Top 11 Public Health Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important way for public health analysts to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and expertise in the field. They provide a measure of assurance to employers that the analyst has the necessary qualifications and experience to be successful in a particular role or area of practice. Certifications also serve as a signal to potential employers that the analyst is committed to staying current on best practices and industry trends. Finally, certifications can help public health analysts stand out from other job applicants in a competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Public Health Analysts and explains how they can help to further a public health analyst's career.

What are Public Health Analyst Certifications?

Public health analyst certification is a professional credential that provides recognition of individuals who have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to work as public health analysts. Public health analysts are responsible for analyzing data related to public health, developing policies and programs, and providing technical assistance on public health issues. This certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary qualifications and experience to fulfill these roles.

By obtaining a public health analyst certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in this field and gain access to better job opportunities. In addition, it can help them build credibility with employers by demonstrating their commitment to continuing education in this field. With this certification, individuals can also show potential employers that they are knowledgeable about current trends in public health analysis and policy development. Furthermore, certification may provide access to specialized resources not otherwise available or provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. Finally, having a public health analyst certification may lead to higher salaries due to increased demand for certified professionals.

Pro Tip: When considering a public health analyst certification, be sure to research the requirements and prerequisites thoroughly in order to ensure that you are properly qualified for the position. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the certification's content areas and related topics so that you can be better prepared for any exams or assessments associated with the program.

Related: What does a Public Health Analyst do?

Top 11 Public Health Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)

Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) is a professional certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in managing, analyzing, and interpreting health data to inform decisions.

To become certified as a CHDA, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of two years of experience working with health data in an administrative or clinical setting. They must also pass the CHDA exam administered by AHIMA. The exam covers topics such as data governance, data management, analytics and reporting, privacy and security, and healthcare information systems.

The CHDA exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. It costs $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members to take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CHDA certification within 6-8 weeks.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare quality. This certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), which is an organization dedicated to advancing the practice of healthcare quality.

The CPHQ certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, risk management, data analysis, and performance improvement. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in a healthcare quality role or two years of full-time experience plus a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.

To get the CPHQ certification, applicants must first register with NAHQ and pay a registration fee. Once registered, they will receive study materials and can schedule their exam at any one of NAHQ’s testing centers. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPHQ certificate from NAHQ.

The cost to register for the CPHQ certification varies depending on whether you are an NAHQ member or non-member. For members, it costs $300 to register for the exam; for non-members, it costs $450 to register for the exam.

3. Certified Public Health Analyst (CPHA)

Certified Public Health Analyst (CPHA) is a professional certification offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). The CPHA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of public health analysis and data management.

To become certified as a CPHA, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience in public health analysis or data management, completing an approved training program, passing an exam administered by NBPHE, and maintaining continuing education credits.

The cost for the CPHA certification varies depending on the applicant's experience level and other factors. Generally speaking, the total cost of obtaining the CPHA certification will range from $400 to $1,000. This includes application fees, exam fees, and any applicable continuing education credits.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete all of the requirements for becoming a CPHA. However, some applicants may find that it takes longer depending on their individual circumstances.

4. Certified Healthcare Risk Manager (CHRMP)

Certified Healthcare Risk Manager Program (CHRMP) is a certification program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage risk in the healthcare industry. The CHRMP is offered by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and administered by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM).

The CHRMP program consists of two main components: an online self-study course, and an on-site examination. The self-study course covers topics such as healthcare risk management principles, legal and regulatory issues, patient safety, claims management, insurance coverage, and more. It typically takes about 6 months to complete the self-study course.

To get certified, applicants must pass the CHRMP exam which is administered twice a year at various locations across the United States. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 2 hours. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have completed the self-study course or have equivalent experience in healthcare risk management.

The cost of getting certified depends on whether you are an AHA member or not. For non-members, it costs $795 while members pay $695 for their certification fees.

5. Certified in Public Health (CPH)

Certified in Public Health (CPH) is a professional certification awarded by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). It is a voluntary credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the core areas of public health. The CPH credential is designed to demonstrate mastery of the fundamentals of public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health services administration, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy and management.

The CPH credential requires passing an examination that covers all five of these core areas. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It is offered twice a year at testing centers across the United States.

To be eligible for the CPH exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. They must have either a master’s degree or doctoral degree in public health from an accredited institution or its equivalent; or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of relevant work experience in public health; or at least five years of relevant work experience in public health.

The cost to take the CPH exam varies depending on when you register for it. If you register early (at least two months prior to the exam date), it will cost $475; if you register late (less than two months prior to the exam date), it will cost $550.

6. American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM)

The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is a non-profit, independent medical specialty board that certifies physicians who specialize in the practice of preventive medicine. The ABPM offers certification in five subspecialties: Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Public Health and General Preventive Medicine, Medical Toxicology, and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

It typically takes three to four years to complete the requirements for ABPM certification. To become certified by the ABPM, you must first have an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school and be licensed to practice medicine in the United States or Canada. You must also complete a minimum of two years of training in one of the five subspecialties recognized by the ABPM. After completing your training, you must pass written and oral examinations administered by the ABPM.

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on which subspecialty you are applying for certification in. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 for each exam plus additional fees for application processing and other administrative costs.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements and passed both exams, you will be awarded with a certificate from the ABPM confirming your status as a board-certified specialist in preventive medicine.

7. Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional degree designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and improve the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations. It is a multidisciplinary degree program that combines coursework in public health sciences, social sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health services administration, and other related areas. The MPH degree typically takes two years to complete and requires completion of at least 45 credit hours.

