The Lucian Leape CPHFH Scholarship Program: 2026 Applications

Program Overview
The Lucian Leape Scholarship Program, offered annually, awards a limited number of need-based scholarships. This scholarship program is administered in honor of Dr. Lucian Leape, who devoted his life and career to raising awareness of the magnitude of preventable medical harm, and more importantly, building communities and mechanisms for action to eliminate harm to patients and the workforce. Lucian’s spirit and influence live on in the continued work of the countless individuals and institutions that relentlessly pursue safe, person-centered care delivered in psychologically safe, fair and just, and respectful environments.

We honor his legacy by offering financial support for individuals to pursue certification in patient safety or human factors in health care with the award of a limited number of need-based scholarships. Each scholarship award will include access to the online CPHFH review course, the CPHFH practice exam, and the CPHFH credentialing exam.

This call for applications closes on June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. All scholarship decisions will be communicated on September 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients will have through September 30, 2027 to sit for the CPHFH certification exam.

What is CPHFH Certification?
​​​​The Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care (CPHFH)^TM program establishes core standards for the field of human factors, benchmarks requirements necessary for health care professionals, and sets an expected proficiency level. The CPHFH credential validates demonstrated knowledge and competence in applying human factors, systems thinking, and design principles to improve safety and outcomes in health care. ​​​​​​This credential is awarded through a thorough examination covering core human factors domains, following the CPHFH exam content outline.

IHI recognizes the essential role that certification plays in advancing practice and organizational excellence. We established this scholarship program to eliminate a key barrier — lack of organizational funding — that prevents deserving professionals from becoming certified and advancing their career and practice in human factors.

More information on the CPHFH credentialing program is available at ihi.org/cphfh.

Who Should Apply?
Any professional working in or around health care who is able to demonstrate need is encouraged to apply. Candidates for the CPHFH credential are those who include human factors practices as an integral component of current or future professional responsibilities. Applicants must also possess academic and professional experience at one of the following levels, as stipulated by CPHFH eligibility requirements:

• Diploma (e.g., associates, bachelors), plus 3 years of experience in Human Factors in Health Care Related Field over five years (either full time or part-time)

OR​​

• Master/Doctorate in Human Factors Related Field, plus 1 year of full-time experience or 2 years of part time experience in Human Factors in Health Care Related Field over five years

How to Apply
Applicants will be expected to complete an application and submit all materials including:

1. Contact and organizational application form (Section I)
2. Resume or curriculum vitae (Section II)
3. Personal statement (Section III)

Selection Criteria

• Prior training and experience and/or demonstrated interest in developing and implementing human factors initiatives
• Statement of the applicant’s personal and/or career goals and how the CPHFH certification will support them and their organization
• Demonstration of organizational and/or personal need

Scholarship Details
Scholarships will be awarded through a thorough application and review process.

A scholarship award includes:

• Access to the Online CPHFH Review Course
• Access to the CPHFH Practice Exam
• One-time opportunity to sit for the CPHFH credentialing exam

Scholarship decisions will be communicated to all applicants on September 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients will have through September 30, 2027 to complete the program.

Please contact the IHI Certification Team at certification@ihi.org with any questions.