As you consider pursuing a public health degree, you might wonder if another credential is needed to have a career in public health following graduation. Is it like law school where you get a JD degree and then need to sit for the bar exam? Is it like medical school where you get an MD degree and then need to pass boards to practice? In short, no. Public health professionals need no credential beyond an MPH to have exciting and fulfilling careers. We’re here to be transparent and make it known that there’s no secret hurdle coming your way after graduation.
In light of this, this summary will explore whether pursuing a public health certification is a worthwhile endeavor for recent graduates and professionals. We’ll briefly cover the following certifications: the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), and corresponding Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exams.
Introduction to Public Health Certifications
Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam
To take the CPH exam, you need to be enrolled in a public health program, have recently graduated, or have relevant work experience. The CPH exam is designed to assess whether someone understands various aspects of public health, from public health biology to program management to health equity and social justice. It’s a 200 question multiple choice exam offered in-person or online. Check out our more extended summary of the CPH exam here.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exams
To take the CHES and MCHES exams, you must be enrolled in a public health degree program and have taken at least 25 semester hours of coursework. The CHES and MCHES exams are focused on health education and health promotion. The CHES is designed for early career public health professionals (less than five years of professional experience), whereas the MCHES is designed for public health professionals with at least five years of relevant experience1. Check out our longer summary of the CHES exam here.
Popular public health programs
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Request infoGeorge Washington University
Online Master of Public Health (MPH@GW)
- CEPH-Accredited online MPH (no GRE)
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- Up to $15,000 available in scholarships
- Starts in January, April, July, and September
Request infoUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Online Master of Public Health (MPH@UNC)
- CEPH-Accredited online MPH (no GRE)
- #2 best school of public health (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
- Earn your degree in 24-36 months
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George Washington University
Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
- CEPH-Accredited online DrPH (no GRE)
- In-person immersions on campus in Washington, D.C.
- Earn your degree in 36 months
- Top-15 best public health school (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
Next Steps
As you consider the application requirements for a master’s in public health and your potential career options, take a moment to consider whether completing an additional credential might be worth it. We’re here to help you find the right MPH program to fit your unique needs!
Sources (1)
About the authors
Written by
Katherine Paul, MPH/author/katherine-paul-mph/
Katherine Paul, MPH is a senior project manager at a leading medical communications and publications organization. She supports multidisciplinary teams handling large-scale accounts, the deliverables of which improve health outcomes and patient well-being. Ms. Paul holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Promotion from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and passed the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) shortly after graduation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Dickinson College.