Unofficial test prep for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam, in the Eight Areas of Responsibility.
44:00
Pick an answer, then press Check answer.Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason.Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.
Print covers the next 40 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.
Exam mode: 40 questions, 44 minutes.
Your totals on this device
0answered
0right
none yetpercent right
none yetbest exam score
Seen 0 of 50 questions
More options
Which questions to ask
Missed and Flagged fill up as you go.
Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). Bank checked October 9, 2026.
The real exam, as NCHEC describes it
Questions
165
Time limit
180 minutes
Scored
150 scored questions and 15 pretest questions, each with four choices.
Pass mark
A pass point of 600 on a scale of 200 to 800, for the April and October 2025 exams.
Break
An optional 10 minutes after question 83, taken out of the test time. The first block cannot be reopened once the second has begun.
A planner needs state-level data on adults' risk behaviors and use of preventive services. Which CDC system collects it through telephone surveys?CDC, About BRFSS. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.2.
A report counts only the new cases of a disease that arose in a county during one year. Which measure is this?CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 3, Section 2: Morbidity Frequency Measures. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.3.
Descriptive epidemiology organizes data by which three characteristics?CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 1, Section 6: Descriptive Epidemiology. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.3.
Healthy People 2030 groups social determinants of health into five domains. Which of these is one of the five?Healthy People 2030 (HHS), Social Determinants of Health. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.3.
Show all 50 questions (46 more)
I. Assessment of needs and capacity, continued
In PRECEDE-PROCEED, the knowledge, attitudes and cultural beliefs that motivate a behavior are which kind of factor?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 3, Planning Models. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.3.
In which data collection method does a moderator guide about 8 to 10 participants through a free discussion of a chosen topic?National Cancer Institute, Making Health Communication Programs Work, Appendix E, Glossary. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.2.
What is the amount of a disease usually present in a community called?CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 1, Section 11: Epidemic Disease Occurrence. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.3.
Which term names the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship and age that affect health?Healthy People 2030 (HHS), Social Determinants of Health. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.3.
Whom does the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey sample?CDC, About YRBSS. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area I, Competency 1.2.
II. Planning 7
A man says, "People in my family never get skin cancer, so I will not either." Which Health Belief Model construct is low?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Health Belief Model. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area II, Competency 2.3.
A participant began walking daily three months ago and has kept it up since. Which stage of change is this?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Stages of Change. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area II, Competency 2.3.
A worksite stocks healthier snacks, employees start buying them, and their purchases in turn change what the worksite stocks. Which Social Cognitive Theory concept names this two-way influence?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Social Cognitive Theory. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area II, Competency 2.3.
CDC's social-ecological model considers factors at which four levels?CDC, About Violence Prevention (the social-ecological model). Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area II, Competency 2.3.
In the SMART criteria for writing objectives, what does the M stand for?Wikipedia, SMART criteria. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area II, Competency 2.2.
Offering a free two-week trial of a worksite walking program raises which attribute of an innovation?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Diffusion of Innovations. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area II, Competency 2.3.
Which planning tool is used to describe a program and communicate its purpose, the actions planned and the results expected?CDC, Developing and Using a Logic Model. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area II, Competency 2.4.
III. Implementation 7
A learning objective asks participants to demonstrate correct handwashing. Which domain of Bloom's taxonomy does it fall in?Wikipedia, Bloom's taxonomy. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area III, Competency 3.2.
A workshop has a respected peer demonstrate how to read a food label so that others learn by watching. Which Social Cognitive Theory concept is being used?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Social Cognitive Theory. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area III, Competency 3.2.
An educator asks a participant to state in their own words what they need to do about their health. Which technique is this?AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, Tool 5: Use the Teach-Back Method. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area III, Competency 3.2.
Before a full launch, a health educator runs a new class with one small group to find problems. What is this called?National Cancer Institute, Making Health Communication Programs Work, Appendix E, Glossary. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area III, Competency 3.1.
