What Is CHES Certification? A Complete Guide

If you are considering a career in health education or you are already working in the field and want to formalize your expertise, CHES certification is likely on your radar. The credential signals to employers, colleagues, and communities that you have met a nationally recognized standard of competence in health education practice. But what exactly does it entail, who is it for, and is it worth pursuing?

This guide answers those questions from the ground up. Whether you are a recent graduate exploring your options or a working professional weighing the value of certification, you will find a clear picture of what CHES involves and how it fits into the broader landscape of health education credentials, including the advanced MCHES designation.

What Does CHES Stand For?

CHES stands for Certified Health Education Specialist. The credential is administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), the sole organization authorized to certify health education professionals in the United States.

NCHEC developed the CHES credential in the late 1980s to establish a uniform standard for entry-level health education practice. The certification is built around a competency framework known as the Eight Areas of Responsibility, which defines what health education specialists should know and be able to do across the full scope of their work, from needs assessment and program planning to advocacy and ethics.

Holding the CHES credential tells employers that you can perform the core functions of a health education specialist as validated by a standardized, psychometrically sound examination.

Who Should Pursue CHES?

CHES certification is designed for individuals who meet specific academic eligibility requirements. To sit for the exam, you must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with an academic major in health education, community health education, public health education, or school health education.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with a major in a related field, provided your transcript reflects at least 25 semester hours (or 37 quarter hours) of coursework addressing the Areas of Responsibility.

There is no minimum work experience requirement for CHES, which makes it accessible to recent graduates entering the profession. This distinguishes it from the MCHES credential, which requires a graduate degree and at least five years of health education experience.

Pro Tip: If you are still completing your degree, review your transcript against the Areas of Responsibility early. Identifying any gaps in coursework before graduation gives you time to take electives that strengthen your eligibility and your exam readiness simultaneously.

The CHES Exam at a Glance

The CHES examination is a computer-based test administered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the United States. Here is a quick overview of the format:

• Total questions: 165 multiple-choice items
• Scored questions: 150 (the remaining 15 are unscored pilot items used for future exam development)
• Time limit: 3 hours
• Testing windows: The exam is offered during specific windows each year, typically in April and October
• Scoring: The exam uses a criterion-referenced, scaled scoring method, meaning your performance is measured against a fixed standard rather than curved against other test-takers

The 150 scored questions are distributed across the Eight Areas of Responsibility, though not evenly. Some areas carry more weight on the exam than others, which should influence how you allocate your study time. The questions range from straightforward knowledge recall to applied scenario-based items that ask you to determine the best course of action in a realistic professional situation.

For a deeper look at what the test experience is like, including question types and day-of logistics, see our detailed guide on the CHES exam format.

What the Exam Does Not Test

It is worth noting that the CHES exam is not a test of memorized facts about specific diseases or health topics. Instead, it evaluates your ability to apply health education competencies, such as how to design a needs assessment, select an appropriate theory for behavior change, or evaluate a program's outcomes. This competency-based approach reflects the real work of health education specialists.

Career Benefits of CHES Certification

Earning the CHES credential offers tangible professional advantages:

Professional credibility. Certification provides third-party validation that you meet a national standard of competence. In a field where job titles and role descriptions vary widely across employers, CHES serves as a consistent benchmark.

Competitive advantage in hiring. Many job postings in health education list CHES certification as a preferred or required qualification. Having the credential can move your application ahead of candidates who hold similar degrees but lack certification.

Higher earning potential. While salary depends on geography, employer type, and experience, certified health educators often command higher compensation than their non-certified peers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary for health education specialists that continues to trend upward as demand for qualified professionals grows.

Expanded professional network. CHES certification connects you to a community of credentialed professionals through NCHEC and related organizations. This network can open doors to mentorship, collaboration, and career opportunities that are not always visible through standard job searches.

Foundation for advancement. CHES is the entry point into a tiered credentialing system. Once you have accumulated the necessary experience and education, you can pursue the MCHES credential, which signals advanced competency and can qualify you for leadership and management roles.

Pro Tip: Even if your current employer does not require CHES, listing the credential on your resume and LinkedIn profile increases your visibility to recruiters who filter candidates by certification status.

Getting Started

If CHES certification is the right move for you, here is how to begin:

1. Verify your eligibility. Review the requirements on the NCHEC website and compare them against your academic transcript. If you graduated from a CEPH-accredited program with a health education concentration, you are very likely eligible.

2. Understand the exam content. Familiarize yourself with the Eight Areas of Responsibility and their sub-competencies. These define the boundaries of what you need to know.

3. Build a study plan. Give yourself at least 8 to 12 weeks of structured preparation. Focus more heavily on the areas that carry greater weight on the exam and on the areas where you feel least confident.

4. Register for the exam. Applications open several months before each testing window. Submit your application, supporting documents, and fee through the NCHEC portal.

5. Take the exam and maintain your credential. After passing, you will need to complete continuing education contact hours during each five-year certification cycle to keep your CHES status active.

The path from student or early-career professional to Certified Health Education Specialist is straightforward, but it requires deliberate preparation. The credential is more than a line on your resume. It is a commitment to professional standards that benefits both your career and the communities you serve.

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