What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The CHES examination is not a single course but rather a comprehensive assessment of your mastery of the essential competencies required for a health education specialist.

The actual final exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions.

150 of these are scored, while the remaining 15 are un-scored "pre-test" items used to develop future test questions.

The exam content is directly based on NCHEC's Competency-Based Framework, which outlines Eight Areas of Responsibility and multiple accompanying competencies and sub-competencies.

These core competencies include:

• Assessment of Needs and Capacity: Collecting data to understand community and population health needs.
• Planning: Designing health education programs based on data and theoretical frameworks.
• Implementation: Executing the planned programs and interventions.
• Evaluation and Research: Measuring program effectiveness and contributing to the evidence base.
• Advocacy: Advocating for health-promoting policies and practices.
• Communication: Communicating health information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Leadership and Management: Leading, managing, and collaborating in health education efforts.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Demonstrating ethical practice and commitment to professional growth.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

Preparing for the actual CHES examination requires understanding its structure and regulations.

• Exam Format: The test consists of 165 multiple-choice questions.
• Passing Score: To pass, you must achieve a scaled score of 120 or greater. (Note: Scaled scores range from 0-150).
• Time Limit: You are given 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the examination.
• Specific Rules: The exam is administered in a secure, proctored environment. This is a closed-book test. You are not allowed to bring outside reference materials or electronic devices into the testing area.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Developing a focused study plan is key to success on the CHES exam.

Effective Study Strategies:

Review the Areas of Responsibility: Study NCHEC's Companion Guide for Health Education Specialists to deeply understand each competency.

Multiple Practice Exams: Use resources like the CHES Practice Exam to simulate test conditions and identify knowledge gaps.

Use Academic Textbooks: Revisit foundational health education and public health textbooks from your undergraduate or graduate studies.

Create Flashcards: Master key terms, health behavior theories, and research methods.

Focus on Weak Areas: Dedicate more study time to competencies you are least comfortable with.

Exam Centers and Scheduling:

The final CHES examination is administered via computer in a proctored setting. Candidates have two options for taking the test:

Physical Testing Centers: You can take the exam at an authorized testing center. The CHES exam is offered at thousands of centers worldwide through Pearson VUE.

Live Remote Proctoring (LRP): You may also have the option to take the exam from your own computer at home or another private location. In this case, you are monitored by a live proctor via your computer's camera and microphone.

To schedule your official exam, you must first create an account and apply through NCHEC's candidate portal during the designated registration periods.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist significantly boosts your career trajectory.

This certification demonstrates your dedication and expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for numerous roles in public health, private healthcare, non-profit organizations, private corporations, and government agencies.

Key job titles and career paths available for a CHES include:

• Health Educator
• Community Health Worker
• Public Health Educator
• Wellness Coordinator
• Patient Educator
• Health Promotion Specialist
• Program Manager/Director (Health Education)
• Advocate/Policy Analyst
• Grant Writer
• Research Coordinator
• Adjunct Faculty/Educator