NCHEC's Vision and Mission
NCHEC's vision is to promote, improve, and protect the health of people through upholding the highest quality standards in health education certifications. The mission of NCHEC is to enhance the professional practice of Health Education by promoting and sustaining a credentialed body of Health Education Specialists. To meet this mission, NCHEC certifies health education specialists, promotes professional development, and strengthens professional preparation and practice.
NCHEC is governed by an eleven-person Board of Commissioners and two seven-person and one eleven person Division Boards. Each division board addresses one of the three activities noted in NCHEC’s mission: certification, professional development and professional preparation. All directors and commissioners are elected volunteers and are active credential holders with the exception of the public member who is appointed by the Board of Commissioners after a call for nominations.
Impartiality and Non-discrimination
NCHEC understands the importance of impartiality in carrying out its certification activities, manages conflicts of interest and ensures the objectivity of its certification activities. NCHEC does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, or other legally protected status.
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners (BOC): The Board of Commissioners is comprised of 11 individuals who govern and are accountable for all NCHEC activities. More specifically, the BOC defines the mission, participates in strategic planning, approves the annual budget and monitors financial statements, employs and evaluates the Executive Director, oversees and evaluates the credentialing program, establishes policies related to coordination and communication among the three Division Boards, and advocates for credentialing.
Division Board for Certification of Health Education Specialists
Division Board for Certification of Health Education Specialists (DBCHES): DBCHES is comprised of 11 individuals responsible for maintaining and evaluating the certification exams. More specifically, the DBCHES assures a periodic review and evaluation of certification and examination processes; recommends policies and procedures for administering the CHES® and MCHES® examinations; participates in item-writing workshops; and ensures that NCHEC’s competency testing meets acceptable standards. Interest or experience in item writing and exam construction is preferred.
Division Board for Professional Development
Division Board for Professional Development (DBPD): The DBPD is comprised of seven individuals responsible for oversight of the recertification and annual renewal procedures. More specifically, the DBPD recommends policies and procedures related to the designation of continuing education providers, recertification and the annual renewal of CHES®; recommends fees for recertification, annual renewal and provider designation; and assures that the processes are monitored and periodically evaluated.
Division Board for Professional Preparation and Practice
Division Board for Professional Preparation and Practice (DBPPP): The DBPPP is comprised of seven individuals responsible for promoting professional preparation. More specifically, the DBPPP works with colleges, universities and accrediting agencies to improve professional preparation programs and promote best practices in health education settings; and monitors and updates the certification application and eligibility review process. Interest or experience with the credentialing process and with professional preparation is preferred.