The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., or NCHEC (pronounced N-Check), is a nonprofit organization whose mission is:

To enhance the professional practice of Health Education by promotion and sustaining a credentialed body of Health Education Specialists. To meet this mission, NCHEC certifies health education specialists, promotes professional development, and strengthens professional preparation and practice.

After more than a decade of work, committed health educators representing the health education profession established NCHEC in April 1988. Today there are more than 9,000 individuals actively carrying the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designation and the newly created Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).

Every year the Commission seeks nominations for vacancies on the Board of Commissioners and three Division Boards. All active CHES and MCHES are welcome to complete the nomination form that's available on the NCHEC Web site each spring. NCHEC's Marketing Committee functions on a volunteer basis. All CHES/MCHES are welcome. Those interested in serving should contact the executive director.

Additional opportunities are listed on the Web site periodically.

The CHES (pronounced chez) designation signifies that an individual has met eligibility requirements for, and has successfully passed a competency-based examination demonstrating skill and knowledge of the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Education Specialist, upon which the credential is based.

The MCHES (pronounced m-chez) designation signifies that an individual has met academic eligibility with courses in health education and has met experience requirements in the health education field, passed a comprehensive written examination and has an ongoing commitment to advanced-level continuing education and professional development.