Certifications

Certified in Public Health

Offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners, the voluntary CPH credential demonstrates competency in public health sciences and practices. As the only credential of its kind, more than 6,500 professionals have passed the CPH exam after it became available in 2008.

Earning a certification in public health demonstrates a professional's dedication to meeting and maintaining national standards, adhering to professional values, and following a core body of knowledge. To sit for the exam, a candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate school accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

• Alumni of a CEPH-accredited master's or doctoral program

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of public health work experience

• Master's degree and at least three years of public health work experience

The standard exam fee is $385. Discounts are available for individuals enrolled in specific schools or programs and members of certain organizations.

Certified Health Education Specialist

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) designed the CHES exam for health education professionals in the early stages of their careers. This competency-based exam measures how well candidates understand, apply, and interpret entry-level competencies in the following seven key areas:

• Assessing needs, resources, and capacity for health education

• Planning health education

• Implementing health education

• Conducting evaluation and research related to health education

• Administering and managing health education

• Serving as a health education resource person

• Communicating, promoting, and advocating for health and the health education/promotion profession

To sit for the exam, an applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 25 credits specific to the seven key areas. Exam fees range from $220-$370 depending on student status and registration deadline.

Master Certified Health Education Specialist

Offered by the NCHEC, the MCHES credential suits experienced health education practitioners with advanced knowledge in the field. The MCHES exam covers both entry-level and advanced competencies in the seven NCHEC key areas listed above.

The MCHES exam emphasizes public health leadership skills, such as identifying staff development training needs, developing and managing budgets, and creating strategic plans.

To qualify for the exam, a CHES-certified professional should possess at least five years of active certification. Professionals without CHES certification can qualify if they hold a master's degree in a relevant discipline in addition to five years of experience as a health education specialist.

Exam fees range from $285-$435, depending on registration deadline.

Public Health Administrator

The Public Health Practitioner Certification Board, Inc., designed the voluntary public health PHA credential for public health professionals in administrative roles. It focuses on the following five competency areas:

• Public health practice

• Community health assessment

• Public health policy, advocacy, and law

• Program development and evaluation

• Public health administration

Obtaining the PHA requires at least a bachelor's degree and three years of administrative and supervisory experience in the public or private health sector. Each applicant must also provide evidence of fulfilling the five professional competencies through previous education or work experience.

Candidates do not need to pass an examination, but a $175 application fee applies. Professionals must renew their PHA credentials every three years by completing continuing education or academic credits.

Certified Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist

The American College of Sports Medicine, in collaboration with the National Physical Activity Society, designed the PAPHS certification exam. This credential is intended for professionals who promote physical activity in all areas of public health. It aligns with career goals in physical activity advocacy, policy, and program development/evaluation.

The PAPHS exam covers the following areas:

• Planning and evaluating

• Intervention

• Data and scientific information

• Exercise science in public health settings

• Partnerships

• Organizational structure

To sit for the exam, each applicant must hold a bachelor's degree in a health-related field. A candidate with a bachelor's in other subjects must possess at least 1,200 hours of experience in a setting that promotes physical activity or healthy lifestyle management to qualify. Exam fees range from $150-$195, depending on membership and certification status.