Learn about NNLM training that supports Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a certification given to individuals who have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in health education.
About the Certified Health Education Specialist Certification
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a certification given by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) to individuals who have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in health education or significant coursework in this field. The CHES examination measures possession, application and interpretation of knowledge in the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists:
- Area I: Assessment of Needs and Capacity
- Area II: Planning
- Area III: Implementation
- Area IV: Evaluation and Research
- Area V: Advocacy
- Area VI: Communication
- Area VII: Leadership and Management
- Area VIII: Ethics and Professionalism
These responsibilities are defined by the most current US-based practice analysis study. Those who receive the CHES certification must complete 75 hours of continuing education every five years to keep their certification.

How to Earn CHES Credits
NNLM offers continuing education for those with the CHES certification for select classes that align with one or more of the eight areas of responsibility. Note: You must attend our CHES-approved webinars during the live session to earn CHES credit or sign up for one of our approved self-paced, online classes that qualify for CHES. To learn more, check out the current list of NNLM CHES-approved classes.
The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) is the body responsible for this certification. More information about obtaining this certification and continuing education opportunities outside of NNLM can be found on the NCHEC website.
Contact
Contact
For more information on CHES learning opportunities through NNLM, contact the Public Health Coordination Office.