committed and capable of getting there,” Brock said.

The certification exam is intentionally designed to cover the full breadth of the field—including cognitive, physical, and organizational ergonomics—which can be overwhelming without guidance. Brock helped Vin break the process into manageable pieces. He shared a study workbook he had used himself, helped Vin assemble a targeted reading list from the BCPE-recommended references, and worked with him to build a realistic study plan—such as tackling one chapter per week.

For Brock, effective mentoring starts with listening. “A good mentor surfaces the mentee’s thinking by asking questions,” he explained. “You have to understand what they know—and what they don’t know—so you can help frame any supplemental learning.” He also emphasized the importance of helping mentees reduce the intimidating nature of the process.

That mindset reflects Brock’s broader philosophy about mentoring. Rather than treating certification as a rite of passage or a barrier to entry, he believes it should be viewed as an opportunity to grow the profession. “Mentoring is an act of stewardship,” he said. “It’s about supporting people who are curious, passionate about the field, and want to be better at their craft.”

For Vin, the benefits of mentorship didn’t end with passing the exam. He pointed to the networking opportunities and the long-term satisfaction that comes from helping others succeed. Now that he has served as both a mentee and a mentor, he understands both sides of the relationship. Brock echoed that sentiment, recalling how excited he was to see Vin land his role as a Certified Professional Ergonomist.

Brock believes certification is an important way to demonstrate aptitude and build trust. “It shows competence,” he said. “It gives others confidence in your technical abilities.” The mentorship program helps make that goal more attainable—while strengthening the profession as a whole.

Whether you’re considering certification or looking for a meaningful way to give back, the mentorship program offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute. By participating, you’re not just helping someone pass an exam—you’re helping shape the future of the field.

If you or someone you know is embarking on their certification journey and would like a mentor, one can be request at the BCPE Mentor Page.  If you are interested in participating as a BCPE mentor or mentee, contact BCPE.