Top 11 Health Educator Certifications

Certifications are important for a health educator in the job market because they provide proof of expertise, knowledge, and experience in the field. They demonstrate that a health educator has taken the necessary steps to become qualified for their job, and employers will be more likely to hire them if they have certifications. Certifications also show that a health educator is up-to-date on the latest trends and information related to health education, which can be beneficial when working with clients or teaching classes. Additionally, having certifications can help a health educator stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of success in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Health Educators and explains how they can help enhance a health educator's career.

What are Health Educator Certifications?

Health educator certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professionals who provide health education to individuals and communities. Health educators are responsible for helping people understand how to make healthy lifestyle choices, manage chronic illnesses, and prevent diseases. They use a variety of methods to educate people about health topics, including providing one-on-one counseling, creating educational materials, developing curricula for health classes, and conducting research. By earning a health educator certification, professionals demonstrate their expertise in the field and can advance their career opportunities.

Certified health educators can help improve public health by teaching people how to take control of their own wellbeing. They promote good habits like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and getting regular check-ups from a doctor. They also empower patients to better manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma by teaching them about medications, nutrition plans, stress management techniques, and other treatments that can help improve quality of life. Additionally, certified health educators can work with communities to develop policies that support healthy behaviors or advocate for legislation that promotes public wellness.

Pro Tip: When considering health educator certification, make sure you understand the requirements and expectations of the certifying body. Many certifications require additional education or training, so it’s important to do your research and ensure that you meet all of the necessary qualifications before committing to a program.

Related: What does a Health Educator do?

Top 11 Health Educator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Health Educators today.

1. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional certification program for health educators. It is administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). The CHES credential demonstrates that an individual has met the minimum standards of health education practice and has demonstrated knowledge in seven areas of responsibility:

1. Assess Needs, Resources and Capacity for Health Education/Promotion

2. Plan Health Education/Promotion

3. Implement Health Education/Promotion

4. Conduct Evaluation and Research Related to Health Education/Promotion

5. Administer and Manage Health Education/Promotion Programs

6. Serve as a Health Education/Promotion Resource Person

7. Communicate and Advocate for Health, Health Education/Promotion, and the Profession

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements to become certified as a CHES. To be eligible to apply for the CHES exam, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree in health education or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus two years of full-time work experience in health education or promotion within the past five years prior to applying for the exam.

The cost of taking the CHES exam is $225 USD ($250 USD if you are located outside of North America). This fee covers both registration and testing costs.

2. Certified in Public Health (CPH)

Certified in Public Health (CPH) is a professional certification offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of core competencies in public health. The CPH credential is intended for those working in or aspiring to work in public health, including practitioners, researchers, administrators, educators and policy makers.

To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and pass an examination. Eligibility requirements include having a master's degree from a Council on Education for Public Health-accredited school of public health or equivalent program and at least two years of full-time experience in public health practice.

The CPH exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions that cover the 10 essential areas of public health: Behavioral Science/Health Education; Biostatistics; Environmental Health; Epidemiology; Health Policy & Management; Law & Ethics; Maternal & Child Health; Occupational Safety & Health; Program Planning & Evaluation; and Social & Cultural Aspects of Public Health. The exam takes four hours to complete and costs $300 to register.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their credentials through continuing education credits every three years.

3. Certified Health Promotion Professional (CHPP)

Certified Health Promotion Professional (CHPP) is a professional certification program for health promotion professionals. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. The CHPP credential is awarded to those who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies necessary for successful health promotion practice.

The CHPP certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a bachelor’s degree in health promotion or a related field and at least two years of full-time work experience in the field. Applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

The cost of the CHPP certification process varies depending on the type of exam taken and other associated fees. The NCHEC exam fee is $325 plus an additional $50 fee for each specialty area tested. In addition, there may be additional fees charged by your employer or educational institution if you are taking the exam through them. Finally, there may be additional fees associated with continuing education and recertification processes that are required every five years to maintain your CHPP credential.

4. Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS)

Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to create successful worksite wellness programs. The CWWS certification program is composed of three levels: Certified Worksite Wellness Professional (CWWP), Certified Worksite Wellness Manager (CWWM), and Certified Worksite Wellness Executive (CWWE).

The CWWS certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements. This includes having at least two years of experience in health promotion or related field, completing an approved course in worksite wellness, and passing an exam administered by NAHF. After meeting these requirements, applicants can submit their application for certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist depends on which level of certification you are seeking. The CWWP level costs $595; the CWWM level costs $795; and the CWWE level costs $995. All fees include access to online study materials, practice exams, and the official exam fee.

5. Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS)

A Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) is a healthcare professional who has been certified by the American Association of Tobacco Educators to provide evidence-based tobacco cessation services. The CTTS credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and skill in providing effective tobacco cessation interventions.

In order to become a CTTS, applicants must have completed at least four hours of training in the delivery of evidence-based tobacco cessation interventions, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy. Applicants must also pass an online certification exam that covers topics such as assessment, intervention strategies, and relapse prevention.

The certification process typically takes about two months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must register for the exam and submit their application materials. Once approved, applicants can take the online exam at any time within 90 days from registration. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CTTS certification.

The cost for becoming a CTTS varies depending on whether or not you are already certified in another health care field (such as nursing or social work). If you are not already certified in another health care field, then the cost is $295 USD; if you are already certified in another health care field then the cost is $195 USD.

6. Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW)

A Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) is a health care professional who provides basic health care services to individuals and communities in their own homes or in community settings. CCHWs are trained to provide preventive health education, health promotion, and basic medical screenings. They may also provide assistance with referrals to other health care providers, help patients understand and manage their chronic conditions, and connect them with community resources.

To become a CCHW, you must complete an approved training program. The length of the program varies depending on the state, but typically takes between 40-80 hours of classroom instruction and supervised fieldwork. Training programs are offered by community colleges, universities, hospitals, public health departments, or other organizations.

The cost of the training program varies depending on the provider. Some programs may be free or low-cost for those who qualify for financial assistance. Other programs may require payment up front or through a payment plan.

Once you have completed the training program and passed the certification exam, you will be eligible to apply for a CCHW license from your state's Department of Health or Board of Nursing. The licensing process typically includes a background check and fingerprinting as well as an application fee that varies by state.

7. Certified School Health Educator (CSHE)

Certified School Health Educator (CSHE) is a certification program offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The CSHE program was developed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive school health education. This certification is designed for those working in K-12 schools, universities, and other educational settings.

The CSHE program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application project. The written exam covers topics such as health promotion, disease prevention, environmental health, nutrition, physical activity, mental/emotional health, and sexual health. The practical application project requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge they have gained through the written exam in an actual school setting.

The total cost of the CSHE program is $350 USD. This fee includes both the written exam and the practical application project. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification. To get started on becoming a Certified School Health Educator (CSHE), candidates must first register with NCHEC and pay the associated fees. After registration is complete, candidates will receive information about how to prepare for the written exam and how to develop their practical application project. Once all requirements are met, candidates can submit their applications for review by NCHEC’s board of directors for final approval.

8. Master of Public Health in Health Education and Promotion (MPH-HEP)

The Master of Public Health in Health Education and Promotion (MPH-HEP) is a professional degree program designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of public health. The program focuses on the development of skills related to health promotion, community outreach, and public health policy. It also provides students with an understanding of how to assess and address population health needs.

The MPH-HEP typically takes two years to complete if pursued full time. During this time, students will take courses such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, research methods, and health education/promotion. In addition to these core courses, students can choose from electives that are tailored to their specific interests.

To get an MPH-HEP degree, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You will also need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Additionally, some programs may require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose outlining your goals for pursuing a master's degree in public health.

The cost of obtaining an MPH-HEP varies depending on the school you attend; however, most programs range between $20,000 - $50,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs such as textbooks and living expenses should also be taken into consideration when budgeting for your degree program.

