The NCHEC (National Commission for Health Education Credentialing) offers the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination, a premier competency-based tool used to measure the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge strictly related to the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists.
This certification is designed for entry-level health education professionals who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education, and who meet specific academic eligibility requirements in health education.
Earning your CHES® designation signifies that you have met required academic qualifications and have passed a comprehensive examination, demonstrating your commitment to professional development and mastery of essential health education skills.
What the Course Entails and Exam Details
Preparing for the NCHEC CHES® exam involves a deep understanding of the Seven Areas of Responsibility, which form the cornerstone of the health education profession.
These entry-level competencies and sub-competencies include:
Your exam prep must cover all these domains, ensuring you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios in diverse health education settings.
What to Expect in the Final Exam
The CHES® examination is a rigorous, computer-based test designed to evaluate your proficiency in health education.
The exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored items and 15 non-scored pilot items).
Candidates are given a total of three hours to complete the examination.
NCHEC uses a criterion-referenced passing score, which is determined by a panel of health education experts; there is no fixed passing percentage, as the difficulty of each exam form is mathematically accounted for during scoring.
The exam is offered twice a year, in April and October, during specific testing windows.
You must bring valid government-issued identification to the testing center, and no outside materials, such as books or electronics, are permitted during the examination.
How to Study and Exam Centers
Effective study strategies are essential for success on the CHES® exam.
Start by thoroughly reviewing the "Health Education Specialist: A Companion Guide for Professional Excellence (8th Edition)," which is the primary reference material for the exam.
Utilize the NCHEC website’s practice examination and exam blueprint to understand the weighting of each Area of Responsibility.
Form a study group with colleagues or former classmates, or seek mentorship from a CHES®-certified professional.
Focus on practical application: don't just memorize definitions, but understand how to apply the competencies to specific public health scenarios.
Practice time management by taking timed practice tests to simulate the exam environment.
The CHES® exam is administered through Prometric, a global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment.
You can schedule your exam at any authorized Prometric testing center worldwide.
Additionally, NCHEC offers Live Remote Proctoring (LRP), which allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home or office, provided your environment meets specific security and technology requirements.
Job Opportunities from the Course
Achieving the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) credential opens diverse career paths and demonstrates a high level of professionalism in the field.
Career opportunities for CHES®-certified individuals include:
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