A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)is an individual who is credentialed as a result of demonstrating competency based on criteria established by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). Graduates of the Community Health Program are eligible to take the credentialing examination to become Certified Health Education Specialists. Some students may be eligible to take the examination during their last semester in the program.

Slippery Rock University is a CHES examination site. Review sessions for the examination are also available at Slippery Rock University. Contact Dr. Michael Cleary, CHES for more information (michael.cleary@sru.edu). Once certified each individual will need to maintain certification through obtaining 75 continuing education credits every five years.

Credentialing Benefits to Employers

"A CHES next to an applicant's name tells me I can expect an employee who not only has skills to do the job, but who also cares about professional growth.
--Cheryl Lackey, MPH, CHES
Director of Public Health Promotion
Texas Department of Health

"Johnson and Johnson Health Mangement, Inc. supports the hiring of Certified Health Education Specialists to conduct the quality health education worksite programs that we provide for our clients."
--Peter H. Soderberg, President
Johnson and Johnson Health Management Inc.


Credentialing Benefits You

"My CHES certification got me a job as Executive Director for a multi-million dollar community health center. Specifically, my skills in grassroots advocacy, community assessment and program development/evaluation helped me stand out among the 150 candidates from across the country."
--Linda A Brandmiller, CHES
Executive Dirctor
Ella Austin Health Center

.