Renewal
The CHES credential must be renewed every year by payment of an annual fee.

Recertification
Recertification takes place every five years. Requirements for recertification include the accrual of continuing education contact hours (CECH) and payment of the annual fee.

Renewal and recertification materials are mailed to CHES four to six weeks before the renewal or recertification date. A transcript of CECH accumulated during the current five-year certification cycle is available at anytime on the NCHEC website.

Recertification Requirements
The purpose of professional certification is to ensure a high-level of competence in the health education workforce. Maintenance of this competence is supported by continued training in the knowledge and methods of the field.

Recertification by CECH
After initial certification, each CHES must earn a total of 75 continuing education contact hours (CECH) every five years to be recertified. At least 45 of these CECH must come from offerings by NCHEC preapproved Designated Providers (Category I); the remaining 30 CECH may come from other providers (Category II). CHES may choose to earn all 75 CECH in Category I. CHES who are unable to meet the recertification requirement may request extension status. CHES who are due to recertify October 1^st must have all continuing education requirements completed by September 30^th; CHES who are due to recertify April 1^st must have all continuing education requirements completed by March 31^st.

Recertification by Examination
If a CHES does not earn enough contact hours within the five-year certification cycle and has exhausted extension privileges, they may recertify by re-taking the CHES examination.

To recertify by examination a CHES must:

• meet the current eligibility criteria to take the examination
• apply and make payment by the stated deadline for the examination using the official CHES Exam Application
• Follow the exam application instructions for a new applicant
• pass the CHES examination (the CHES examination is given in April and October)

Failure to pass the examination will result in expiration of CHES certification as of the end of the current five-year certification period.