Roles and vision of government endorsed certification for health education specialists

Background: Ensuring a trained and competent workforce is imperative to health promotion. In 2010, the systems of certification for Health Education Specialists in Korea were changed dramatically by using a new, Korean Certified Health Education Specialist (KCHES) credential. Objectives: Objectives of this study are to describe the history and organization of the KCHES program, to compare the roles and responsibilities of the Health Education Specialist certification in Government endorsed and voluntary national credential systems, and to outline the roles and vision of the KCHES. Methods: We reviewed legislative Health Promotion Acts, credentialing systems of other countries, and evidence for CHES certification as published in Korean and international journals. We also reviewed intervention programs which were conducted by Health Education Specialists in Korea. Results: The needs of a competent workforce, increased awareness of prevention and disease management have contributed to the development of certification systems. The previous Korean certification system was voluntary and existed for more than 12 years. But now, the new Health Educator Specialist certification is government mandated. To meet the new requirements, Health Education Specialist (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade) candidates must take a National examination, after completing related subjects during their academic training. Presently, the Korean Government is amending the Health Promotion Act and other related Acts to establish mandatory hiring practices in the public and private sectors. Conclusion: For acceptance of certification by employers quality assurance of the Health Education Specialist is most important.