Free Practice Questions for CHES

CHES is the NCHEC credential for entry-level health education specialists. It assesses academic preparation and competency in health education practice. The October 2026 exam uses eight HESPA II areas; NCHEC has announced nine HESPA III areas and 175 questions starting Spring 2027.

CHES eligibility requires a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, plus either: 1) an official transcript showing a major explicitly in a health-education discipline, OR 2) at least 25 semester hours (37 quarter hours, grade C or better) of coursework addressing NCHEC’s official health education Areas of Responsibility (minimum 12 semester hours of process courses, up to 9 in topic-focused courses, up to 6 in other courses). Official transcripts are required for verification.

The October 2026 CHES exam has 165 four-option questions: 150 scored and 15 unscored pilot items. Three hours includes the optional 10-minute break; the appointment allows up to 3.5 hours including introductory and closing activities. NCHEC announces 175 questions for Spring 2027. Its transition announcement does not specify the future scored/pilot split, so do not carry the current 150/15 split forward.

NCHEC reports the CHES pass point as 600 on a possible scaled-score range of 200-800. The exam uses criterion-referenced standard setting and equating, so candidates should not treat the passing score as a fixed raw percentage of questions correct.

October 2026 registration has closed. Its early/regular/late fees were $280/$340/$400 for non-students and $230/$290/$350 for eligible students. April 2027 registration opens November 1, 2026 and closes February 28, 2027; non-student fees are $300/$360/$435 and student fees are $250/$310/$385. A $100 processing portion is nonrefundable for ineligible or withdrawing applicants.

Through October 2026, the HESPA II weights are Assessment of Needs and Capacity 17%, Planning 14%, Implementation 15%, Evaluation and Research 12%, Advocacy 12%, Communication 12%, Leadership and Management 6%, and Ethics and Professionalism 12%. Spring 2027 transitions to nine HESPA III areas, including separate Evaluation and Research areas. Choose the outline for your scheduled cycle.

Use the official handbook and content outline for your exam cycle. For October 2026, study all eight HESPA II areas and emphasize weaker competencies using applied scenarios. Practice the current two question blocks: questions 1-83 and 84-165. Once you advance to the later question block, you cannot return to the first; the optional 10-minute break uses part of the three-hour examination time. Spring 2027 candidates should check the new handbook rather than assume these current block boundaries remain.

Maintain CHES through annual renewal and a five-year recertification cycle. The annual maintenance fee is $70. Normally, the 75 required CECH include at least 45 Category I credits and no more than 30 Category II credits. Five Continuing Competency credits are part of the 75, not additional. NCHEC permits certificants outside the continental United States to obtain all 75 in Category II; the competency requirement still applies. Up to 15 excess Category I credits may carry into the next cycle. October certificants renew and recertify by September 30; April certificants by March 31. Fifteen CECH per year is recommended rather than required. If CE requirements cannot be met after available extensions, NCHEC provides a recertification-by-examination route.

CHES certification opens doors to roles including: Community Health Educator, Health Promotion Specialist, Patient Educator, Workplace Wellness Coordinator, Public Health Educator, School Health Educator, Health Coach, Program Coordinator, Health Communications Specialist, and Grant Manager. CHES professionals work in health departments, hospitals, nonprofits, corporations, schools, universities, and government agencies. Certification demonstrates competency and commitment to the field.

CHES is the entry-level credential with academic eligibility. MCHES assesses entry-level and advanced competencies. One MCHES route requires at least the past five continuous years of active CHES status. The alternative requires a completed master’s degree or higher, with either a qualifying health education major or the required qualifying graduate coursework, plus five years of documented health education experience. Current CHES certification is not required for the alternative route. Check NCHEC guidance for the evidence required.