title: A summative report of applications submitted for the experience documentation opportunity for the master certified health education specialist credential.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide a summative report of the applications submitted for the Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO), implemented by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). The EDO was a one-time, 6-month opportunity for health education specialists holding the entry-level certification (Certified Health Education Specialist or CHES) for 5 or more continuous years, with active status, to submit documentation to verify practice at the advanced level to become a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), the new advanced certification. The EDO process was rigorous and effective in verifying a professional's level of practice. A total of 862 applications were submitted to NCHEC; 819 were approved, 36 denied, and 7 withdrew. Frequency distributions indicate which advanced-level subcompetencies were used the most and least for applications. Results of the EDO process provide valuable information regarding characteristics of the first cohort of MCHES, as well as a direct assessment of advanced-level practice in the field of health education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Education & Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. bchaney@ufl.edu
authors.forename: Beth H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Chaney
authors.forename: Blossom
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Paravattil
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lysoby
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rehrig
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Elmore
authors.forename: Stephen F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Gambescia
mesh_terms: D003406:Credentialing; D004282:Documentation; D040441:Health Educators; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence; D014481:United States