CHES vs. MCHES: Which Certification Is Right for You?

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) offers two tiers of professional certification for health education specialists: CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) and MCHES (Master Certified Health Education Specialist). Both credentials validate competence in the discipline, but they differ in who they are designed for, what they test, and the career opportunities they unlock.

If you are trying to decide which credential to pursue, or whether you should upgrade from CHES to MCHES, this guide lays out the key differences so you can make an informed decision. For a foundational overview of the entry-level credential, see our complete CHES certification guide.

Eligibility Requirements Compared

The most significant difference between CHES and MCHES is the barrier to entry. Each credential targets a different career stage.

CHES Eligibility

To sit for the CHES exam, candidates need:

• A bachelor's degree or higher with a major in health education or a closely related field, or
• A bachelor's degree or higher in another field with at least 25 semester hours of coursework aligned to the Areas of Responsibility

There is no minimum work experience requirement. CHES is explicitly designed as an entry-level credential, making it accessible to recent graduates and early-career professionals.

MCHES Eligibility

MCHES sets a higher bar. Candidates must meet one of the following:

• A master's degree or higher in health education or a related discipline, or
• A master's degree or higher in another field plus at least 25 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in the Areas of Responsibility, or
• Five or more years of documented experience as a CHES in good standing

The experience pathway exists because NCHEC recognizes that sustained professional practice can develop advanced-level competence even in the absence of a graduate degree. However, most MCHES candidates hold a master's degree.

Pro Tip: If you hold an MPH or a master's in community health education, you may already meet MCHES eligibility requirements. Check your transcript against the Areas of Responsibility before assuming you need to start with CHES.

Exam Scope and Structure

Both the CHES and MCHES exams are built on the same foundational framework: the Eight Areas of Responsibility developed and maintained by NCHEC. However, the depth at which the exams test those areas differs substantially.

What Both Exams Share

• Format: Multiple-choice, computer-based at Pearson VUE centers
• Total items: 165 questions (150 scored, 15 pilot)
• Time limit: 3 hours
• Content framework: The Eight Areas of Responsibility
• Scoring: Criterion-referenced, scaled scoring

Where They Differ

The CHES exam focuses on entry-level competencies and sub-competencies. Questions assess whether candidates can perform the fundamental tasks of a health education specialist, such as conducting a basic needs assessment, developing a program plan, or identifying appropriate evaluation methods.

The MCHES exam covers the same eight areas but tests advanced-level competencies and sub-competencies. These go beyond performing core tasks and assess a candidate's ability to lead, manage, and make high-level decisions. For example, where a CHES question might ask you to identify an appropriate data collection method, an MCHES question could ask you to design a multi-phase evaluation strategy for a complex, multi-site program.

The MCHES exam also tends to include more scenario-based and application items that require candidates to synthesize information across multiple areas. For a detailed look at what the advanced MCHES competencies involve, see our dedicated study guide.

Career Impact

Both credentials enhance your professional profile, but they serve different purposes in the job market.

When CHES Makes Sense

CHES is the right credential when:

• You are a recent graduate entering the health education workforce
• Your role involves direct program delivery such as teaching, facilitating, or coordinating health education activities
• You want to establish credibility early in your career and signal competence to employers
• Your employer or desired position lists CHES as preferred or required

Many positions in community health education, wellness coordination, and health promotion at the practitioner level list CHES as the expected credential. It opens doors to roles in hospitals, local health departments, nonprofit organizations, and school-based programs.

When MCHES Makes Sense

MCHES becomes the stronger credential when:

• You hold a graduate degree and have several years of professional experience
• You are moving into leadership, management, or supervisory roles in health education
• You want to work in program design, evaluation, or policy at a strategic level
• You are pursuing roles in academia, consulting, or organizational leadership where advanced certification distinguishes you from peers

The MCHES credential is particularly valuable in competitive markets where multiple candidates hold similar degrees. It signals that you have not only met entry-level standards but have demonstrated mastery at a higher tier.

Salary Considerations

While salary data specific to CHES versus MCHES holders is limited, the general trend is clear: advanced credentials and experience correlate with higher compensation. Professionals with MCHES often qualify for positions with broader scope and higher pay grades, especially in government agencies and large healthcare systems where credentialing directly influences pay scales.

Which Should You Pursue First?

The decision is rarely either-or. For most professionals, the question is about timing and sequence rather than choosing one over the other permanently.

A Practical Decision Framework

Start with CHES if:

• You are graduating soon or recently graduated with a bachelor's degree
• You want to enter the workforce with a credential that immediately strengthens your resume
• You plan to pursue a master's degree or accumulate experience and eventually move to MCHES

Go directly to MCHES if:

• You already hold a master's degree in health education or a related field
• You have five or more years of experience as a practicing health educator
• Your career trajectory points toward leadership, evaluation, or administration

Upgrade from CHES to MCHES when:

• You have earned your graduate degree and gained practical experience
• You are being considered for roles that require or prefer advanced certification
• You want to formalize the advanced competencies you have already developed through years of practice

There is no penalty or disadvantage to starting with CHES and upgrading later. In fact, many MCHES holders followed exactly that path. The CHES credential gives you immediate professional standing while you continue building the qualifications for the advanced tier.

Pro Tip: If you hold a CHES and are considering the MCHES, review the advanced-level sub-competencies before registering. Your study approach will need to shift from foundational knowledge to strategic application and leadership scenarios.

Final Thoughts

CHES and MCHES are not competing credentials. They represent two stages of a single professional development trajectory. CHES establishes your competence at the entry level and opens the door to meaningful work in health education. MCHES builds on that foundation and positions you for advanced practice, leadership, and greater influence in the field.

The best time to pursue either credential is when you meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to invest in focused preparation. Whichever tier you are aiming for, the certification process itself deepens your understanding of health education practice and strengthens your identity as a professional in the discipline.

For a full breakdown of what the CHES exam involves, read our guide on the CHES exam format and what to expect on test day. You can also explore our comprehensive MCHES certification guide for a deeper look at the advanced credential.

This content is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCHEC. CHES and MCHES are registered trademarks of NCHEC.