The certification period for CHES is five years. During that time a CHES must accumulate 75 hours of continuing education. Each year the certification is renewed with an annual fee of $55. On the fifth year, the CHES recertifies by demonstrating completion of 75 continuing education contact hours (CECH) and paying the annual fee.

In order to maintain certification, a CHES must accumulate a minimum of 75 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) over their five-year certification period. These hours are divided into two categories, Category I and Category II (see below).

CECH are those experiences that assist in the development or enhancement of the knowledge and skills directly related to the Seven Areas of Responsibility and the individual's professional occupation. NCHEC encourages CHES to pursue training in all Seven Areas of Responsibility, as competence in all Areas is essential to successful health education practice.

CHES are encouraged to accumulate a minimum of 15 CECH per year, and to complete all continuing education requirements at least 90 days prior to recertification.

There are two types of CECH, Category I and Category II:

Category I is a continuing education program/activity which is preapproved by NCHEC. Of the 75 hours to be earned in a five-year period, at least 45 CECH must be earned by participating in Category I activities. All CECH can be earned through Category I activities.

CHES who have accumulated in excess of 75 CECH at the end of the current five-year certification cycle may carry over a maximum of 15 Category I CECH into the next five- year certification cycle. Category II hours are not eligible for carry over.

Category I activities are offered by 'designated providers.' A 'designated provider' is an organization that has demonstrated its ability to meet specific NCHEC criteria for offering CHES Responsibilities-related activities. Designated providers report all activities directly to NCHEC.

At the end of a Category I activity you will receive a certificate that includes a designated provider number. Keep this certificate as proof of your participation in the activity.

A Category II activity is not preapproved by NCHEC.

Up to 30 CECH can be earned by participating in quality activities that relate to at least one of the Seven Areas of Responsibility for CHES, but were not approved in advance by NCHEC.

To apply for Category II CECH, you must complete the Category II Claim Form (pdf) within 90 days following completion of an event.

Exception to the 45 Category I/30 Category II Rule:

If you live outside the continental United States you may earn all 75 CECH through activities that are not preapproved by NCHEC. Submit these using the Category II Claim Form (pdf)

NCHEC does not charge to process continuing education credits. Individual providers of continuing education may still require payment of administrative fees to defray their expenses in completing the provider application, filing the continuing education report and maintaining attendance records following an event.

There are several ways you can earn CECH credits, including: attendance at professional meetings, self- study, academic preparation, creative endeavors, professional presentations, and professional service. For more information go to Opportunities for Contact Hours in the Continuing Education section.

NCHEC strives to keep an up-to-date list of Category I (live events and self studies) activities. You can find that listing here. The easiest way to find activities is to log in to your CHES account and click on “Continuing Education Credit Activities”. Category II activities are independent activities submitted for approval, therefore the activities are identified by the individual.

Category I (preapproved) Activities: After completion of a Category I activity, the designated provider will report the activity directly to NCHEC and award a certificate of attendance/completion directly to the participating CHES. The certificate will include the sponsor's “Designated Provider number”. CHES should retain the certificate in their records--CHES SHOULD NOT submit any Category I documentation to NCHEC unless requested.

Category II (non-preapproved) Activities: Due to the diversity of Category II opportunities, acceptable forms of documentation will vary. To claim CECH in Category II, CHES will need to record not only the program information, but also how each activity relates to the Areas of Responsibility. CHES must fill out a Category II Claim Form (pdf) within 90 days following completion of a CECH activity.