- What is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)?
The CHES (pronounced chez) designation signifies that an individual has met eligibility requirements for, and has successfully passed a competency-based examination demonstrating skill and knowledge of the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Educators, upon which the credential is based. - What is the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc?
The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., or NCHEC (pronounced N-Check), is a nonprofit organization whose mission is:To improve the practice of health education and to serve the public and profession of health education by certifying health education specialists, promoting professional development, and strengthening professional preparation and practice.
After more than a decade of work, committed health educators representing the health education profession established NCHEC in April 1988. Today there are more than 8,000 individuals actively carrying the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designation.
- How can I get involved with NCHEC?
Every year the Commission seeks nominations for vacancies on the Board of Commissioners and three Division Boards. All CHES are welcome to complete the nomination form that's available in the CHES Bulletin and on the NCHEC Web site each spring. NCHEC's Marketing Committee functions on a volunteer basis. All CHES are welcome. Those interested in serving should contact the executive director.Additional opportunities are listed on the website periodically.
- How do I submit an article to the CHES Bulletin?
NCHEC welcomes any information relevant to CHES as well as the health education profession. If you have information or an article to submit to the NCHEC Bulletin, please send it to the Communications Coordinator, Melissa Rehrig, mrehrig@nchec.org - I am a member of the media, who do I contact regarding information about NCHEC?
For any media inquiries, please contact the Communications Coordinator, Melissa Rehrig at mrehrig@nchec.org or 888.624.3248 x11.
- What are the Areas of Responsibility?
There are seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Educators that make up the standards of the credential. They are:- Assess individual and community needs for health education
- Plan effective health education strategies, interventions, and programs
- Implement health education strategies, interventions, and programs
- Conduct evaluation and research related to health education
- Administer health education strategies, interventions, and programs
- Serve as a health education resource person
- Communicate and advocate for health and health education
- How does one obtain skills in and knowledge of the Areas of Responsibility?
The foundation for obtaining experience in the Areas of Responsibility is academic training. Many professional preparation programs in health education or related degree programs at colleges and universities have designed their curricula using the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Educators. Eligibility for the CHES examination is based solely on possession of a degree and/or academic preparation related to health education. - What is a Health Educator?
Health educators are professionals who design, conduct and evaluate activities that help improve the health of all people. These activities can take place in a variety of settings that include schools, communities, health care facilities, businesses, universities and government agencies. Health educators are employed under a range of job titles such as patient educators, health education teachers, health coaches, community organizers, public health educators, and health program managers. - What is a Certified Health Education Specialist?
Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) are those who have met the standards of competence established by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc. (NCHEC) and have successfully passed the CHES examination. - What does the CHES designation mean?
The CHES designation after a health educator's name is one indication of professional competency and commitment to continued professional development.
- What are the qualifications to take the CHES exam? (see Exam Eligibility)
To be eligible to take the CHES examination an individual must have a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate's degree from an accredited institution of higher educationAND
Have an official transcript that clearly shows a major in health education, e.g., Health Education, School Health Education, Public Health Education, Community Health Education, etc. OR Have an official transcript that reflects at least 25 semester hours (37 quarter hours) of course work addressing the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Educators.
- When is the CHES exam offered?
The CHES exam is offered twice a year - April and October. CHES Exam Schedule - What is the CHES exam like?
The CHES examination is a paper-and-pencil test administered by the Professional Examination Service (PES) at 120 test sites nationwide. Candidates have three hours to answer 150 multiple-choice questions based upon the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Educators. - How is the passing score for the CHES exam determined?
The passing score varies by the version of the exam. The passing point is determined by using a variety of statistical techniques (A modification of the Angoff method and equating), which takes difficulty in account.More detailed information on exam scoring and a breakdown of percentages can be found here.
- What are the fees for taking the CHES exam?
Fees for the exam are based on when you file your application. There are four filing deadlines. The filing deadlines and fees for both CHES exams can be found here. - Is there a student rate?
Yes. For full-time (enrolled in a min. of 9 credits) students, the fee is $210 if application is filed by the third registration deadline. Any student applications filed after the third registration deadline must pay final registration fee of $265. - If I see my school or degree code listed, is my institution automatically approved?
No, school codes are listed as a reference. It is not an indication that you will obtain automatic eligibility and approval for the exam. You must still meet the eligibility requirements. - What are the benefits of becoming a CHES?
