The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., (NCHEC) and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) are once again co-sponsoring the next health education specialist practice analysis. This study, to be known as Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis II (HESPA II) is to re-verify the entry- and advanced-level responsibilities, competencies and sub-competencies that undergird the professional preparation and development of all health education specialists, as well as provide the basis for the health education profession’s certification system.

The practice analysis serves as the basis for the certification examinations that NCHEC uses for Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) certification. Additionally, the practice analysis is used to guide curriculum used in health education professional preparation programs at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels as well as by continuing education providers.

We are soliciting self-nominations for the HESPA II panel. This 12-15-member volunteer panel will perform an in-depth analysis of the contemporary and future competencies needed by health education specialists. The panel also will draft a detailed content outline of the major areas of responsibility, competencies and sub-competencies, and the associated knowledge.

If you are interested in being considered for the panel, please complete the online form to provide your contact information and specify your work in health education no later than MARCH 23, 2018. Please note that attendance will be required at three in-person meetings, set for May 31–June 2, June 16–17 (if needed), and July 19–21, 2018, in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina. If selected, you must be able to attend all meetings, the travel for which will be reimbursed as part of the study. We will work to ensure that the panel is diverse and representative of the profession.

Thank you for your interest in this important initiative.