CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist

Intermediate NCHEC Health

Issued by NCHEC (nchec.org), the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. CHES is the standard credential for public health educators and community health workers.

Quick Verdict

CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist sits at the Intermediate level — a solid next step once you have some foundational experience, without requiring the multi-year track record advanced credentials demand.

Overview

Issued by NCHEC (nchec.org), the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. CHES is the standard credential for public health educators and community health workers.

Key topics covered: Health Education Program Planning, Needs Assessment, Community Health Promotion, Behavioral Theory, Health Communication, Data Collection & Evaluation, Ethics in Health Education.

Best suited for: Public health professionals, wellness coordinators, and community health educators.

Common career paths: Health Education Specialist, Community Health Worker, Wellness Coordinator, Public Health Manager.

Who This Is For

Public health professionals, wellness coordinators, and community health educators.

Exam Focus Areas

  • Health Education Program Planning
  • Needs Assessment
  • Community Health Promotion
  • Behavioral Theory
  • Health Communication
  • Data Collection & Evaluation
  • Ethics in Health Education

Study Roadmap

Full step-by-step roadmap coming soon. See the roadmap page for updates.

Career Paths This Supports

Health Education SpecialistCommunity Health WorkerWellness CoordinatorPublic Health Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist certification?

Issued by NCHEC (nchec.org), the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. CHES is the standard credential for public health educators and community health workers. offered by NCHEC, focused on Health.

Who offers the CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist certification?

CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist is issued by NCHEC.

Is CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist a beginner, intermediate, or advanced certification?

CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist is classified as Intermediate-level. It generally assumes some prior foundational knowledge or entry-level experience.

How much does the CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist exam cost?

The CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist exam costs $225–$325. Always confirm current pricing on the official NCHEC certification page, as fees change periodically.

What salary can I expect with CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist?

Professionals holding CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist commonly report compensation in the $50K–$80K range, though actual pay varies by employer, geography, and total experience.

What category does CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist fall under?

CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist is categorized under Health on CertPlanet, alongside other related certifications you can compare directly.

Is CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist worth pursuing in 2026?

That depends on your current experience level and goals — as an Intermediate-level credential, it works well once you have some foundational experience but haven't yet formalized it.

How does CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist compare to similar certifications?

See the dedicated comparison page for CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist to view it side-by-side against alternative certifications in Health.

Where do I register for the CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist exam?

Registration happens directly through NCHEC's official certification portal, linked from this page.

What's the best way to prepare for CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist?

A structured, step-by-step study roadmap for CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist is available on this site, built around the exam's actual focus areas rather than a generic study checklist.