MCHES® Exam Application
April 20-29, 2023
Registration: Open November 1, 2022 - February 28, 2023
Please be sure to read the Master Certified Health Education (MCHES) Exam Application Handbook prior to completing the application. Applicants are required to agree and abide by NCHEC's policies as outlined. All required appendices are included within the instructions.
Security: No part of the exam may be copied or reproduced in part or in whole by any means what-so-ever, including memorization. Candidates may not solicit questions or discuss items that were on previous exams with other NCHEC candidates or individuals who hold the MCHES® credential. Candidates are required to sign an affirmation and agreement statement on the application. Violation of the affirmation and agreement may result in suspension or revocation of the MCHES® credential from those who have earned it or suspension or denial of eligibility for future exams.
Fees posted include a $100 nonrefundable processing fee for those who do not meet the eligibility requirements.
There are several ways to apply for the exam:
- Apply Online (you will need to know if you are a) CHES + 5 years b) CHES less than 5 years or Non-CHES. Please create an account or log in if you are a previous user.
- Download Application: MCHES 5 Year Application MCHES Non-CHES/Non 5 Year Application
- We recommend all documentation be emailed or faxed as NCHEC is currently working remotely
- Prescreen if you are unsure of academic eligibility only - Prescreen Online Application (please see exam eligibility) Prescreen for the next exam cycle will reopen May 1, 2023
Please only use one method to avoid duplicate applications as this may delay the process
Your application should include:
For CHES® with 5+ years active status:
- Completed application form.
- Application fee
- CHES® that have been active for 5+ years DO NOT NEED to submit extra documentation.
Please Note: Continuing education credits earned as a CHES® do not carry over; however if you earned more than 75 credits in your CHES® cycle, a maximum of 15 credits are eligible to be carried over into the MCHES® certification cycle. The philosophy behind the policy is that continuing education toward recertification needs to be part of the ongoing commitment to professional development, not something done in the past. This becomes especially important as the Responsibilities, Competencies and Sub-competencies that are the basis of the certification and the continuing education requirement for recertification are updated every 5 years. The 75 credits must be earned within the current 5 year period and also at least 30 of them must be at the advanced level.
For Non-CHES® or CHES® that have fewer than 5 years active status:
- Completed application form.
- Application fee
- Official Transcript showing a minimum of a master’s degree with either a specific health education major OR 25 credits specific to the Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists
- Two verification forms from a current or past manager/supervisor and/or leader in a health education professional organization.
- Curriculum vitae/resume.
Exam applications, University Transcripts and any supporting documentation become the property of NCHEC. These items will not be returned to the exam applicant or forwarded to a third party.
Falsification of any documentation may result in suspension or revocation of the credential or denial of eligibility for future exams
We recommend online applications for expediency. Transcripts, applications, or other documents sent by mail should be via Certified Mail, Federal Express, or Second-Day Mail.
Requests for Testing Accommodations
DEADLINE:
Please request with a minimum of 15 days before your preferred testing date
In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), NCHEC will strive to ensure that no individual with a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take the examination solely by reason of that disability.
A candidate who has a disability may request accommodations and arrangements to take the examination. Such requests are completed through PSI and must be completed BEFORE an exam appointment is scheduled. Verification of disability and statement of assistance needed must be included. Documentation by a competent individual (e.g. physician) of a specific disability must be submitted within the request - accommodations request. All requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval. Test center personnel will be prepared to handle approved accommodations.
Note: Eligible candidates may NOT schedule a test time/location through PSI until all accommodation documents have been submitted and approved. All requests for testing accommodations must be received a minimum of 15 days before your preferred testing date.
Incomplete applications
Incomplete applications will not be processed until all necessary information is received. Exam fees are nonrefundable. NCHEC is not responsible for missing information, such as transcripts sent separately. All documentation must be submitted by the registration final deadline. Delays may result in an automatic transfer to the next exam date with an additional $125 transfer fee. Please be sure to include all items at the time of application.
Rescheduling Your Appointment Within Same Testing Window
We understand that schedules can change. However, this option is available and intended to be used only if you need to change your appointment time within the same testing window. Please note that rescheduling is NOT the same as Deferring your exam cycle.
• Rescheduling your testing appointment can be completed by logging into www.nchec.org and clicking LOGIN. You would then click the Schedule/Reschedule/Cancel link within your dashboard. Or calling 855-340-3713
• Requests less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment will not be granted and will be treated as a No-Show (see below)
Withdrawal
DEADLINE:
April Cycle: February 28
October Cycle: August 31
This option is available and intended if you are not anticipating taking the exam in the future. The candidate will be refunded minus the $100 nonrefundable processing fee. This request is required to be submitted in writing no later than the final registration date. If notification is not by the final registration date, the candidate will automatically be considered a "no show" as outlined below. Refunds are only available during the exam cycle in which you originally applied.
Deferral
DEADLINE:
April Cycle: February 28
October Cycle: August 31
This option is available for candidates who wish to Transfer/Defer to the next exam testing window no later than the final registration deadline.
Step 1. If you have a scheduled appointment, you must first cancel your appointment through the NCHEC online portal.
Step 2. You must then submit a written request (email acceptable) directly to NCHEC, no later than the final registration deadline for the exam testing window in which you applied or registered. The fee to transfer/ defer to the next exam testing window is $125.
Important note: Please make sure to follow this two-part process carefully for a successful transfer. If both steps are not completed within the necessary timeframe, candidates will move into the “No-Show” category, as outlined below, and registration fees are forfeited.
No Show
If you do not take the exam on the scheduled date, arrive to the testing center more than 30 minutes after your scheduled exam time, did not cancel within the required time frame, cancelled your exam appointment less than 30 days before the exam date or never scheduled an appointment, you are considered a “NoShow.” As NCHEC must pay for each candidates scheduled seat, you would forfeit all exam registrations fees as a No-Show. Please make sure to schedule your appointment ahead and arrive on time to avoid becoming a No-Show. “No-Show” candidates can register for the next exam testing window for an additional $150 rescheduling fee. This reduced fee is only valid for the next scheduled exam date: thereafter, full registration is required. NCHEC will send new registration instructions when the new registration cycle opens.
Unexpected circumstances will be considered and fee waiver requests will be reviewed for medical or personal emergencies. In the case of such an emergency, supporting documentation will need to be supplied to NCHEC within 30 days after your scheduled exam test date. (Fee waiver requests may not be considered if your originally scheduled exam appointment had not been cancelled.)
IN CASE OF PERSONAL OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY For purposes of the NCHEC certification programs, medical or personal emergencies are defined as unplanned events affecting the candidate or immediate family member(s) (spouse, child, or parent), which arise within five days of the scheduled exam appointment and prevent the candidate from taking the exam, or from rescheduling or canceling an exam appointment. An event that can be anticipated cannot be considered a medical or personal emergency. A candidate’s inability to take the exam due to work commitments or insufficient or inappropriate preparation cannot be considered a personal emergency.
Changes to Your Application
It is the applicant's responsibility to notify NCHEC of any changes in address or contact information.
Address Changes: Changes can be made by visiting our Web site, www.nchec.org, and logging on with your username and password or by contacting the NCHEC office via fax or e-mail. Please note: address changes made after admission tickets are printed may result in a ticket reprint fee.
Test Site Changes: Requests for changes to your examination location or appointment time must be made directly through www.nchec.org. LOGIN. Once in dashboard choose schedule/reschedule/cancel
Examination Grievance
Any complaints regarding testing conditions or irregularities must be submitted in writing within two weeks after the examination date. We value constructive feedback to help us provide a comfortable environment.