Credentialing Credentialing a process whereby an individual or

Credentialing

Credentialing • …. a process whereby an individual or a professional preparation program meets the specific standards established by a credentialing body

Credentialing may take the form of: Credentialing Accreditation Licensure Certification

Accreditation • …the process by which a recognized professional body evaluates an entire college or university professional preparation program against predetermined criteria or standards

Accreditation in Health Education • NCATE (National Commission for the Accreditation of Teacher Education) & AAHE (American Association for Health Education) • CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) • SABPAC (SOPHE/AAHE Baccalaureate Program Approval Committee)

Licensure • …the process by which an agency or government (usually the state) grants permission for individuals to practice a given profession by certifying that those licensed have attained specific standards of competence. • e. g. doctors, nurses, physical therapists, school health educators

Certification • …a process by which a professional organization grants recognition to an individual who, upon completion of a competency-based curriculum, can demonstrate a predetermined standard of performance.

Certification in Health Education • C. H. E. S. (Certified Health Education Specialist) • NCHEC (National Commission for Health Education Credentialing) • http: //www. nchec. org/

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Certification • This certification has been developed for – health education profession – mastery of the fundamental skills – across all practice settings – voluntary credentialing

Benefits of Certification • C - Certified H - Health E - Education S - Specialist • • Establishes national standard Attests to individual’s knowledge and skills Assists employers in identifying qualified practitioners Sense of pride and accomplishment Promotes continued professional development

Individual Decisions • • Professional distinction Desire to excel – mark of excellence Credential for comparison with other professions Commitment to continuing education

Professional Trends • Health Education is now recognized as a specific occupation by the Department of Labor. • Employers are recognizing salary advancement to individuals who are CHES certified – many prefer the CHES credential in hiring and promoting health educators. • CHES designation is required for health educators in Arkansas– other states seem poised to follow.