A Portrait of an Advanced-level Health Education Specialist

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc implemented an advanced-level certification, the Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), based upon results from the Health Educator Job Analysis Project and the Competency Update Project. Both studies identified multiple levels of practice, entry and advanced, for health education specialists. Based on feedback from several stakeholders in the profession, two routes to certification were identified: testing and an initial advanced-level experience validation phase. This presentation demonstrates the process and results of the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO), which allowed current CHES to apply for the MCHES credential prior to the examination phase. Examination of results from the EDO phase was a rare look at the nature and extent of advanced-level practice of health education specialists. Methods: For 6 months, beginning October 15, 2010, eligible CHES submitted the MCHES EDO application form, Experience Self-Appraisal, two recommenders' Testament of Practice form, documentation of advanced-level activities, and resume. Applications went through extensive review following a predetermined protocol. Results of the EDO process will be presented, specifically describing the number of applications submitted and approved, in comparison to the percentage of CHES eligible for EDO. A profile of health education specialists in advanced practice will also be presented. At the end of this session, participants will be able to explain the rationale for the MCHES EDO process, challenges of validity and reliability when using an “in the field” recommender system of credentialing, and how advanced-level Sub-competencies are used by health education specialists today.