9. American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Professional Certification

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Professional Certification is a comprehensive certification program that provides exercise professionals with the knowledge and skills to help their clients reach their health and fitness goals. The certification is designed to be a comprehensive, evidence-based exercise professional credential that is recognized worldwide.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the ACSM Exercise Professional Certification program, depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required coursework and exams. To get certified, you must first complete an approved ACSM Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology degree program. Once you have completed your degree, you must pass two exams: the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer exam and the ACSM Advanced Health Fitness Specialist exam. You must also complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain your certification.

The cost of obtaining the ACSM Exercise Professional Certification depends on which route you take. If you choose to take the online route, it will cost around $400 for both exams plus any additional fees for continuing education courses. If you choose to take the traditional route (in person), it will cost around $600 for both exams plus any additional fees for continuing education courses.

10. National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. – Master Certified Health Education Specialist

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of health education specialists in the field of health promotion and disease prevention. This certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for competent practice in the field of health education and promotion.

To obtain this certification, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, pass an examination, and have at least three years of professional experience in health education/promotion. The educational requirements include a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in five core areas: assessment; planning; implementation; evaluation; and administration/management. Additionally, applicants must complete 45 contact hours in continuing education related to health education/promotion within the last five years prior to application submission.

The MCHES exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering the five core areas mentioned above. The exam is administered by computer-based testing centers throughout the United States and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the MCHES exam is $395 USD for NCHEC members or $495 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is a $50 USD fee for processing applications which includes a one-year membership to NCHEC upon successful completion of the exam.

11. National Board of Public Health Examiners – Certified in Public Health

The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential is a voluntary certification for public health professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the practice of public health. The CPH credential is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent practice in the field of public health.

The process to obtain the CPH credential includes completing an application, passing an exam, and submitting documentation that demonstrates experience in the field. The application process typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete.

To be eligible to take the CPH exam, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements. Those with a master’s degree in public health or related field from an accredited college or university are eligible to take the exam without any additional experience requirements. Those without a master’s degree must have at least two years of full-time professional experience in public health or related fields before they can take the exam.

The cost of taking the CPH exam is $395 for members of NBPHE and $495 for non-members. There may also be additional fees associated with obtaining verification documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Do You Really Need a Health Educator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a health educator certificate depends on the type of job you are seeking. Health educators are professionals who promote, maintain and improve the health of individuals, families and communities through education and advocacy. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, public health departments and community organizations.

In many cases, a health educator certificate is not required to be employed as a health educator. However, having one can demonstrate that you have taken additional steps to become more knowledgeable about the field of health education and increase your chances of being hired for a position or promotion. A certificate program typically includes courses in topics such as nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention, health communication and behavior change. It also requires hands-on experience working with clients or communities.

If you are looking for an entry-level position in the field of health education or if you want to work in a specific setting that requires certification (such as teaching at the K-12 level), then obtaining a certificate is definitely recommended. Having this additional credential can help establish your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Additionally, it may be beneficial if you plan on pursuing higher-level positions such as those found in public health departments or government agencies. In these cases, employers may require applicants to have completed some type of formal training program before they will consider them for employment.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a health educator certificate depends on what type of job you are seeking and where you plan on working in the field of health education. Although it is not always required to be employed as a health educator, having one can give you an edge over other applicants by showing employers that you have gone above and beyond when it comes to developing your professional skillset.

Related: Health Educator Resume Examples

FAQs About Health Educator Certifications

1. What is a health educator certification?

Answer: A health educator certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide health education services in a variety of settings.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a health educator certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the certifying body, but typically include at least a bachelor’s degree in public health or related field and passing an exam administered by the certifying organization.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a health educator?

Answer: The time frame depends on an individual's prior experience and knowledge, but in general it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified as a health educator.

4. What types of organizations offer health educator certifications?

Answer: Organizations such as the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), American Public Health Association (APHA), American Association of Health Education (AAHE) offer various types of health educator certifications.

5. How often do I need to renew my health educator certification?

Answer: Generally, certifications need to be renewed every three years by completing continuing education activities, submitting documentation of professional practice hours, and paying any associated fees.