Credentials

To be eligible for the CHES examination, applicants must have a bachelor’s, master's or doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, and one of the following:
An official transcript  that clearly shows a major in health
education, or
An official transcript that reflects at least 25 semester hours or 37 quarter hours of course work with specific preparation addressing the Area of Responsibility for health educators.

There is also a 90 day eligibility option for students who are currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning and scheduled to graduate within 90 days of the exam date.

Although not required for professional practice, the CHES credential is strongly encouraged.  The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. grants the certification.  The CHES credential is renewed every year by an annual fee, and recertification takes place every five years.  Continuing education required.

Candidates must have specialized knowledge and skills in the field of environmental health, and certification is required to be classified as a registered sanitarian.  Applicants must be registered as sanitarians-in-training or submit an application for registered sanitarian and be approved by the State Board of Sanitarian Registration to take the examination.  Requirements differ by state.  In Ohio, the State Board of Sanitarian Registration grants the certification.  Continuing education credits are required.

Various environmental health certifications are available, such as Onsite Wastewater System Installers (NEW in 2006!), Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP), Certified Environmental Health Technician (CEHT), Registered Environmental Technician (RET), Registered Hazardous Substances Professional (RHSP), and the Registered Hazardous Substances Specialist (RHSS).  Specific educational and practical requirements must be documented.

Certification in Infection Control (CIC)

To qualify for the examination, applicants must meet both the education and practice requirements.  An examination is required for initial and subsequent certification.  Infection control professionals (ICPs) are certified by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology's independent credentialing arm, the Certification Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). This certification is not required for professionals.

The Association of Schools of Public Health is coordinating an initiative to develop core competencies for MPH graduates in public health.  The MPH Core Competency Development Project is a starting point to initiate the dialogue on competencies for the public health field.  The emerging competency model is intended to serve as a resource and guide for those interested in improving the quality and accountability of public health education and training.