CHES Study Guide 2026

CECs must be relevant to the health education profession; activities unrelated to health education competencies do not qualify under NCHEC guidelines.

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling style that meets individuals at their current stage of change and helps them resolve ambivalence.

A Gantt chart is a project management tool that visually displays tasks, timelines, and milestones for program planning and monitoring.

Weathering describes accelerated biological aging in Black Americans due to chronic exposure to racial discrimination and social adversity.

Professional development activities are typically designed to enhance one's skills, knowledge, and expertise within their specific field, often involving formal learning, peer-reviewed contributions, or specialized training. Authoring articles, making conference presentations, and reading professional journals are all recognized forms of professional development in health education. Reading about health education needs in the popular press, while informative, generally lacks the academic rigor and professional contribution expected for formal professional development.

Teach-back verifies patient comprehension by asking them to restate key information in their own words, enabling the educator to correct misunderstandings immediately.