There are several benefits to becoming a CHES:- Establishes a national standard for practice, as opposed to state or local certifications and registries
- Attests to an individual's knowledge and skills in areas deemed necessary to the field of practice as delineated by the profession
- Assists employers in identifying qualified practitioners and assures employers that services are provided by professionals who have met national standards
- Convey a sense of pride and accomplishment in the profession
- Promotes continued professional development.
Over the last several years, more employers then ever have begun to submit health educator/health promotion positions descriptions as “CHES preferred.”
- Can I use my veteran's benefits with the CHES exam?
Yes! As of June 2008, NCHEC is proud to offer veterans privileges. Now veterans and their eligible dependants may qualify for reimbursement for the CHES exam through their veteran's education benefits under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, Section 3689. Veterans who took the CHES exam dating back no earlier than March 1, 2001 may qualify for exam fee reimbursement. For more information, please contact the Veterans Benefits Administration office in your area or visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits website: http://www.gibill.va.gov/ . - How do I purchase the Exam Study Guide?
You can purchase the Exam Study Guide by clicking here or by clicking on the Publications link under the Quick Links found on the NCHEC.org Home Page. It is available in a variety of quantities and pricing structures from $45 for a single copy to $30 per copy when purchasing 50 or more.
- How is eligibility determined?
Eligibility is determined solely through academic preparation; college/university degree and health education coursework. While experience in the field may be beneficial when taking the exam it does not count towards eligibility. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis. Graduation or credits from a specific program do not automatically qualify an individual for exam eligibility. - I have not graduated yet. Must I wait until I have my degree?
No. Students enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education who provide an official transcript showing a minimum of 25 semester hours relating to the Areas of Responsibility, and who will be graduating within 90 days of a testing date may take the CHES exam. The student candidate must also submit written verification from a faculty advisor affirming that the student will be academically qualified by the examination date. For 90-day candidates, exam results will be released once proof of graduation has been received by the exam coordinator. - What if I'm unsure of
my eligibility to take the CHES exam?
NCHEC offers a prescreen service for those individuals who are unsure of their eligibility. Exam eligibility is determined through a review of an individual's academic transcript. To request this service, the prescreen request form, a $25 nonrefundable fee and an official transcript must be submitted to NCHEC. If the applicant is found ineligible, course deficiencies will be identified and guidance for qualification will be provided. If the applicant is deemed eligible, the $25 fee is then applied toward the exam fee, and an application will be mailed. All applicants are notified in writing of their prescreen outcome. This service is particularly useful to applicants whose academic preparation does not include a degree in health education, but may have accumulated sufficient health education course work to qualify for the CHES exam. - I have a Master of Public Health (MPH). Am I eligible to take the CHES exam?
Maybe. A Master of Public Health (MPH) alone does not qualify an individual to take the CHES exam. An applicant's degree must explicitly be in a discipline of "Health Education," or a transcript reflecting at least 25 semester hours (37 quarter hours of course work specifically addressing the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Educators. - I do not have a degree in health education, but work in the field. Am I eligible to take the CHES exam?
Maybe. Experience alone will not meet eligibility requirements. If you have a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from a accredited institution of higher education and 25 semester hours or 37 quarter hours of course work with specific preparation addressing the Areas of Responsibility and Competencies for Health Educators, you may be eligible. - I am a nurse, dietitian, respiratory technician or other health professional. Do I qualify?
Maybe. Generally clinical health programs do not specifically address the Seven Areas of Responsibility of health educators in enough coursework to qualify. But you may still qualify through additional coursework. If you have a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education and 25 semester hours or 37 quarter hours of course work with specific preparation addressing the Seven Areas of Responsibility (see the areas/or hyperlink to the areas) of health educators, you may be eligible.
- Who is eligible to take the MCHES Exam?
Both current CHES and non-CHES health educators will be eligible to sit for the MCHES exam.- For CHES: active status for five (5) continuous years immediately prior to the exam
- For Non-CHES: required to have a master’s degree or higher in health education or master’s degree or higher in a related discipline with at least 25 credit hours specific to health education. Additionally, must submit supplementary information, such as documentation of five years of advanced practice as a health educator, two letters of recommendation from a current or past supervisor, and a current curriculum vitae/resume.
