Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): The long awaited advanced credential

The purpose of this presentation is to inform interested health educators about the specifics of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) advanced-level credential—the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), which is scheduled for implementation in 2010. The results of the Health Educator Job Analysis project (JAP), sponsored by the American Association for Health Education (AAHE), Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), and NCHEC, led to the update of the competencies and sub-competencies previously identified in the National Health Educator Competency Update Project (CUP). The MCHES is based on the identified, advanced-level competencies and sub-competencies, gleaned from the JAP. The Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) provides CHES, who have active status of 5 or more years, with the opportunity to apply for the MCHES credential. At the end of the session, participants will be able to explain MCHES EDO procedures, exam details, such as eligibility criteria for CHES and non-CHES health educators, projected fees, and continuing education contact hours (CECH). In addition, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and formulate any concerns they may have regarding the Health Educator Job Analysis and/or the CHES credential.