Research Guides: Community Health and Human Services: Professional Organizations & Certification

CHHS Certification

NCHEC
HS-BCP

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
NCHEC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the professional practice of Health Education and Health Promotion.
NCHEC Certification Exams
NCHEC offers both the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) examinations for credentialing.
Certified Health Education Specialist Exam
Explore the CHES Exam handbook, schedule, fees, application, eligibility, background, scoring, scholarships, and study resources available on the NCHEC website.
Master Certified Health Education Specialist Exam
Explore the MCHES Exam handbook, schedule, fees, application, eligibility, background, scoring, and study resources available on the NCHEC website.
Eight Areas of Responsibility of Health Education Specialists
Areas of responsibility, competencies, and sub-competencies for Health Education Special Practice are based on the 2020 US-based job analysis study.
Health Education Code of Ethics
Guided by common goals to improve the human condition, Health Education Specialists are responsible for upholding the integrity and ethics of the profession as they perform their work and face the daily challenges of making ethical decisions.
NCHEC Career Hub
Find a job search, guide to health education careers, interview tips, and an employer toolkit on the NCHEC website.

Note: Beginning in 2027, the NCHEC certification exam will test on the nine responsibilities & competencies based on the HESPA III (2025). Students preparing for the exam should consider planned/previous UAB graduation date when choosing study resources for the exam.

National Organization for Human Services
The NOHS is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of human services and promoting excellence within the profession.
Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner Credential
The HS-BCP credential is a certification designed for human serviprofessionals looking to advance their careers by acquiring independent verification of their practical knowledge and educational background.
HS-BCP Exam Content Outline
The HS-BCP Examination covers the following areas: Assessment, Service Planning, and Outcome Evaluation; Theoretical Orientation/Interventions; Case Management, Professional Practice, and Ethics; and Administration, Program Development, Evaluation, and Supervision

Conferences & Professional Development Opportunities

National Sex Ed Conference
The Center for Sex Education (CSE) has been hosting an annual Sex Ed Conference since 1985. What started as a one-day conference for New Jersey health educators has grown into the largest conference in the United States that is exclusively devoted to sexuality education. Participants attend from across the nation and many other parts of the world to network and learn best practices in sexuality education, addressing a spectrum of topics, audiences, and ages.