CHES® Exam
The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination is a competency-based tool used to measure possession, application and interpretation of knowledge in the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists delineated by the most current U.S.-based practice analysis study. The exam reflects the entry-level Sub-competencies of these Areas of Responsibility.
A CHES® is an individual that has:
- met required academic preparation qualifications
- successfully passed a competency-based examination administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
- satisfies the continuing education requirement to maintain the national credential
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Testing Options
Consisting of 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored and 15 pilot tested), the CHES® examination is offered in a computer-based format at Prometric Test Centers throughout the United States and overseas and through Live Remote Proctoring from the safety of home. Candidates are allotted 3 hours to complete the examination. Please refer to the CHES Exam Application Handbook for additional information .
Live Remote Proctoring Computer-Based Testing
The CHES® exam has met national standards in credentialing and has been accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies since 2008. NCHEC also is internationally accredited as a Personnel Certification Body by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to the ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity Assessment.
CHES® Exam Blueprint
Below is the CHES® examination blueprint based on the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis (HESPA II) 2020 and the percentages of questions by the Eight Areas of Responsibility. This blueprint will be utilized for the CHES 2022 CHES® exam and moving forward.
| Area of Responsibility of Health Education Specialists |
% of Questions on October 2022 CHES® Exam |
| I. Assessment of Needs and Capacity |
17% |
| II. Planning |
13% |
| III. Implementation |
15% |
| IV. Evaluation and Research |
12% |
| V. Advocacy |
12% |
| VI. Communication |
12% |
| VII. Leadership and Management |
6% |
| VIII. Ethics and Professionalism |
12% |
To download the CHES® exam brochure, click here, or download the CHES Fact Sheet. Learn about health education specialist job settings, the differences between CHES® and MCHES® certifications, and why employers benefit from hiring certified individuals.
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