Top 11 Public Health Educator Certifications

Certifications are essential for any public health educator in the job market. Certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development, and provide evidence of knowledge in the field. They can also set an educator apart from other applicants by showing potential employers that they have achieved a certain level of expertise. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions or allowed to grant access to exclusive professional networks and resources. Finally, certifications can help educators stand out when applying for jobs, promotions, or higher-level positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Public Health Educators and explain how they can contribute to a public health educator's career.

What are Public Health Educator Certifications?

Public health educator certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and experience of professionals who work to improve public health. This certification is offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) and is based on standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Public health educators play an important role in helping people stay informed about health issues and make informed decisions about their own health. By obtaining a certification, public health educators demonstrate their commitment to providing accurate information, developing strategies to help people adopt healthy behaviors and making sure that they are up-to-date on the latest evidence-based research.

Having a public health educator certification can provide numerous benefits to those working in this field. It can help them gain credibility among their peers and employers, as well as give them more opportunities for career advancement. It can also provide a competitive advantage when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, having a certification can demonstrate expertise in public health education and allow educators to stay ahead of new developments in the field. Finally, it can serve as proof that an individual has met high standards of competency in their chosen profession.

Pro Tip: When pursuing public health educator certification, take the time to research and understand the different types of certifications available. Each type of certification is tailored to a particular area of expertise, so it's important to find the one that best suits your career goals.

Related: What does a Public Health Educator do?

Top 11 Public Health Educator Certifications

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

1. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional certification awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). The CHES credential is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills needed to practice health education in a variety of settings.

The CHES exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering seven content areas: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation; Assessment; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Professional Responsibility; Program Management; Health Education Instructional Strategies; and Communication Skills. To earn the CHES credential, applicants must pass this exam with a score of at least 75%.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CHES exam depending on your prior experience and knowledge. It is recommended that applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree in health education or a related field such as public health, nutrition, exercise science, or psychology. Additionally, applicants should have at least two years of work experience in health education or related fields.

To get certified as a CHES, applicants must submit an application to NCHEC along with payment of the application fee ($50-$200 depending on your status). Once approved, you will be eligible to register for the exam. The cost of taking the exam is $250 for non-members and $200 for members.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CHES certificate from NCHEC which will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Public Health (CPH)

Certified Public Health (CPH) is a professional certification for individuals working in the field of public health. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who have achieved a high level of competency in this profession. CPH certification is granted by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).

The CPH exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, health services administration, and other areas related to public health. The oral exam focuses on leadership and management skills.

To be eligible to take the CPH exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. These include having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in public health or a related field; completion of at least 45 semester hours of coursework in public health; and three years of full-time work experience in public health or a related field.

The cost for taking the CPH exam varies depending on where you live. In general, it costs between $400-$600 for both parts of the exam.

Once you have passed the CPH exam, you will receive your official certification from NBPHE. This certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years to maintain your certification status.

3. Master of Public Health (MPH)

Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional degree that is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in public health. The MPH program focuses on the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, research for disease and injury prevention, and the development of health policy. It is an interdisciplinary degree that combines courses from various disciplines such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, health services administration, behavioral science/health education, public health nutrition, public health policy, global health, and other related fields.

The length of time it takes to complete an MPH program varies depending on the school and program format. Most programs require two years of full-time study to complete. However, some schools offer part-time or accelerated options that allow students to complete their degrees in less time.

To get an MPH degree you must first have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Once you have your bachelor's degree you can apply to an accredited MPH program at a college or university offering one. During the application process you will likely need to submit transcripts from all previous institutions attended as well as letters of recommendation from faculty members who can speak about your academic performance and potential for success in graduate school. You may also need to take a standardized test such as the GRE or GMAT before being accepted into an MPH program.

The cost of getting an MPH varies depending on the institution you attend. Generally speaking, tuition costs range anywhere from $20k-$60k for two years of study depending on if you are attending a public or private school. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with enrollment such as lab fees or technology fees which could increase the overall cost of your degree.

