The document discusses the development of the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) advanced certification. It outlines the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity process which allows applicants with 5+ years of experience to obtain the credential without taking an exam. The requirements for the first MCHES exam in October 2011 are also described, including eligibility, fees, and continuing education. Next steps for promoting the MCHES are mentioned.

1. BECOME a Master
Certified Health Education
Specialist (MCHES)
….Learn How!
Melissa Rehrig, MPH, CHES
Communication Director, NCHEC
HPCareer. Net Webinar
Live Webinar Series
August, 26, 2010
© NCHEC, 2010

2. Presentation Objectives
By the end of the presentation attendees will be
able to:
• Summarize briefly the development of the
advanced-level certification, MCHES.
• Explain in detail the MCHES Experience
Documentation Opportunity (EDO) process,
such as eligibility criteria, documentation
requirements and projected fees.
• Describe MCHES examination eligibility and the
required continuing education for the advanced
credential.
© NCHEC, 2010

3. Why an Advanced Credential?
• Official recommendations of the National Task
Force on Accreditation
• Findings of CUP revealed advanced levels among
health educators in their practice. This was
confirmed by the Job Analysis Project.
• 2006 Feasibility Study Survey: 2/3 of respondents
indicated that an advanced level certification will
benefit the profession
• Continuing comments from health educators that
current CHES credential is “entry-level” and,
therefore, not reflective of the scope of practice of
many health education specialists.
© NCHEC, 2010

4. Why an Advanced Credential?
To help advanced - level CHES:
identify
promote
and advance their skills.
© NCHEC, 2010

5. TOP REASONS TO BECOME
AN MCHES
• Endorsement of advanced professional
experience, knowledge, and skills
• Commitment to the health education profession
• Opportunity for advanced professional
development
• Demonstrate excellence in the field of health
education
• Greater recognition from health education peers
© NCHEC, 2010

6. MCHES
Experience Documentation
Opportunity (EDO)
•CHES ≥ 5 years continuous active status (certified on or
before October 1, 2005).
•6 month period (October 15, 2010 to April 16, 2011)
If successful, applicants will not have to take the
exam!!!
© NCHEC, 2010

7. MCHES
Experience Documentation
Opportunity (EDO)
MCHES EDO Application
Deadlines Fees
Experience Self-Appraisal 12/11/10 $200
and Testament of Practice
Assessment Form (2
copies) 01/15/11 $210
03/01/11 $240
Activity Documentation
04/16/11 $290
Resume/CV
© NCHEC, 2010

8. Experience Self-appraisal &
Testament of Practice Form
Two-Step Process
1. Applicant completes
self-appraisal of
advanced-level
experience
2. Two Recommenders
review and respond to
Self-Appraisal and
Testament of Practice
Form
© NCHEC, 2010

9. Areas of Responsibilities &
Advanced –level Sub-competencies
© NCHEC, 2010

10. Sample: Experience Self- Appraisal
(Applicant)
© NCHEC, 2010

11. Sample: Testament of Practice
(Recommender)
© NCHEC, 2010

12. Guidelines for Resume/CV
Submission
• Not exceed five (5) pages
• Show that applicant has been engaged in the
Health Education Areas of Responsibility at the
advanced-level within the past five (5) years
• Must clearly show:
– Educational and training background
– Professional experience (employer or other
professional affiliations)
© NCHEC, 2010

13. Application Procedures in Review
MCHES EDO Application
TWO Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament
of Practice Forms
Gather documentation to support advanced
activities
Send Experience Self-Appraisal and
Testament of Practice form, supporting
documentation and an envelope to two
appropriate recommender
© NCHEC, 2010

14. Application Procedures in Review
Continued
Prepare current Resume/CV
Gather all forms including signed and sealed
Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice forms
from recommenders
Mail all documentation to NCHEC:
Application (unless applied online)
Signed and sealed Self-Appraisal andTestament of
Practice forms
Supporting documentation of activities
Resume/CV
Fee (if not paid online)
© NCHEC, 2010

15. Master Certified Health Education
Specialist (MCHES) Credential
Confirms professional development / career ladder
1st MCHES EXAM: October 15, 2011
ELIGIBILITY:
CHES Non-CHES
Minimum of the Or CHES <5 yrs
past 5
continuous yrs active status
active status 5 yrs experience
Master’s degree or higher
in Health Ed as a health
OR educator
•CV/Resume
Master’s degree or higher
with transcript reflecting •2 letters of
25 semester hrs recommendation
addressing the Seven
Areas of Responsibility
© NCHEC, 2010

16. Exam Fees & Recertification
• MCHES Exam application fees : range from $250-$390 based
on type of application and submission deadline
FEES 1st deadline 2nd deadline 3rd deadline Final deadline
6/1/11 7/1/11 8/1/11 9/1/11
Exam (CHES) $250 $260 $290 $340
Exam (Non-CHES) $300 $310 $340 $390
Recertification/Renewal
Annual renewal fee (after 1st year): $55.00
Continuing Education
• 75 CECH in 5 years (minimum 45 Cat 1, Max 30 Cat 2)
•30 CECH must be linked to advanced Sub-competencies (Cat 1 or 2)
© NCHEC, 2010

17. NCHEC Timeline for
Certifications
• Revised CHES Study Companion released
Summer • Release of Revised Framework Publication
2010
• MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) Period
Oct. 2010 –
April 2011
Oct.
• MCHES Exam Study Materials available
2010
• First MCHES credential conferred from EDO
April • New CHES Exam administered on updated Competencies
2011
Oct..
• First MCHES exam
2011
© NCHEC, 2010

18. MCHES Live: The Webinar Series
• September 17, 2010
• Free Webinars Available
– The Impact of MCHES on Academia
@ 11:00 a.m. EDT
– MCHES and the Health Education
Profession @ 12:00 p.m. EDT
– The Impact of MCHES on
Designated Providers and
Employers @ 1:00p.m. EDT
Register at
www.nchec.org
Participants will receive 1 CECH per webinar
© NCHEC, 2010

19. •Communications
•Promote CHES & MCHES
•Marketing strategies to employers
•Continued information on Website
•Mailing to EDO eligible CHES
•EDO Forms available by September
Next Steps
for NCHEC
© NCHEC, 2010

20. Frequently Asked Questions
• CHES numbers
• Retired status eligible
• Employer recognition
• MCHES back to CHES
• Designated Providers of Advanced
CECH
• Your questions????
© NCHEC, 2010

21. www.nchec.org
Details and updates can
be found on the NCHEC
news page
NCHEC Communication
Director:
mrehrig@nchec.org
© NCHEC, 2010