Renewal
The CHES/MCHES credential must be renewed every year by payment of $55.00 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/MCHES 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 for CHES
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 for MCHES

The MCHES continuing education requirements are similar to the CHES, as an individual will need 75 credits in five years to recertify. The 75 CECH required for recertification must include at least 45 hours of Category I CECH (NCHEC approved opportunities) and no more than 30 hours of Category II CECH (events that meet NCHEC standards but are not offered by a Designated Provider). MCHES are required to earn 30 CECH that are directly related to the advanced-level Sub-competencies from Category I and/or II for each certification cycle. For more information on the continuing education requirements view the Policies and Procedures Handbook at /renew_recert/policies/.

Recertification by Examination
If a CHES/MCHES 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/MCHES examination.

To recertify by examination a CHES/MCHES 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/MCHES examination application
• Follow the exam application instructions for a new applicant
• pass the CHES/MCHES examination (the CHES/MCHES examination is given in April and October)

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