About Certified in Public Health Essentials

Certified in Public Health Essentials (CPHE)

The vision of the National Board of Public Health Examiners is to strengthen the field of public health through certification. Across the country, thousands of professionals are doing essential public health work every day, protecting communities, improving health outcomes, and advancing equity, yet many do not currently have access to a credential that recognizes their knowledge and contributions.

The Certified in Public Health Essentials (CPHE) certification is being developed to change that.

CPHE is designed to provide an accessible, meaningful credential for professionals who are early into a public health career or who may not yet meet the eligibility requirements for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam. By recognizing essential knowledge and skills, CPHE will support career growth, build confidence, and create new pathways into the public health profession, while helping employers identify qualified and committed staff.

This new certification represents an important step toward a stronger, more inclusive public health workforce.

Minimum Eligibility

• High school diploma or college degree (any subject or level)
  • One year of public health work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in public health
  • No work experience necessary

CPHE Exam Content

The CPHE certification program will cover ten core areas of public health knowledge that reflect the foundational competencies needed across roles and settings.

Explore the CPHE Exam Content Outline.

Volunteer Opportunity: Item Writers

NBPHE is now seeking volunteers to help develop the CPHE exam by writing test questions. Item writers will be selected in March and will receive training in April 2026.

Participating as an item writer is an opportunity to shape the future of the public health workforce and contribute to a credential that will support professionals nationwide.

Visit our application form to submit your nomination.

For more information, contact us at [email protected].