(Pending BOC approval)
- What is the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity?
Prior to the first MCHES examination, NCHEC will announce that CHES who have held active status for the past consecutive years will have the opportunity to participate in a MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity. If applicants are successful, they will not be required to take the exam to obtain the MCHES designation. For a period of six months after the announcement is made, CHES may submit documentation of advanced-level of practice in health education to qualify for the MCHES designation. Please see the MCHES Overview page for detailed requirements.(MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity requirements pending BOC approval)
- When are the anticipated dates for the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity announcement and the MCHES exam?
- MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity: December 2010
- 1st MCHES Exam: October 2011
(Pending BOC approval)
- Why was an objective examination chosen over portfolio for assessing advanced certification?
Portfolios were considered as a means of assessment for the advanced-level credential, but problems with inter-rater reliability of assessors revealed that this type of assessment is prohibitive. Also, PES personnel explained that portfolios typically are not used in certification efforts because of the astronomical cost for MCHES applicants (e.g. $1,200 to $2,000).(Pending BOC approval)
- How much will it cost to apply to take the MCHES examination?
Details on total cost have not been established. Estimated cost: $300-$350 depending on application submission date and type of applicant (e.g. CHES or non-CHES).(Pending BOC approval)
- What are my responsibilities after certification?
The certification period for CHES is five years. During that time a CHES must accumulate 75 hours of continuing education. Each year the certification is renewed with an annual fee of $55. On the fifth year, the CHES recertifies by demonstrating completion of 75 continuing education contact hours (CECH) and paying the annual fee. - What are the Continuing Education requirements for CHES?
In order to maintain certification, a CHES must accumulate a minimum of 75 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) over their five-year certification period. These hours are divided into two categories, Category I and Category II (see below).CECH are those experiences that assist in the development or enhancement of the knowledge and skills directly related to the Seven Areas of Responsibility and the individual's professional occupation. NCHEC encourages CHES to pursue training in all Seven Areas of Responsibility, as competence in all Areas is essential to successful health education practice.
CHES are encouraged to accumulate a minimum of 15 CECH per year, and to complete all continuing education requirements at least 90 days prior to recertification.
- What is Category I?
There are two types of CECH, Category I and Category II:Category I is a continuing education program/activity which is preapproved by NCHEC. Of the 75 hours to be earned in a five-year period, at least 45 CECH must be earned by participating in Category I activities. All CECH can be earned through Category I activities.
CHES who have accumulated in excess of 75 CECH at the end of the current five-year certification cycle may carry over a maximum of 15 Category I CECH into the next five- year certification cycle. Category II hours are not eligible for carry over.
Category I activities are offered by 'designated providers.' A 'designated provider' is an organization that has demonstrated its ability to meet specific NCHEC criteria for offering CHES Responsibilities-related activities. Designated providers report all activities directly to NCHEC.
At the end of a Category I activity you will receive a certificate that includes a designated provider number. Keep this certificate as proof of your participation in the activity.
- What is Category II?
A Category II activity is not preapproved by NCHEC.Up to 30 CECH can be earned by participating in quality activities that relate to at least one of the Seven Areas of Responsibility for CHES, but were not approved in advance by NCHEC.
To apply for Category II CECH, you must complete the Category II Claim Form (pdf) within 90 days following completion of an event.
Exception to the 45 Category I/30 Category II Rule:
If you live outside the continental United States you may earn all 75 CECH through activities that are not preapproved by NCHEC. Submit these using the Category II Claim Form (pdf)
- What are CECH Fees?
NCHEC does not charge to process continuing education credits. Individual providers of continuing education may still require payment of administrative fees to defray their expenses in completing the provider application, filing the continuing education report and maintaining attendance records following an event. - What are ways I can obtain my CECH Credits?
There are several ways you can earn CECH credits, including: attendance at professional meetings, self- study, academic preparation, creative endeavors, professional presentations, and professional service. For more information go to Opportunities for Contact Hours in the Continuing Education section. - How do I find CHES-approved activities?
NCHEC strives to keep an up-to-date list of Category I (live events and self studies) activities. You can find that listing here. The easiest way to find activities is to log in to your CHES account and click on “Continuing Education Credit Activities”. Category II activities are independent activities submitted for approval, therefore the activities are identified by the individual. - How do I document my continuing education?
