More on the development of the MCHES

BECOME a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)

….Learn How!

Melissa Rehrig, MPH, CHESCommunication Director, NCHEC

© NCHEC, 2010

HPCareer. Net WebinarLive Webinar Series October 29, 2010

Presentation ObjectivesBy the end of the presentation attendees will be able

to:• Summarize briefly the development of the advanced-level

certification, the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)

• Explain in detail the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) process, such as eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and fees.

• Describe MCHES examination eligibility and exam details• Explain the continuing education requirements for the

advanced credential.

© NCHEC, 2010

Why an Advanced Credential? • Findings of CUP revealed advanced levels among health

educators in their practice. This was confirmed by the Job Analysis Project.

• Official recommendations of the National Task Force on Accreditation

• 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

Why an Advanced Credential?

To help advanced - level CHES:

identifypromoteand advance their skills.

© NCHEC, 2010

TOP

• 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

REASONS TO BECOME AN MCHES

MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity

(EDO)

© NCHEC, 2010

•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!!!

MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity

(EDO)

© NCHEC, 2010

MCHES EDO Application

Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice

Assessment Form (2 copies)

Activity Documentation

Resume/CV

Deadlines Fees

12/1/10 $200

01/15/11 $210

03/01/11 $240

04/16/11 $290

Experience Self-appraisal & Testament of Practice Form

Two-Step Process1. Applicant completes self-

appraisal of advanced-level experience

2. Two Recommenders review and respond to Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice Form

© NCHEC, 2010

Areas of Responsibilities & Advanced –level Sub-competencies

© NCHEC, 2010

Sample: Experience Self- Appraisal (Applicant)

© NCHEC, 2010

Sample: Testament of Practice(Recommender)

© NCHEC, 2010

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

Application Procedures in Review

MCHES EDO ApplicationTWO Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice FormsGather documentation to support advanced activitiesSend Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice form, supporting documentation and an envelope to two appropriate recommender

© NCHEC, 2010

Application Procedures in Review Continued

Prepare current Resume/CV Gather all forms including signed and sealed Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice forms from recommendersMail all documentation to NCHEC:

Application (unless applied online)Signed and sealed Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice formsSupporting documentation of activitiesResume/CVFee (if not paid online)

© NCHEC, 2010

Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) Credential

© NCHEC, 2010

Confirms professional development / career ladder

CHESMinimum of the past 5 continuous yrs active status

Non-CHES

Or CHES <5 yrs active status

Master’s degree or higher in Health Ed

ORMaster’s degree or higher with transcript reflecting 25 semester hrs addressing the Seven Areas of Responsibility

5 yrs experience as a health educator•CV/Resume•2 letters ofrecommendation

1st MCHES EXAM: October 15, 2011ELIGIBILITY:

The MCHES Examination• 1st offered – October 15, 2011• Style & Structure▫ Provided at the same sites where CHES exam

offered (over 120 sites)▫ 3 hours to complete▫ 165 multiple choice questions; 150 scored, 15 pilot▫ Stand alone & scenario-based multiple choice items▫ Will cover all 7 Areas of Responsibility;

there are 61 MCHES only sub-competencies

The MCHES Examination

Examination Specifications based on HEJA-2010

No. Area of Responsibility %

I Assess Needs, Assets, and Capacity for Health Education 10%

II Plan Health Education 15%

III Implement Health Education 20%

IV Conduct Evaluation and Research Related to Health Education 16%

V Administer and Manage Health Education 16%

VI Serve as a Health Education Resource Person 15%

VII Communicate and Advocate for Health and Health Education 8%

Exam Fees & Recertification• MCHES Exam application fees : range from $250-$390 based

on type of application and submission deadline• Application Period open May 1, 2011

© NCHEC, 2010

FEES 1st

deadline6/1/11

2nd

deadline7/1/11

3rd

deadline8/1/11

Final deadline9/1/11

Exam (CHES) $250 $260 $290 $340

Exam (Non-CHES)

$300 $310 $340 $390

Comparison of Recertification Requirements

CHES MCHES

• 75 CECH in 5 years▫ Minimum 45 Category I▫ Maximum 30 Category II

• All 75 CECH can be earned in Category I

• Recertification/Renewal for CHES▫ Annual renewal fee after

1st year is $55.00

75 CECH in 5 yearsMinimum 45 Category IMaximum 30 Category II

• All 75 CECH can be earned in Category I

30 must be link to advanced sub-competenciesAdvanced CECH can be Category I or Category II

Recertification/Renewal for CHES

Annual renewal fee after 1st

year is $55.00

© NCHEC, 2010

NCHEC Timeline for Certifications

Summer 2010

• Revised CHES Study Companion released• Release of Revised Framework Publication

Oct. 2010 –April 2011

• MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) Period

Oct.

2010

• MCHES Exam Study Materials available

April

2011

• First MCHES credential conferred from EDO• New CHES Exam administered on updated Competencies

Oct..

2011

• First MCHES exam

© NCHEC, 2010

Visit NCHEC at Upcoming Conferences in Denver, CO Nov 4-10, 2010

© NCHEC, 2010

APHA 2010CHES/MCHES LOUNGE

MCHES Live Webinars: Archived• September 17, 2010• Free Archived Webinars Available▫ The Impact of MCHES on Academia▫ MCHES and the Health Education

Profession▫ The Impact of MCHES on

Designated Providers and Employers

Access at www.nchec.org

© NCHEC, 2010

Participants will receive 1 CECH per webinar

Next Stepsfor NCHEC

•Communications•Promote CHES & MCHES•Marketing strategies to employers•Continued information on Website•Trainings for Designated Providers for MCHES

© NCHEC, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

• CHES numbers• Guidance for matching activities for EDO

process• Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament to

Practice form be forwarded to the recommenders

• MCHES back to CHES• Your questions????

© NCHEC, 2010

www.nchec.orgDetails and updates can be found on the NCHEC news

page NCHEC Communication

Director:[email protected]

© NCHEC, 2010