CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist
How to prepare for CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist
A 6-stage plan from your first study session to exam day. Adjust the pace to your own schedule.
Study plan
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Familiarize with the CHES Overview Read the NCHEC overview to understand the purpose of the credential and the broad areas it covers. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Map Core Content Areas Identify the key topics listed (program planning, needs assessment, health promotion, behavioral theory, communication, data collection, ethics) and gather study resources for each. | Week 2-3 |
| 3 | Deep Dive Study Sessions Allocate focused time to each topic, reviewing theory, case examples, and best practices in health education. | Week 4-6 |
| 4 | Practice Application Complete practice questions or case studies that require applying the concepts to real‑world public health scenarios. | Week 7 |
| 5 | Timed Mock Exam Simulate exam conditions with a full‑length practice test to gauge readiness and identify any weak spots. | Week 8 |
| 6 | Final Review & Refresh Revisit any areas of difficulty, review key definitions, and ensure confidence before the test day. | Week 9 |
Exam domains
These come from the official exam outline.
- Health Education Program Planning
- Needs Assessment
- Community Health Promotion
- Behavioral Theory
- Health Communication
- Data Collection & Evaluation
- Ethics in Health Education
CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist preparation questions
How many steps are in the CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist study plan?
This plan has 6 stages, starting with familiarize with the CHES Overview and ending with final Review & Refresh.
Do I need prior experience for CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist?
CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist is rated Intermediate. Check the official exam page for any formal requirements before you start.
What should I study for CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist?
Focus on the official exam domains: Health Education Program Planning, Needs Assessment, Community Health Promotion, Behavioral Theory, Health Communication, Data Collection & Evaluation, Ethics in Health Education.
Exam outlines change between versions. Check the official exam page for the current outline before you start.