Category I (preapproved) Activities: After completion of a Category I activity, the designated provider will report the activity directly to NCHEC and award a certificate of attendance/completion directly to the participating CHES. The certificate will include the sponsor's “Designated Provider number”. CHES should retain the certificate in their records--CHES SHOULD NOT submit any Category I documentation to NCHEC unless requested.Category II (non-preapproved) Activities: Due to the diversity of Category II opportunities, acceptable forms of documentation will vary. To claim CECH in Category II, CHES will need to record not only the program information, but also how each activity relates to the Areas of Responsibility. CHES must fill out a Category II Claim Form (pdf) within 90 days following completion of a CECH activity.
- What is renewal?
Renewal refers to the annual fee required to keep your CHES designation current. - What is recertification?
Recertification refers to the process of starting a new 5-year cycle. In order to be recertified and keep your CHES designation, you must complete the required 75 hours of CECH and be current with your renewal fees. - How do I make a payment?
You can make a payment towards your CHES renewal or recertification by clicking the “CHES login” button on the left side of your screen. You may also access this page by clicking here.
- What is a "Designated Provider”?
Designated Provider status is awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) to organizations offering health education related continuing education programs and activities for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES). NCHEC mandates that all CHES earn at least a portion of their continuing education requirement for recertification from Designated Providers. - What is a continuing education activity?
Continuing Education is defined as educational experiences that help Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) maintain their core competencies, which are:- Assess individual and community needs for health education
- Plan effective health education strategies, interventions, and programs
- Implement health education strategies, interventions, and programs
- Conduct evaluation and research related to health education
- Administer health education strategies, interventions, and programs
- Serve as a health education resource person
- Communicate and advocate for health and health education
Continuing education experiences may include seminars, conferences, workshops, academic courses, authorship, professional presentations, professional service, training programs, and directed self-study programs which are at least one-hour in length.
- Why should my organization become a Designated Provider?
- To attract more health educators to your programs
- To increase the visibility and credibility of your organization as a nationally recognized provider of continuing education for health educators
- To provide a needed professional education service to your community
- To generate revenue from continuing education events
- Free access to the mailing list of all Certified Health Education Specialists
- Is my organization eligible to become a Designated Provider?
If yours is a local, state, national or international organization/agency involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of health education related continuing education, you are eligible to become a Designated Provider. Designated Providers can be: medical facilities, colleges/universities, nonprofit organizations, for profit corporations, publishers, health departments, and professional organizations. Contact the continuing education coordinator sschaffer@nchec.org if you're not sure you qualify. - Which Designated Provider category should my organization choose?
There are four categories of Designated Provider. See descriptions below to decide which is best for your organization.Single Event Provider (SEP) : Organizations choosing this category do not plan to offer many continuing education activities that address CHES competencies but are seeking approval for one activity only (even if it will be offered more than once in a year)
Multiple Event Provider (MEP): Organizations choosing this category offer several continuing education activities during a two-year or four-year period which address CHES competencies. These organizations must show evidence of either two previous successful continuing education programs using the NCHEC Single Event Provider (SEP) application within the preceding two-year period; or current designation as a provider of continuing education for another health profession (ie: nursing, diabetes, social work, etc.)
Annual Event Provider (AEP) : Organizations choosing this category have offered annual meetings for at least five years which include a great number of sessions addressing CHES competencies.
Universal Provider Application : This application may be employed in conjunction with any application form used to seek continuing education approval for a single event by another health profession. This format is an alternative to NCHEC's Single Event Provider Application and will lead to the same designation
- How does my organization apply to become a Designated Provider?
- Decide which designated provider category best reflects your situation. If you are not sure, ask us. We will review the criteria with you and help you determine which category best fits your needs and situation.
- Contact the continuing education coordinator and request an application form or download an application here.
- Submit application and administrative fee for review
- Allow 4 weeks for application review
- Who will review the application?
Applications are reviewed by NCHEC staff, voluntary review panel, and/or NCHEC Division Board for Professional Development for additional review. - What are some tips for a successful application?
- Demonstrated relevance of your (current or future) offerings to health educators
- Include all requested information
- Clear and specific responses to all questions
- Inclusion of at least one Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) on the event planning committee.
- Submit check/money order/credit card information for the appropriate amount.
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Designated CECH Providers