To get an MPH degree you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. After completing your undergraduate studies you can then apply for admission into an accredited MPH program. Most programs require applicants to have some prior experience in the field of public health or related fields such as healthcare administration or policymaking. Additionally, many programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

The cost of obtaining an MPH varies depending on the institution you attend. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $10,000 - $30,000 per year depending on the school and program chosen. In addition to tuition fees there are also additional expenses such as books and living expenses that must be taken into consideration when budgeting for your education.

Overall obtaining an MPH is a great way to expand your knowledge in public health while also gaining valuable experience that will help you pursue a career in this field.

8. Professional Certificate in Epidemiology

The Professional Certificate in Epidemiology is an online program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of epidemiological principles and methods. This certificate program is offered by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health.

The Professional Certificate in Epidemiology consists of five courses which can be completed in as little as five months. The courses are: Introduction to Epidemiologic Methods, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, and Applied Data Analysis for Public Health Research. Each course is self-paced and can be taken at any time.

To get the Professional Certificate in Epidemiology, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have some experience with basic research methods or statistics. Applicants will also need to complete all five courses within two years of beginning the program.

The cost for the Professional Certificate in Epidemiology is $1,500 per course plus a one-time fee of $150 for enrollment in the certificate program.

9. Certified Medical Investigator (CMI)

Certified Medical Investigator (CMI) is a professional certification program that provides specialized training to medical professionals in the areas of medical investigation and forensic science. The CMI certification is designed to provide medical investigators with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively investigate and document criminal cases involving injury or death.

The CMI certification requires successful completion of an online course, which typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete. The course covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, pathology, toxicology, evidence collection and preservation, scene documentation, report writing, interviewing techniques, and legal aspects of medical investigations.

To become certified as a CMI you must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the International Association of Certified Medical Investigators (IACMI). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of medical investigation. To be eligible for the exam you must have at least three years of experience in a related field such as law enforcement or healthcare.

The cost for taking the CMI examination is $400 USD. After passing the exam you will receive your certificate within 6-8 weeks.

10. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional who specializes in the management of electronic health records (EHRs). RHITs are responsible for ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of patient information, as well as providing support to healthcare professionals. They use specialized software and systems to manage patient data, and may also be involved in coding, billing, and quality assurance activities.

It typically takes two years to complete an associate’s degree program in health information technology or a related field to become an RHIT. Many employers prefer applicants with at least one year of experience working in a healthcare setting. To get certified as an RHIT, individuals must pass the national Registered Health Information Technician exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The cost of taking the RHIT exam varies depending on the type of test taken and whether or not you need to purchase additional study materials. The exam fee is usually around $200-$300 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with any required continuing education courses.

11. Clinical Research Associate Certification (CRA-C).

Clinical Research Associate Certification (CRA-C) is a certification program offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Clinical Research Associate (CRA).

The CRA-C certification process involves passing an examination that covers topics such as clinical trial protocol design and implementation, regulatory compliance, data management, and project management. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CRA-C certification program, applicants must have at least one year of experience in clinical research or related field. Additionally, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or employers attesting to their professional qualifications.

The cost of the CRA-C certification program varies depending on whether you are an ACRP member or non-member. For ACRP members, the cost is $395 USD; for non-members it is $495 USD. In addition to this fee, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the examination itself.

Overall, obtaining your CRA-C certification can take anywhere from several months to a year depending on how quickly you can complete all requirements and pass the exam. However, once you have achieved your certification it will serve as proof of your expertise in clinical research and provide you with greater opportunities for career advancement.

Do You Really Need a Public Health Analyst Certificate?

When it comes to a career in public health, the answer to whether or not you need a Public Health Analyst Certificate depends on what type of position you are aiming for. Generally speaking, those who wish to become analysts in the public health field should have some kind of certification, either from an accredited university or through a professional organization such as the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM).

Having a certificate is beneficial because it shows potential employers that you have taken the necessary courses and acquired the knowledge and skills required to work effectively in this field. It also demonstrates your commitment to your profession and sets you apart from other applicants who may not have any formal training. In addition, having a certificate can open up opportunities for promotions or advancements within an organization that may not be available to those without one.

On the other hand, if you are looking for entry-level positions or just want to gain experience in public health without pursuing a specific certification, then there are still numerous options available. For instance, many organizations offer internships and volunteer positions that can provide invaluable experience in the field. Additionally, there are several online programs available that provide education related to public health topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management, environmental health sciences, and more.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Public Health Analyst Certificate depends on your individual goals and objectives when it comes to your career in public health. If you feel like having a certification will help you reach your desired goals faster then obtaining one could be beneficial. However, if your main goal is just gaining experience in the field then there are other ways to do so without needing a certificate.

Related: Public Health Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Public Health Analyst Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Public Health Analyst?

Answer: Generally, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field such as statistics or epidemiology. You may also need to obtain certification from an accredited program such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) or the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Public Health Analyst?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified varies depending on the program and your experience level. Generally, certification can be obtained within 1-2 years if you have prior experience in public health or related fields.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Public Health Analyst?

Answer: Certified Public Health Analysts are highly sought after by employers due to their specialized skillset and knowledge base. Becoming certified can provide job security and potential for promotions or higher salaries. Additionally, being certified can give you access to exclusive professional membership organizations and resources that can help advance your career.

4. What types of jobs are available for certified Public Health Analysts?

Answer: Certified Public Health Analysts may work in various roles including research analyst, program evaluator, policy analyst, epidemiologist, survey specialist, data analyst, and more. These professionals typically work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, healthcare facilities, and other organizations focused on improving population health outcomes.

5. Is there any way to renew my certification as a Public Health Analyst?

Answer: Yes! Most certifying organizations offer renewal programs for their certifications every few years so that professionals can stay up-to-date with new developments in the field of public health analysis. In order to renew your certification you will typically need to complete additional training courses or demonstrate continuing participation in relevant activities such as attending conferences or workshops