1. Credentialing

2. Credentialing
….a process whereby an individual or a professional preparation program meets the specific standards established by a credentialing body

3. Credentialing may take the form of:

4. Accreditation
…the process by which a recognized professional body evaluates an entire college or university professional preparation program against predetermined criteria or standards

5. Accreditation in Health Education
NCATE (National Commission for the Accreditation of Teacher Education) & AAHE (American Association for Health Education)
CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health)
SABPAC (SOPHE/AAHE Baccalaureate Program Approval Committee)

6. Licensure
…the process by which an agency or government (usually the state) grants permission for individuals to practice a given profession by certifying that those licensed have attained specific standards of competence.
e.g. doctors, nurses, physical therapists, school health educators

7. Certification
…a process by which a professional organization grants recognition to an individual who, upon completion of a competency-based curriculum, can demonstrate a predetermined standard of performance.

8. Certification in Health Education
C.H.E.S. (Certified Health Education Specialist)
NCHEC (National Commission for Health Education Credentialing)

9. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Certification
This certification has been developed for
health education profession
mastery of the fundamental skills
across all practice settings
voluntary credentialing

10. Benefits of Certification
Establishes national standard
Attests to individual’s knowledge and skills
Assists employers in identifying qualified practitioners
Sense of pride and accomplishment
Promotes continued professional development
C - Certified
H - Health
E - Education
S - Specialist

11. Individual Decisions Professional distinction
Desire to excel – mark of excellence
Credential for comparison with other professions
Commitment to continuing education

12. Professional Trends
Health Education is now recognized as a specific occupation by the Department of Labor.
Employers are recognizing salary advancement to individuals who are CHES certified – many prefer the CHES credential in hiring and promoting health educators.
CHES designation is required for health educators in Arkansas– other states seem poised to follow.