Both current CHES and non-CHES health educators will be eligible to sit for the MCHES exam.

• For CHES: active status for five (5) continuous years immediately prior to the exam
• For Non-CHES: required to have a master’s degree or higher in health education or master’s degree or higher in a related discipline with at least 25 credit hours specific to health education. Additionally, must submit supplementary information, such as documentation of five years of advanced practice as a health educator, two letters of recommendation from a current or past supervisor, and a current curriculum vitae/resume.

(Pending BOC approval)

Prior to the first MCHES examination, NCHEC will announce that CHES who have held active status for the past consecutive years will have the opportunity to participate in a MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity. If applicants are successful, they will not be required to take the exam to obtain the MCHES designation. For a period of six months after the announcement is made, CHES may submit documentation of advanced-level of practice in health education to qualify for the MCHES designation. Please see the MCHES Overview page for detailed requirements.

(MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity requirements pending BOC approval)

• MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity: December 2010
• 1st MCHES Exam: October 2011

(Pending BOC approval)

Portfolios were considered as a means of assessment for the advanced-level credential, but problems with inter-rater reliability of assessors revealed that this type of assessment is prohibitive. Also, PES personnel explained that portfolios typically are not used in certification efforts because of the astronomical cost for MCHES applicants (e.g. $1,200 to $2,000).

(Pending BOC approval)

Details on total cost have not been established. Estimated cost: $300-$350 depending on application submission date and type of applicant (e.g. CHES or non-CHES).

(Pending BOC approval)