What Is CHES Certification?
Written by:
North Carolina Central University
• Oct 16, 2024
What Is CHES Certification?
The world of health care is vast and complex, which often leaves some people confused about how to maximize their well-being. Thanks to public health educators working to bridge the gap in health care disparities, a wider range of communities are able to access the information necessary to wholly understand health risks and preventive care, as well as how and where to seek appropriate health services. One way to validate your expertise in public health education is through Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.
CHES certification recognizes professionals who’ve proved their competency in myriad areas that are essential for health education specialists, as we’ll explore later. The certification is a national credential that acknowledges expertise in the health education field. Prospective specialists can prepare for this important credential through a foundational degree in public health education.
Why CHES Certification Is Valuable
For those interested in a public health career, CHES certification is highly valuable.
Hiring Potential
Achieving CHES certification highlights a person’s health education knowledge and skill competency to potential employers. Becoming a certified health education specialist also has the potential to open doors to higher level roles within the health education field.
Professional Development
CHES certification showcases exemplary commitment and initiative to improving the health education field. The certification provides a competitive edge in the job market and also furthers the individuals’ professional growth and solidifies their investment in bettering health education for all.
CHES Exam Overview
Discover the eligibility requirements, content, format, and application of the CHES exam, which is mandatory to obtain the certification.
CHES Exam Eligibility Requirements
Since the CHES certification recognizes mastery of various competencies within the health education field, there are eligibility requirements based on academic qualifications for those who wish to take the CHES exam.
The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) states that applicants for the exam must have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree from an accredited higher education institution and one of the following:
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Official transcript that shows a major in health education
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Official transcript verifying completion of 25 credits or 37 course hours of coursework relating to a framework that NCHEC calls the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists
For those unsure of their eligibility standing, NCHEC offers a prescreening service during certain periods (November 1 to January 31 and May 1 to July 31) to help determine CHES certification exam eligibility. Should a prospective applicant be ineligible based on their prescreening submission, NCHEC will provide them with guidance toward qualification.
CHES Exam Content
As mentioned, CHES certification recognizes competency in various areas of health education. NCHEC created the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists to outline competencies and subcompetencies of the profession. The CHES exam focuses on these various sets of competencies, as they’re vital to the role. The Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists are as follows:
- Assessment of Needs and Capacity
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation and Research
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Leadership and Management
- Ethics and Professionalism
CHES Exam Application
Just as there are eligibility requirements for the CHES certification exam, there are application requirements. Applicants must submit the following to be considered for the exam:
- Completed application form
- Official transcript from accredited higher education institution
- Advisor letter with the applicant’s name, projected graduation date, student status (full time or part time), and degree program
- Application fee
CHES Exam Format
The CHES exam has 165 multiple-choice questions; 150 of those are scored questions and the other 15 are pilot questions (questions included to help ensure the validity of the exam). The exam is offered internationally and can be taken remotely. Applicants have three hours to complete the exam, which includes an optional 10-minute break at the halfway point.
Job Outlook for Certified Health Education Specialists
As government organizations, health care providers, and community health programs strive to improve public health education, the need for certified health education specialists is very prominent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of health education specialists is expected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, a rate that’s much faster than the average for all other occupations.
With a nationally recognized certification, certified health education specialists are strong candidates for many public health education roles. Employers commonly require CHES certification for various positions, especially for more experienced roles, such as health program manager or health promotion specialist.
Achieve Health Education Goals With NCCU Online
With courses such as Introduction to Health Disparities and Research Methods and Evaluation in Health Education, the online bachelor’s degree in public health education from NCCU Online aligns with the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists covered in the CHES exam, providing students with the knowledge and expertise they need to succeed.
Get one step closer to your public health education career goals with an online Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education degree completion program at NCCU Online. The skills and applicable theories learned in the program not only help you pass the CHES certification exam but also strengthen your ability to be an effective health educator for a broader patient population.
Find out how you can fulfill your professional goals in public health education at NCCU Online.
Recommended Readings
What Is a Social and Community Service Manager?
How to Become a Health Care Consultant
Sources:
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, CHES Exam
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, The Value of Credentialing
National Library of Medicine, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Education Specialists