In Diffusion of Innovations, which category of adopters is the first to use an innovation?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Diffusion of Innovations. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area III, Competency 3.1.
In Knowles's assumptions about adult learners, what is adult learning centered on?Wikipedia, Andragogy. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area III, Competency 3.2.
Under the National CLAS Standards, on what terms is language assistance offered to people with limited English proficiency?HHS Office of Minority Health, National CLAS Standards. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area III, Competency 3.2.
IV. Evaluation and research 6
A study team treats people with diminished autonomy as entitled to protection. Which Belmont Report principle requires this?HHS Office for Human Research Protections, The Belmont Report, Part B, 1. Respect for Persons. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area IV, Competency 4.2.
In the Belmont Report, which principle asks who ought to receive the benefits of research and bear its burdens?HHS Office for Human Research Protections, The Belmont Report, Part B, 3. Justice. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area IV, Competency 4.2.
What is the first of the six steps in CDC's Program Evaluation Framework, as updated in 2024?CDC Program Evaluation Framework (2024). Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area IV, Competency 4.1.
Which kind of research asks "How many?" and "How often?" and measures level of occurrence?National Cancer Institute, Making Health Communication Programs Work, Communication Research Methods. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area IV, Competency 4.2.
Which of these is one of the three cross-cutting actions woven into every step of CDC's Program Evaluation Framework?CDC Program Evaluation Framework (2024). Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area IV, Competency 4.5.
Which three basic principles does the Belmont Report set out for research involving human subjects?HHS Office for Human Research Protections, The Belmont Report, Part B: Basic Ethical Principles. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area IV, Competency 4.2.
V. Advocacy 6
A coalition runs ads urging the public to call legislators and ask for a yes vote on a named bill. What does the IRS call this?Internal Revenue Service, Direct and grass roots lobbying defined. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area V, Competency 5.3.
A health coalition with 501(c)(3) status wants to endorse a candidate for city council. What does the IRS rule say?Internal Revenue Service, Restriction of political campaign intervention by Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area V, Competency 5.3.
Before a bill can be presented to the President, what must the House and the Senate do?Congress.gov, The Legislative Process: Overview. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area V, Competency 5.3.
In community organizing, what does issue selection mean?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Community Organization. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area V, Competency 5.1.
What does the IRS say about lobbying by a 501(c)(3) organization?Internal Revenue Service, Lobbying. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area V, Competency 5.3.
Which community organization concept is a social action process through which people and communities gain confidence and skills to improve their quality of life?National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (2nd ed.), Part 2, Community Organization. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area V, Competency 5.2.
VI. Communication 6
A clinic rewrites its forms and signs so that patients can find and use what they need. Which Healthy People 2030 term names what the clinic is improving?Healthy People 2030 (HHS), Health Literacy in Healthy People 2030. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VI, Competency 6.1.
Dividing an intended audience into groups according to common characteristics is called what?National Cancer Institute, Making Health Communication Programs Work, Stage 1. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VI, Competency 6.1.
Healthy People 2030 defines personal health literacy as the degree to which individuals can do what?Healthy People 2030 (HHS), Health Literacy in Healthy People 2030. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VI, Competency 6.1.
In the National Cancer Institute's health communication process, what happens in Stage 2?National Cancer Institute, Making Health Communication Programs Work, Overview. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VI, Competency 6.3.
What did the Plain Writing Act of 2010 establish?Digital.gov, Plain language guide series. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VI, Competency 6.5.
What is the CDC Clear Communication Index?CDC, The CDC Clear Communication Index. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VI, Competency 6.6.
VII. Leadership and management 3
By Grants.gov, a grant is one of many forms of what?Grants.gov, Grants 101. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VII, Competency 7.4.
In the Training of Trainers model, what do master trainers do?CDC, Understanding the Training of Trainers Model. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VII, Competency 7.2.
What does a SWOT analysis identify during strategic planning?Wikipedia, SWOT analysis. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VII, Competency 7.5.
