240158 Process Behind the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) Examination

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 10:50 AM

Beth Chaney, PhD, MCHES , Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
James McKenzie, PhD, MPH, CHES, FAAHE , Department of Physiology and Health Science, Ball State University, Elizabethtown, PA
Jacquie Rainey, DrPH, CHES , College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR
Linda Lysoby, MS, MCHES , Executive Director, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc, Whitehall, PA
Melissa A. Rehrig, MPH CHES , Communications Director, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc, Whitehall, PA
     
Background: The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc is implementing an advanced-level certification, the Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). The MCHES exam is based upon the results of the Health Educator Job Analysis (HEJA) Project and the Competency Update Project, both of which identified multiple levels of practice, entry and advanced-level, for health education specialists. Purpose: The presentation aims to inform the audience of the development process and preliminary registration numbers of the inaugural MCHES examination. Additionally, the presentation will highlight preliminary results of the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity. Methods: The MCHES exam supports the content in the updated Competency Based Framework for Health Education Specialists – 2010 which was developed from results of the HEJA. Additionally, the examination specifications (i.e. percentage of questions from each Area of Responsibility) were determined from HEJA results. The study confirmed 61 advanced-level Sub-competencies. However, the exam assesses all Sub-competencies, not just the 61, using 165 items. Fifteen of the 165 items are pilot questions being assessed for validity and reliability before becoming part of the MCHES test bank, and in contrast to the CHES exam, the MCHES exam will contain scenario-based questions. Results: The preliminary registration numbers of the first MCHES examination, held on October 15, 2011 will be revealed. Additionally, the rigorous process used for item writing will be discussed. Conclusions: At the end of this session, participants will be able to explain the rationale and process of developing an advanced-level certification. Also, MCHES exam eligibility requirements will be discussed.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health

Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the rationale behind the implementation of an advanced-level certification, 2. Describe the rigorous item-writing process used to create the MCHES examination. 3. explain the MCHES exam eligibility requirements.

Keywords: Health Education, Quality Assurance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I serve on the NCHEC Board of Commissioners, and understand the exam process quite well.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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