Top 10 Public Health Advisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a public health advisor in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skills in specific areas of public health. They can help to distinguish one candidate from another and demonstrate to employers that an individual is qualified for the position. Certifications also provide an opportunity for continuing education, allowing the public health advisor to stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices in the field. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations, making them essential for those seeking employment in certain areas of public health.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Public Health Advisors, and explains how they can help to further a public health advisor's career.

What are Public Health Advisor Certifications?

Public health advisor certification is a professional credential offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). This credential certifies that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and skills related to public health. It is designed to help public health advisors become more effective in their roles and better able to support their communities.

The NBPHE's certification focuses on seven core areas of public health: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, health services administration, law and ethics, and policy development. To earn the certification, individuals must complete an application process that includes passing a comprehensive examination as well as providing evidence of relevant academic or professional experience.

Having public health advisor certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field to employers and colleagues. The credential also provides recognition for those who have mastered the basics of public health practice and can be used to validate an individual’s competency in this area. Additionally, it may provide access to more opportunities for advancement within the field or open doors to new job opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering public health advisor certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience in the field. This will ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the job and can effectively apply your knowledge to real-world situations.

Related: What does a Public Health Advisor do?

Top 10 Public Health Advisor Certifications

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

1. Certified in Public Health (CPH)

Certified in Public Health (CPH) is a national certification granted by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). It is designed to demonstrate mastery of core competencies in public health, and to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of excellence in their public health practice.

The CPH credential requires successful completion of an examination that covers the ten core areas of public health: Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Health Services Administration, Professionalism and Ethics, Program Planning and Evaluation, Law and Public Health, and Research Methods. The exam is offered twice a year at testing centers across the United States.

In order to sit for the CPH exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a master’s degree from an accredited school in public health or related field; having completed at least two years of professional experience in public health; being currently employed in a public health-related position; and meeting certain continuing education requirements.

The cost for taking the CPH exam varies depending on where you take it. In general, it costs between $500-$600 to take the exam. The fee includes registration for the exam as well as any study materials needed to prepare for it.

Once you have passed the CPH exam, you will receive your certification within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. You will also receive a certificate verifying your credentials as well as access to resources related to maintaining your certification status.

2. Certified Public Health Inspector (CPHI)

Certified Public Health Inspector (CPHI) is a professional certification program for public health inspectors. It is offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The CPHI certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of environmental health.

It takes approximately one year to complete the CPHI program, which includes completing an approved course of study, passing an exam, and submitting proof of experience. The coursework covers topics such as food safety, vector control, hazardous materials management, environmental health regulations, and more.

To get certified as a CPHI, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set out by NEHA. These include having a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in the field of environmental health or related fields; completion of an approved course of study; and passing the CPHI exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for taking the CPHI exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

3. Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP)

Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP) is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively respond to emergency situations. The CHEP program is administered by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

The CHEP program consists of a two-day course, followed by an online exam. The course covers topics such as medical terminology, patient assessment, triage, scene safety, and incident command. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants receive their CHEP certification.

To get certified in CHEP, individuals must first complete the two-day course offered by NAEMT. This course can be taken either in person or online. After completing the course, participants must pass the online exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the CHEP certification varies depending on the location where you take the class and whether you take it in person or online. Generally speaking, taking the class in person will cost between $500-$700 while taking it online will cost between $400-$600.

4. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional credential awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). The CHES designation is an internationally recognized certification program for health education professionals who demonstrate mastery of the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists.

In order to become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive exam that covers the Seven Areas of Responsibility. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in health education or related field from an accredited college or university and at least two years of work experience in the health education field.

The CHES exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that are divided into seven content areas: Planning, Implementation & Evaluation; Assessment; Needs Assessment & Diagnosis; Program Management & Administration; Professional Responsibilities & Ethics; Social & Behavioral Sciences; and Communication & Education Strategies. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $265 for NCHEC members and $345 for non-members.

Once you have passed the CHES exam, you will receive your official certificate from NCHEC within four to six weeks. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits every two years.

5. Certified Public Health Administrator (CPHA)

Certified Public Health Administrator (CPHA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of excellence in public health administration. The CPHA credential is awarded by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE), which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public health through certification of qualified professionals.

The CPHA certification process consists of two parts: passing the NBPHE exam and meeting specific educational and experience requirements. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have a master's degree in public health or a related field from an accredited institution and at least three years of full-time professional experience in public health administration.

The NBPHE exam covers topics such as public health law, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, management principles, and program planning and evaluation. It is administered twice a year at various locations across the United States. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400 to $600. After passing the exam, applicants must submit documentation verifying their educational background and professional experience to be eligible for certification.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CPHA credential within six weeks. The cost for obtaining the CPHA credential is $500 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

6. American Academy of Health Behavior Certification (AAHB)

The American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of health behavior professionals. It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of health behavior. The certification is awarded by the American Academy of Health Behavior, an independent organization that promotes excellence in the practice of health behavior.

The AAHB Certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as health promotion, public health, health education, and communication strategies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience and competency in the field.

