CHES® Overview

The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination is a competency-based tool used to measure possession, application and interpretation of knowledge in the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists delineated by A Competency-Based Framework for Health Education Specialists 2015. The exam reflects the entry-level Sub-competencies of these Areas of Responsibility.

The CHES® exam has met national standards in credentialing and has been accredited by the National Commission of Certified Agencies accreditation since 2008.

Consisting of 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored and 15 pilot tested), the CHES® examination is offered in paper-and-pencil format at college campuses throughout the United States. While there are approximately 130 testing sites currently registered, any campus with a testing service is eligible to become a testing site.

Below is the CHES® examination blueprint based on the Health Educator Job Analysis Study and the percentages of questions by the Seven Areas of Responsibility.

Exam Eligibility

A CHES® is an individual that has:

1. Met required academic preparation qualifications
2. Successfully passed a competency-based examination administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
3. Satisfies the continuing education requirement to maintain the national credential

To download the CHES® exam brochure, click here.

MCHES® Overview

The Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) examination is used to assess the extent to which a candidate can possess, apply, and interpret knowledge relative to the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Education Specialist; delineated from A Competency-Based Framework for Health Education Specialists — 2015. The MCHES® exam reflects both the entry and advanced-level Competencies and Sub-competencies of the Seven Areas of Responsibility.

The MCHE®S exam has met national standards in credentialing and has been accredited by the National Commission of Certified Agencies accreditation since 2013.

The MCHES® examination is a criterion-referenced test that contains 165 multiple choice items; 150 of the items are used for the total score and there are 15 pilot items on each exam. The MCHES® examination is offered in paper-and-pencil format at college campuses throughout the United States. While there are approximately 130 testing sites currently registered, any campus with a testing service is eligible to become a testing site.

Below is the MCHES® examination blueprint based on the Health Educator Job Analysis Study and the percentages of questions by the Seven Areas of Responsibility.

A MCHES® is an advanced-level practitioner that has:

1. Met required academic qualifications, worked in the field for a minimum of five years
2. Successfully passed a competency-based examination administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
3. Satisfies the continuing education requirement to maintain the national credential

To download the MCHES® exam brochure, click here.