The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential is the foundational professional certification for individuals who plan, implement, and evaluate health education programs.
Administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC), this designation signifies a standard of competence and professionalism in the field of health education and promotion.
It is designed for professionals with an academic background in health education, public health, health promotion, or a related discipline who want to validate their skills and enhance their career opportunities.
Taking a CHES Practice Exam is a critical first step in your preparation, allowing you to gauge your current knowledge, identify areas needing focused study, and become familiar with the exam format.
What the Course Entails and Exam Details
The CHES examination is not a single course but rather a comprehensive assessment of your mastery of the essential competencies required for a health education specialist.
The actual final exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions.
150 of these are scored, while the remaining 15 are un-scored "pre-test" items used to develop future test questions.
The exam content is directly based on NCHEC's Competency-Based Framework, which outlines Eight Areas of Responsibility and multiple accompanying competencies and sub-competencies.
These core competencies include:
What to Expect in the Final Exam
Preparing for the actual CHES examination requires understanding its structure and regulations.
How to Study and Exam Centers
Developing a focused study plan is key to success on the CHES exam.
Effective Study Strategies:
Review the Areas of Responsibility: Study NCHEC's Companion Guide for Health Education Specialists to deeply understand each competency.
Multiple Practice Exams: Use resources like the CHES Practice Exam to simulate test conditions and identify knowledge gaps.
Use Academic Textbooks: Revisit foundational health education and public health textbooks from your undergraduate or graduate studies.
Create Flashcards: Master key terms, health behavior theories, and research methods.
Focus on Weak Areas: Dedicate more study time to competencies you are least comfortable with.
Exam Centers and Scheduling:
The final CHES examination is administered via computer in a proctored setting. Candidates have two options for taking the test:
Physical Testing Centers: You can take the exam at an authorized testing center. The CHES exam is offered at thousands of centers worldwide through Pearson VUE.
Live Remote Proctoring (LRP): You may also have the option to take the exam from your own computer at home or another private location. In this case, you are monitored by a live proctor via your computer's camera and microphone.
To schedule your official exam, you must first create an account and apply through NCHEC's candidate portal during the designated registration periods.
Job Opportunities from the Course
Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist significantly boosts your career trajectory.
This certification demonstrates your dedication and expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for numerous roles in public health, private healthcare, non-profit organizations, private corporations, and government agencies.
Key job titles and career paths available for a CHES include:
Create an account or log in to unlock full access and continue with this quiz and download the printable pdf with all questions and answers.