Continuing Competency entails the demonstration of specified levels of knowledge, skills, or ability not only at the time of initial certification but throughout an individual’s professional career. The NCHEC recertification requirements will demonstrate the Continuing Competency of a Certified or Master-certified Health Education Specialist, as well as demonstrating a career commitment to the professional development and growth that represents an NCHEC credential.
When
If you have recently begun a new recertification cycle as of April 2019, or passed the exam in April 2019, Continuing Competency (CC) requirements will begin with you. CHES® and MCHES® will have 5 full years to complete their CC requirements (5 out of 75 credits must be CC). So the earliest that CC requirements will be due is March of 2024. CC requirements will be phased in during subsequent recertification/exam cycles (ie. October 2019 will be next up). All CHES® and MCHES® will be notified by NCHEC via USPS mail and email before the start of their CC requirement phase.
How
CHES® and MCHES® will need 5 CC CECH during the course of their 5-year cycle. These 5 credits will be part of your 75 total CECH. The total number of continuing education credits you need will not increase. CC credits will be available as either Category I CECH OR Category II CECH. You will not need both. A measurement of a CHES® or MCHES®’s continued competence during his/her 5-year recertification cycle will include either:
1) an assessment/quiz by provider of Category I CECH OR
2) an evaluation of job duties by a supervisor (Category II CECH).
Category I CC opportunities are searchable on the NCHEC website (visit Continuing Education Credit Activities on nchec.org). Many of the Category I CECH that you are already familiar with will count as CC credits (ie. Self-studies, webinars and professional readings with end-of-study assessments, workshops and teach-backs, demonstration of skills, etc.) Category I CC credits will be reported for you by the NCHEC provider. A Category II CC credit option will be available: a 5-credit (CECH) Performance Assessment from your employer (with a self-employed option).
Want to know what the Category II Performance Assessment looks like? Visit: https://www.nchec.org/continuing-competency to view the form. The performance assessment is the first time that CHES® will be able to claim 5 full CECH for work experience!
Why
CC measurements will prove the commitment and professional development of a professional, and is now required due to changes in national and international accreditation standards. CC requirements are a quality assurance measurement for organizations and consumers receiving the services of CHES® and MCHES®. NCHEC is dedicated to meeting public expectations about the competence of practitioners in the field of health education and promotion. A measurement of the continued competence of a credential holder will provide value to the CHES® and MCHES® certifications.
More information: visit www.nchec.org/continuing-competency or call the office at 1.888.624.3248.