To be eligible for AAHB Certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in the field or hold a master’s degree in public health or related discipline from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also demonstrate commitment to continuing education by completing at least 25 hours of continuing education credits every two years.

The cost for AAHB Certification is $395 USD for members and $495 USD for non-members. This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and portfolio review fee. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing additional continuing education credits and paying an annual renewal fee.

7. Certified in Public Health Preparedness and Response (CPHPR)

Certified in Public Health Preparedness and Response (CPHPR) is a credential offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). The CPHPR credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in public health preparedness and response.

The CPHPR credential requires successful completion of an examination that tests knowledge of core competencies related to public health preparedness and response. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as risk assessment, communication strategies, emergency operations planning, exercise design and evaluation, incident command system, and public health law.

It typically takes 4-6 months to prepare for the exam depending on individual study habits. To get the CPHPR credential, applicants must register online with NBPHE and complete the application process. Applicants must also submit proof of current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The cost for the CPHPR exam is $450 USD. This fee includes registration for the exam and access to an online practice test.

8. National Board of Public Health Examiners Certification (NBPHE)

The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to individuals who meet the high standards set by the public health profession. This certification is designed to recognize those who have achieved a level of competence in the knowledge and skills necessary for public health practice.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by NBPHE. The exam consists of two parts: a core knowledge assessment and a competency assessment. The core knowledge assessment tests general public health knowledge, while the competency assessment tests specific skills related to public health practice.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the process of obtaining NBPHE certification, depending on how quickly you can prepare for and take the exams. To get started, you must first register with NBPHE and pay a registration fee. After registering, you will receive instructions on how to access study materials and schedule your exams.

The cost for becoming certified through NBPHE varies depending on your location, but generally ranges from $400-$800 USD. This includes the registration fee as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exams (e.g., proctoring fees).

9. Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW)

A Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) is a health care professional who works in the community to provide health education, disease prevention and management services, and other support services to individuals, families, and communities. CCHWs are trained to work with diverse populations, including those from underserved areas. They serve as advocates for their clients and help them access resources that will improve their overall health.

The length of time it takes to become a CCHW varies depending on the program you choose. Most programs require at least 40 hours of classroom instruction followed by an internship or practicum experience. In addition, some states may require additional certification or licensure before you can practice as a CCHW.

To become a CCHW, you must complete an approved training program. You can find these programs through local community colleges or universities, public health departments, or professional organizations such as the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW).

The cost of becoming a CCHW varies depending on the program you choose. Most programs charge tuition fees ranging from $500-$2,000. In addition, some states may require additional certification or licensure fees before you can practice as a CCHW.

10. National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council Certification (NEHSPAC)

The National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (NEHSPAC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides accreditation for environmental health programs. The purpose of NEHSPAC is to ensure that environmental health professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect public health and the environment.

In order to obtain NEHSPAC certification, an individual must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of coursework in environmental health science and protection from an accredited college or university. This coursework must include topics such as environmental law, hazardous materials management, epidemiology, toxicology, food safety, water quality management, air pollution control, and risk assessment. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by NEHSPAC.

The process of obtaining NEHSPAC certification can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the applicant's educational background and experience. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from employers or other professionals in the field of environmental health science and protection.

The cost of obtaining NEHSPAC certification varies depending on the applicant's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 for application fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or submitting letters of recommendation.

Do You Really Need a Public Health Advisor Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a public health advisor certificate in order to work in the field of public health. However, having such a certification can certainly be beneficial and can even help you get ahead in the field.

Having a public health advisor certificate shows employers that you have taken the time to become certified in this specialized field. This communicates that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the area, which can make you stand out from other potential job candidates. It also demonstrates your commitment to your chosen career path, and employers may view this favorably when considering your application for a position.

In addition to providing an advantage when applying for jobs, having a public health advisor certificate could also provide professional development opportunities for those already working in the field. Many organizations offer courses or seminars specifically designed for those with this type of certification, allowing them to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and information related to public health. This could prove invaluable for anyone looking to advance their career or gain more knowledge about the industry.

Overall, having a public health advisor certificate is not strictly necessary if you are looking to work in the field of public health. However, it can certainly give you an edge when job searching and provide additional learning opportunities once employed.

Related: Public Health Advisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Public Health Advisor Certifications

1. What is a Public Health Advisor Certification?

Answer: A Public Health Advisor Certification is a credential that demonstrates expertise in public health principles, practices and strategies. It is designed for individuals who want to pursue a career in public health advisory or consulting.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Public Health Advisor Certification?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the certification program, but generally include completing a certain number of hours of approved training courses and passing an exam. Additionally, most programs require applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in the field of public health.

3. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam?

Answer: Yes, most programs require applicants to have successfully completed the required coursework before taking the exam. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to pass a background check or submit letters of recommendation from colleagues in order to be eligible for certification.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Public Health Advisor Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the program and how quickly you complete the coursework and other requirements. Generally, it takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all of the necessary steps for certification.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a Public Health Advisor Certification?

Answer: The cost of certifying varies depending on the program but typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD per person including registration fees and exam costs (if applicable). Additionally, some programs may also require additional fees such as background checks or application processing fees that must be paid prior to certification being granted.