4. American Board of Health Education Specialists (ABHES)

The American Board of Health Education Specialists (ABHES) is a professional organization that certifies health education specialists in the United States. It is the only nationally-recognized certification for health education specialists, and it serves to promote excellence in the field of health education.

To become certified by ABHES, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in health education or a related field. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in the field, as well as complete an approved program of study. Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the exam to become certified. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam.

The process typically takes three to six months to complete. Applicants should allow extra time for their applications to be processed and reviewed before taking the exams.

The cost for becoming certified by ABHES is $300 for members and $400 for non-members. This fee includes both the written and oral exams, as well as any required materials needed to complete them.

Overall, obtaining certification from ABHES can be beneficial for health educators looking to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. It also serves as recognition that they are qualified professionals who meet high standards set by ABHES.

5. National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to health educators. It is the only organization in the United States that offers nationally recognized certification in health education. The NCHEC was established in 1995 and is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from various organizations and institutions.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements including having a bachelor’s degree in health education or related field, completing at least five years of professional experience, and passing an exam administered by the NCHEC. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical application assessment. Applicants must also submit letters of reference from employers or colleagues to demonstrate their commitment to health education.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the certification process depending on how quickly applicants can complete all necessary requirements. The cost for certification varies depending on the type of credential being sought but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Applicants can apply for certification online through the NCHEC website or by mail using an application form provided by the organization. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their official certificate via mail within four weeks after successful completion of the exam.

6. Certified School Health Educator (CSHE)

Certified School Health Educator (CSHE) is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the field of school health education. The CSHE program is administered by the National Board for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NBHEC). It is designed to provide recognition and validation of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be an effective school health educator.

To become certified as a CSHE, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete a comprehensive application process. Eligibility requirements include having at least a bachelor’s degree in health education or related field, two years of full-time experience in school health education or related field, and passing the NBHEC’s certification exam.

The application process includes submitting an online application form with all supporting documents (including transcripts), paying the associated fees, and completing any additional requirements specified by NBHEC. The total cost of becoming certified as a CSHE is approximately $500-$600 USD depending on the applicant's individual circumstances.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants can take the certification exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as health promotion/disease prevention; nutrition; physical activity; mental/emotional health; environmental health; family life/sexuality; alcohol/drug use/abuse; safety/injury prevention; and public health law/ethics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at one of several testing centers across the country.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their Certified School Health Educator credential from NBHEC. This credential is valid for five years before renewal is required.

7. Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS)

Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS) is a certification program offered by the National Wellness Institute. It is designed to help individuals develop and implement comprehensive worksite wellness programs for their organizations. The program focuses on developing skills in areas such as health promotion, health education, organizational change, and program evaluation.

To become certified as a CWWS, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass an exam. Training programs vary in length depending on the provider, but typically range from one to three days. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on material covered during the training course and costs $250. After passing the exam, individuals receive their Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist certification and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in worksite wellness programming to employers or clients.

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

The National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (NEHSPAC) is an independent, non-governmental organization that provides accreditation to environmental health science and protection programs. It was established in 2001 with the goal of providing a national standard for the education of environmental health professionals.

NEHSPAC accreditation is based on a comprehensive review of program curricula, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and other criteria. The process typically takes two years from the time of application to completion.

To qualify for NEHSPAC accreditation, programs must meet certain requirements such as having an approved curriculum, qualified faculty, adequate resources and facilities, and evidence of student success. Programs must also demonstrate compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The cost of NEHSPAC accreditation varies depending on the size and scope of the program being evaluated. Generally speaking, it can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

9. Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS)

A Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) is a professional who is trained to protect the public health by ensuring that environmental conditions are safe and healthy. These professionals are responsible for inspecting food establishments, swimming pools, schools, hotels, and other places where people work and live. They also investigate complaints about environmental hazards such as air pollution, water contamination, and hazardous waste.

In order to become an REHS/RS, an individual must complete a bachelor’s degree in public health or environmental science from an accredited college or university. After graduation, applicants must pass the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) exam to become certified in their state of residence. The EHAC exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety, water quality, air quality, hazardous materials management, pest control, sanitation regulations and more.

