NCHEC and SOPHE's collaboration on HESPA III signifies a collective commitment to elevating the health education standards and trajectory for years to come. The previous practice analysis study findings were published in 2020.
Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis
The health education profession has a long history of scientifically validating the Competencies that have become the basis of the CHES® and MCHES® professional credential(s), professional preparation, and professional development. In collaboration with the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), NCHEC's leadership has made a commitment to maintaining credentialing standards by conducting a job/practice analysis periodically.
HESPA III: Redefining Health Education Standards for Tomorrow
The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) are co-sponsoring the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis III (HESPA III) study. The comprehensive study is conducted every five years to shape and redefine the essential Responsibilities and Competencies required in the professional preparation and professional development of health education specialists. NCHEC's leadership has committed to maintaining credentialing standards by conducting a job/practice analysis periodically.
HESPA III will inform the structure of the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) and the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) certification. The HESPA III study will be led by Beth Chaney, PhD, MCHES®, Chair, and Antonio Gardner, PhD, MCHES®, who will serve as Vice-Chair. The study will be facilitated by Jim Henderson, Ph.D., of Credentialing Examination Consulting, who brings over 30 years of psychometrics and practice analysis experience.
The HESPA III study will occur over 12 months with Dr. Henderson's facilitation and NCHEC and SOPHE providing staff support and meeting coordination. A call inviting nominations for panel consideration to the HESPA III study was sent to practicing health education professionals on January 3, 2024, resulting in over 200 responses. The Steering Committee considered several factors including practice setting, level of experience, completed and timely references, and other key demographic variables for the 12-15 member HESPA III panel.
