The Certification in Public Health national certification fits with our organization's goal of promoting and supporting a strong, prepared and motivated public health workforce for Colorado. The CPH certification exam covers the core public health services and capabilities provided by our public health system and, at the same time, provides individuals with an opportunity to grow professionally.  

Knowing that only about 14% of the public health workforce in the United States has a degree in public health, Virginia Tech Population Health Sciences (VTPHS) and the New River Health District (NRHD), through our academic health department, partnered to develop a Public Health 101/Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam review for NRHD staff. The topics in the CPH exam were extremely helpful in guiding the development of a comprehensive public health review. The sessions were open to all NRHD staff, regardless of their eligibility to sit for the CPH exam. NRHD staff appreciated the new knowledge and VTPHS faculty enjoyed the opportunity to interact with practitioners. Thank you to the CPH staff for their support! 

The Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam has proven vital to the workforce development of the Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs). As part of supporting that effort, our annual performance measurements include monitoring the total number of TEC staff with a CPH year after year as a clear indicator of success. Our partnership with NBPHE allowed us to offer a virtual comprehensive exam review series so that TEC staff and partners from across the country could participate! It is truly exciting to see the number of TEC staff with a CPH continue to grow. We are about to begin the second virtual exam review series, and interest has not only remained consistent but grown to an even higher degree since the first. Thank you for everything you are doing to elevate the Public Health Workforce!

The CPH program has empowered our staff by providing opportunities to increase their knowledge in essential public health topics, regardless of their background. It has helped us build a stronger internal infrastructure and elevate our health response capabilities to the next level. Preparing for the CPH exam broadened our team's knowledge and skills, benefiting both their careers and our agency's mission. Since the inception of DC Health’s certification program in 2023, 10% of our staff have gained their CPH certification and leveraged the knowledge gained to support the health and well-being of the District of Columbia residents we serve.