Master and Bachelor of Science in Public Health students are eligible to take the CHES examination upon completion of coursework. This unique credential signifies that the health educator has completed the required coursework with a grade of C or better and has passed this competency-based national exam. According to the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC), national certification benefits practitioners and the public by:
- Establishes a national standard of practice for all health education specialists
- Attests to individual health education specialist’s knowledge and skills
- Assists employers in identifying qualified health education practitioners
- Develops a sense of pride and accomplishment among certified health education specialists
- Promotes continued professional development for health education specialists
Many employers openly advertise that they prefer a prospective hire to have the CHES credential. A nationwide list of such employers can be found on NCHEC’s website.
University of Lynchburg’s Master and Bachelor of Science in Public Health students are encouraged to take this exam but not required to. Additional fees apply and further information regarding eligibility and testing locations can be found at NCHEC. Please take a moment to view a short video that communicates the professional value of the credential.
