200+ Free CHES Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CHES Exam
165
Questions (150 scored)
NCHEC test plan
3 hours
Exam Time
NCHEC
600/800
Passing Score
NCHEC
~68%
Pass Rate
NCHEC data
$230-$400
Exam Fee
NCHEC 2026
5 years
Certification Valid
NCHEC policy
17%
Assessment Area
Largest section
75 CECH
Hours for Renewal
NCHEC
The CHES exam has approximately a 68% national first-time pass rate. The exam includes 165 questions (150 scored, 15 pilot) with 3 hours to complete. Assessment and Planning represent the largest content areas at 31% combined. Testing occurs twice yearly in April and October. With growing demand for health educators in community, clinical, and worksite settings, CHES certification demonstrates professional competency.
About the CHES Exam
The CHES exam certifies health education specialists in eight core areas of responsibility based on the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis II (HESPA II 2020). The exam covers 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%). The certification demonstrates competency in health education practice and commitment to professional standards.
Questions
165 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
600/800 (scaled)
Exam Fee
$230-$400 (NCHEC (National Commission for Health Education Credentialing))
CHES Exam Content Outline
Area I: Assessment of Needs and Capacity
Identifying needs and assets, data collection methods, epidemiology, community assessment, capacity assessment, and asset mapping
Area II: Planning
Goal and objective setting, health behavior theories, intervention strategies, logic models, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based practice
Area III: Implementation
Health education strategies, instructional methods, learning styles, cultural competence, health literacy, and program delivery
Area IV: Evaluation and Research
Program evaluation designs, research methods, data analysis, outcome measures, evidence-based practice, and RE-AIM framework
Area V: Advocacy
Health advocacy, policy development, community organizing, coalition building, and social marketing
Area VI: Communication
Health communication theories, mass media, digital health, risk communication, and interpersonal communication
Area VII: Leadership and Management
Leadership principles, project management, resource management, grant writing, and partnership development
Area VIII: Ethics and Professionalism
Professional ethics, NCHEC Code of Ethics, scope of practice, credentialing, and continuing education requirements
How to Pass the CHES Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 600/800 (scaled)
- Exam length: 165 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $230-$400
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CHES Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CHES certification?
CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) is a professional certification offered by NCHEC that validates competency in health education practice. It demonstrates knowledge and skills across eight Areas of Responsibility: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Advocacy, Communication, Leadership, and Ethics. The certification is recognized in community, clinical, academic, and worksite settings and indicates commitment to professional standards and continuing education.
What are the eligibility requirements for CHES?
CHES eligibility requires: 1) A bachelor's degree or higher, AND 2) At least 25 semester hours (37 quarter hours) of coursework in health education covering the Eight Areas of Responsibility, OR 3) A major in health education/school health education. Coursework must include content in assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, advocacy, communication, leadership, and ethics. Official transcripts are required for verification.
How many questions are on the CHES exam?
The CHES exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored questions and 15 unscored pilot questions. You have 3 hours to complete the exam. The exam is administered via computer at Prometric testing centers. Testing windows are in April and October each year with registration deadlines typically 6-8 weeks before the exam.
What is the passing score for CHES?
The CHES exam uses a scaled scoring system with a range of 200-800. The passing score is approximately 600, which equates to answering roughly 68% of questions correctly. Because the exam uses scaled scoring, the exact number of questions needed to pass may vary slightly between exam forms. Official results are mailed approximately 6-8 weeks after the exam window closes.
How much does the CHES exam cost?
The CHES exam fee is $230 for students and first-time applicants who are members of a partnering professional organization (AAHE, SOPHE, Eta Sigma Gamma), or $400 for non-members and retakes. The fee includes the exam and initial processing. Annual NCHEC fees of $75 are required to maintain active status after passing. Students should check with their academic programs for potential institutional discounts.
What topics are covered on the CHES exam?
The CHES exam covers eight Areas of Responsibility based on HESPA II 2020: 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%). Content includes health behavior theories, program planning models, evaluation designs, cultural competence, health literacy, policy advocacy, and professional ethics.
How should I prepare for the CHES exam?
Effective preparation includes: 1) Reviewing the NCHEC CHES Exam Candidate Handbook and Content Outline, 2) Studying the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis (HESPA II), 3) Completing at least 2,000 practice questions across all eight areas, 4) Focusing on high-weighted areas: Assessment, Planning, and Implementation (46% combined), 5) Understanding major health behavior theories and program planning models, 6) Reviewing ethics scenarios and the NCHEC Code of Ethics. Use our AI tutor to master difficult concepts and rationales.
How long is the CHES certification valid?
The CHES certification is valid for 5 years. Recertification requires earning 75 continuing education contact hours (CECH) during the 5-year certification cycle. CECH activities must be directly related to the Eight Areas of Responsibility and meet NCHEC quality criteria. Approved providers include universities, professional organizations, and NCHEC-approved sponsors. Failure to recertify requires retaking the exam.
What career opportunities are available with CHES certification?
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.
How does CHES differ from MCHES?
CHES is the entry-level certification requiring a bachelor's degree and 25 semester hours in health education. MCHES (Master Certified Health Education Specialist) is the advanced-level certification requiring: 1) Current CHES certification, 2) Master's degree or higher, 3) At least 5 years of documented experience as a CHES. MCHES demonstrates advanced-level competency and leadership in health education practice. Both certifications require continuing education for recertification.