Certified Health Education Specialist Exam

WHAT IS THE Certified Health Education Specialist exam?

The CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) exam is a national certification test that is offered every April and October.  By passing this exam, a person becomes a certified health education by the National Commission for Health Education (NCHEC).  The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions concerning the professional practice of health education, which include:

• Assessing Individual and Community Needs for Health Education
• Planning Health Education Strategies, Interventions, and Programs
• Implementing Health Education Strategies, Interventions, and Programs
• Conducting Evaluation and Research Related to Health Education
• Administering Health Education Strategies, Interventions and Programs
• Serving as a Health Education Resource Person
• Communicating and Advocating for Health and Health Education 

WHY BECOME CHES CERTIFIED?

Nearly every field of study has some sort of professional certification.  Becoming certified is proof of one’s knowledge and comprehension in a particular field.  Thus, being CHES certified is an indication of one’s understanding of health education practice.  Because of this, many employers prefer or require health educators to be CHES certified.  Ultimately, those who are CHES certified will have a competitive edge in the marketplace.

AM I REQUIRED TO TAKE THE CHES EXAM?

While it is strongly encouraged for students to take the CHES exam to increase their career opportunities as a Health Educator, in 2021 the department no longer requires Community Health Education students to take the CHES exam as a part of the graduation requirements.

For more information, visit the NCHEC website.