VIII. Ethics and professionalism 6
A Health Education Specialist is asked to provide a service beyond their training. What does Article I of the Code expect?Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession (2020), as condensed by NCHEC, Article I. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VIII, Competency 8.1.
A Health Education Specialist suspects a colleague of practices that violate the Code of Ethics. What does the Code expect?Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession (2020), as condensed by NCHEC, Article I. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VIII, Competency 8.1.
Article I of the Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession names which ethical conduct principles?Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession (2020), as condensed by NCHEC, Article I. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VIII, Competency 8.1.
The Code supports people's right to make informed decisions about their health, within what limit?Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession (2020), as condensed by NCHEC, Article I. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VIII, Competency 8.1.
How many continuing education contact hours does a CHES need over a five-year certification cycle?NCHEC, CHES Recertification. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VIII, Competency 8.3.
When the interests of groups or agencies conflict, what must a Health Education Specialist give priority to under Section I of the Code?Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession (2020), as condensed by NCHEC, Section I. Outline: HESPA II 2020 Areas of Responsibility (NCHEC and SOPHE), Area VIII, Competency 8.1.
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists of the 2020 Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis II (HESPA II 2020), published by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. and the Society for Public Health Education (https://www.nchec.org/assets/2993/hespa_competencies_and_sub-competencies_052020.pdf, read 2026-10-09), in the weights of the CHES Exam Handbook revised 4/25/2025 (https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2993/ches_handbook-2025070812375999.pdf): I. Assessment of Needs and Capacity 17%, II. Planning 14%, III. Implementation 15%, IV. Evaluation and Research 12%, V. Advocacy 12%, VI. Communication 12%, VII. Leadership and Management 6%, VIII. Ethics and Professionalism 12%. The bank holds 9, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 3 and 6 questions. Every fact was read on 2026-10-09 in the public source the question names: two National Cancer Institute books (Theory at a Glance; Making Health Communication Programs Work), pages of the CDC, Healthy People 2030, AHRQ, the HHS Office of Minority Health, the Office for Human Research Protections (the Belmont Report), the IRS, Congress.gov, Digital.gov and Grants.gov, the Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession as NCHEC publishes it, and four Wikipedia articles. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
These free CHES practice tests draw on 50 questions of our own in the Eight Areas of Responsibility that NCHEC's exam is built on. Unofficial: not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
Read the full guide
What the exam covers
By NCHEC's handbook, revised April 25, 2025 and read October 9, 2026, the exam is weighted: assessment of needs and capacity 17%, planning 14%, implementation 15%, evaluation and research 12%, advocacy 12%, communication 12%, leadership and management 6%, and ethics and professionalism 12%. This bank holds 9, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 3 and 6.
From 2027
NCHEC says a newer framework, HESPA III 2025, will form the basis of the exam beginning in 2027. It has nine Areas of Responsibility, with evaluation and research as separate areas.
Timing
Exam mode asks 40 questions in 44 minutes, the pace of the real exam: 165 questions in three hours.
Many questions turn on a model's own terms. Learn the constructs of the Health Belief Model, Stages of Change and Social Cognitive Theory by name.
Questions and answers
Is this an NCHEC study guide for the CHES exam?
No. NCHEC publishes its own study materials, and this page is not one of them. It is an unofficial bank written from NCHEC's public outline of the Eight Areas of Responsibility, with a public source named under each answer.
How many questions are on the CHES exam?
165 multiple choice questions with four choices each. 150 are scored and 15 are pretest questions that do not count and cannot be told apart, by NCHEC's handbook.
How long is the CHES exam?
Three hours, with an optional 10-minute break after question 83 that comes out of the test time. Once the second block of questions has begun, answers in the first block cannot be changed.
What is the passing score for the CHES exam?
NCHEC sets the passing point with the modified Angoff method and adjusts it for the difficulty of each form. On its scale of 200 to 800, the pass point was 600 for both 2025 exams.
When is the CHES exam given?
In two testing windows a year, April and October, at test centers and by live remote proctoring, by NCHEC's handbook and exam page.