The cost of taking the EHAC exam varies by state but typically ranges between $200-$400. In addition to the cost of the exam itself, applicants may need to pay for study materials and travel costs associated with attending training sessions in order to prepare for the exam.

Once certified as an REHS/RS in a particular state, individuals can apply for jobs with local health departments or private companies that specialize in environmental health services. Depending on experience level and job responsibilities, salaries for REHS/RS professionals range from $40k-$100k per year.

10. Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW)

A Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) is a professional who provides health education, outreach, and advocacy services to individuals within their community. They are typically employed by community-based organizations, health care clinics, public health departments, and other agencies that provide direct services to underserved populations. CCHWs are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance in accessing healthcare services or resources.

To become a Certified Community Health Worker, one must complete an approved training program and pass an exam. The length of the training program varies by state but typically takes between 40-80 hours to complete. Training programs cover topics such as cultural competency, communication skills, public health principles, patient navigation, and more.

The cost of the training program and exam vary by state but can range from $200-$500 depending on the provider. After passing the exam, CCHWs must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.

11. Certified in Public Health (CPH-APHA)

Certified in Public Health (CPH) is a professional certification program offered by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The CPH credential demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of public health knowledge and practice. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of excellence in their public health career.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CPH credential, depending on your background and experience. To become certified, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and pay an application fee.

To qualify for the CPH credential, you must have a graduate degree from an accredited school of public health or related field with at least 45 credit hours in public health courses; or a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with at least 15 credit hours in public health courses; or a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to one of these two options. You must also have at least two years of full-time professional work experience in public health within the past five years prior to applying for certification.

The cost for the CPH application fee is $300 USD for APHA members and $400 USD for non-members. There may be additional fees associated with taking the exam, such as registration fees and costs associated with study materials.

Do You Really Need a Public Health Educator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as your career goals, educational background, and the type of public health education you are interested in pursuing. If you want to pursue a career in public health education, then obtaining a public health educator certificate may be beneficial for you. This certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach people about public health topics, as well as help them develop healthier lifestyles.

Having a certificate in public health education can also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers may view your certification as evidence that you have taken the initiative to become more knowledgeable on the subject and are committed to helping others learn about it. Additionally, having a certificate may help increase your credibility when speaking on behalf of organizations or presenting research findings related to public health.

On the other hand, if you already have an extensive background in public health or related fields, a certificate may not be necessary for you. Depending on your current qualifications and experience level, employers may be more impressed by your existing credentials than by any additional certificates or degrees that you obtain. Ultimately, it is important to assess your individual needs and goals before deciding whether or not a public health educator certificate is right for you.

Related: Public Health Educator Resume Examples

FAQs About Public Health Educator Certifications

1. What is a public health educator certification?

Answer: A public health educator certification is an official recognition of a professional’s expertise in the field of public health education. It is obtained by passing an exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The exam covers topics such as health promotion and disease prevention, community health assessment, program development and evaluation, and communication strategies.

2. How do I become certified as a public health educator?

Answer: To become certified as a public health educator, applicants must meet certain educational qualifications and complete an accredited program in public health education. After completing the program, applicants must pass the NCHEC exam to obtain their certification.

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

Answer: The exact timeline depends on the individual’s educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take between 6 months to 1 year to meet all of the requirements and obtain certification from NCHEC.

4. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my public health educator certification?

Answer: Yes, all certified public health educators must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years to maintain their certification status with NCHEC. This ensures that professionals remain up-to-date on best practices in the field of public health education.

5. What are some benefits of obtaining a public health educator certification?

Answer: Obtaining a certification demonstrates your expertise in the field of public health education, making you more competitive in the job market. Additionally, certifications can help you advance your career by opening up new opportunities for promotion or leadership roles within your organization or institution. Finally, having a certification may increase your salary potential since employers may be willing to pay more for someone who has demonstrated knowledge and experience in this specialized field.