Health Education
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Examination
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) credential is awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) to individuals who have met required academic preparation qualifications, successfully passed a competency-based examination, and satisfy a continuing education requirement to maintain the national credential. The exam is a competency-based tool used to measure the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge in the Nine Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists, as delineated by the most current U.S.-based practice analysis study, and it reflects the entry-level sub-competencies of those areas. It is aimed at early-career health education practitioners and graduates of health education programs preparing to enter the workforce. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored and 25 pilots) delivered in computer-based format at test centers in the United States and internationally, or through Live Remote Proctoring from home. Candidates are allotted three hours, structured in three blocks: questions 1 to 88, an optional 10-minute break, and questions 89 to 175. Preparation should center on the Nine Areas of Responsibility and the entry-level sub-competencies, using the CHES® exam handbook for format, scoring, and break policy details, plus the NCHEC studying-for-exams resources. Note that registration is currently closed and is scheduled to reopen on November 1, 2026.
What you'll study
About Health Education preparation
How many questions are on the CHES® exam and how long do I have?
The exam has 175 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored and 25 are pilots that do not count toward your score. Candidates are allotted three hours to complete the examination, including an optional 10-minute break midway through.
How is the exam broken into blocks, and can I go back and change answers?
Block 1 contains questions 1 to 88; block 2 is the optional 10-minute break; block 3 contains questions 89 to 175. Before finishing block 1 you can go back and check or change any answer. Once block 3 begins, you cannot return to block 1.
Is the break required, and does it count against my time?
The 10-minute break is optional - you can choose to take it or proceed directly to block 3. If you take it, the break time is deducted from your total test time, so budget your remaining questions accordingly.
Where can I take the exam?
The CHES® examination is offered in the United States and internationally via computer-based format and through Live Remote Proctoring from the safety of home. Both delivery modes use standardized security protocols aligned with standards recommended by NCHEC's accreditation body, NCCA.
What content does the exam cover?
It measures knowledge across the Nine Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists, as delineated by the most current U.S.-based practice analysis study. The exam reflects the entry-level sub-competencies of those areas, so study should follow that framework rather than a general public health curriculum.
Can I register for the CHES® exam right now?
No. Registration is currently closed and is scheduled to reopen November 1, 2026. NCHEC is transitioning to a new database system, and exam applications will open on Monday, November 2, 2026, in the afternoon Eastern Time, with links posted on the NCHEC website.
What is the difference between the CHES® and MCHES® exams?
Both are competency-based exams covering the Nine Areas of Responsibility. The MCHES® exam reflects both entry- and advanced-level competencies and is for advanced practitioners who have worked in the field a minimum of five years. The CHES® exam reflects entry-level sub-competencies.
What is the most common preparation mistake?
Treating the exam as general public health trivia instead of studying the Nine Areas of Responsibility and their entry-level sub-competencies. Build your study plan area by area, and read the CHES® exam handbook for format, scoring, and the current break policy before test day.
How should I structure my study time?
Work through the Nine Areas of Responsibility systematically, weighting weaker areas more heavily, and practice applying concepts to scenarios rather than memorizing definitions. Confirm format and policy details in the CHES® exam handbook and use NCHEC's studying-for-exams resources to guide your plan.