Perceptions and motivations of the inaugural Certified in Public Health Examinees, 2008

In August 2008, the first Certified in Public Health exam was offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). 693 examinees completed the exam and 690 test takers completed a voluntary exit survey on perceptions and motivations for taking the exam.

More than half of the test takers learned about the exam through their school or program, consistent with where much of NBPHE's outreach was directed. Three quarters of respondents said that their major motivation and most likely outcome for taking the exam was to improve their credibility as a public health professional. Surprisingly, salary potential was not the major motivation or expected outcome. Only 12% said that their public health degree program did not prepare them adequately for the exam. Over 90% completed exam registration online without difficulty. The exam fee was considered somewhat or very reasonable by 52%. The exam was considered challenging and 91% thought it was moderately or extremely difficult. Forty seven percent thought it was a fair exam. Passage of the exam should be considered an accomplishment that has helped to advance the public health profession. Implications for future exam administration and how the Certified in Public Health exam builds the public health workforce will be discussed.