What Is CHES Certification?

For many health educators, advancement in the field of health education and promotion is as much a personal choice as it is a financial decision. By becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), not only do you unlock the opportunity to further your career and earning potential, but you also become a part of a global movement to positively impact world health. But what does CHES certification entail, exactly? Below, we’ve outlined what to know about the CHES certification process and the benefits of advancing your education along the way.

To Become a CHES, You Must Pass the CHES^® Exam

According to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), the Certified Health Education Specialist examination is a competency-based tool that measures possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge in the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists.¹ Candidates are given three hours to complete the computer-based exam, which consists of 165 questions.

You Must Meet Certain Academic Criteria

Many candidates who sit for the CHES exam prepare as they work toward their advanced health education and promotion degree. During the application process, an exam coordinator reviews all applicable academic qualifications, including coursework and credits earned. If you are unsure whether your health education coursework meets eligibility requirements, it is suggested by NCHEC that you first use a prescreen application.² The prescreen application outlines how many credits you are missing if you are found to be ineligible, gives you priority during the review process, and acts as your regular application if you are deemed eligible, among other benefits.

The CHES Exam Is Accredited

The CHES exam has been accredited since 2008 by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This means that the exam has met national standards in credentialing. Accreditation serves as a mark of quality and is essential when looking to advance in the health education field. Whether you are actively pursuing your online master’s in health education and promotion or looking to find the best public health jobs the industry has to offer, you can move forward confidently knowing the CHES certification program is recognized for its NCCA accreditation status and commitment to the highest standards of credentialing possible.

Preparation Is Essential

Exam preparation is key. If you’re looking to advance your career by earning your health education and promotion degree, you should look for a high-quality program that can equip you with the necessary skills to become a CHES. Walden University is one of a few universities to offer an online master’s program in health education and promotion. Designed to reflect the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists outlined by NCHEC, Walden’s MS in Health Education and Promotion program can prepare you to sit for the CHES exam, providing you with a continuous path for career growth.

You Can Tap Into Higher Earning Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 16% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.³ Health educators can improve their public health job prospects by obtaining a certification and/or advancing their education. Preparing to become a CHES not only means you’re actively engaged in acquiring the skills to better address world health concerns, but also that you are unlocking the opportunity to earn more as you pursue your passion.

Advance Your Career by Preparing for CHES Certification at Walden

If you’re looking to further your career in health education, the best choice you can make is to earn your master’s in health education and promotion online. Online education makes it more convenient than ever to gain the experience and knowledge you need to advance and excel in your field. And at Walden, you can earn your degree from wherever you have internet access—no need to completely rearrange your schedule or commute to campus. Walden’s online MS in Health Education and Promotion program gives you the power to take your classes at whatever time of day works best for you and prepare to sit for the CHES exam while you continue to work full time.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering an MS in Health Education and Promotion and a suite of public health degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.nchec.org/ches
²Source: www.nchec.org/exam-eligibility-guide
³Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm

Note on Certification:
The MS in Health Education and Promotion has been designed to reflect the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Educators outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) and to prepare students to sit for the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exams. Walden enrollment specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about the CHES and MCHES exams, students should visit http://www.nchec.org.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.