Extension: A recertification extension for a five-year certification cycle is available for CHES who has paid their renewal fee for the current certification year but have not fulfilled all CECH requirements.

CHES may request 'extension' status for a maximum of two years during any five-year certification cycle (approved in one-year increments). A letter of explanation for the request must be submitted each year. At the end of the current renewal year, the CHES will automatically return to 'active' status, as long as current renewal fees are paid.

‘Extension’ status may be granted for special circumstances including, but not limited to: personal or family illness, graduate study, foreign residency.

While on 'extension' status, a CHES:

• may continue to earn CECH
• is not permitted to hold any elective NCHEC office
• is not allowed to serve on any planning committee as a CHES representative

Retired: CHES who are permanently retired from the health education profession and are in active/good standing at the time of retirement may apply for retired status. All applicable fees must be paid for the period you are requesting retired status before the request will be granted.

After retired status is approved and awarded, a retired CHES must use CHES (Ret.) after his/her name.

Retired status is considered a permanent status. No CECH requirement exists for CHES in retired status. The annual renewal fee is $15.00.