More than 1,500 professionals now certified in public health
============================================================

* Michele Late

More than 500 public health professionals have joined the ranks of those certified in public health, the National Board of Public Health Examiners announced in December.

The professionals earned their credentials by passing the Certified in Public Health Exam, a voluntary exam for graduates who have earned their master’s or doctoral degrees from accredited public health schools and programs. Since its launch, several rounds of the certification exam have been held. This was the first time graduate students were able to take the exam, which was coordinated through a pilot program involving 37 public health schools and programs.

“All CPH professionals are to be commended for their accomplishment and leadership in setting standards for the field,” said Terry L. Dwelle, MPHTM, CPH, chair of the National Board of Public Health Examiners.

With the addition of the new graduates, more than 1,500 public health professionals have earned the credential. To maintain their certification, professionals are required to complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years and a reassessment every 10 years. APHA offers continuing education credits for maintaining the credential through its Annual Meeting and Midyear Meeting.

The 2011 round of the exam is being held this month. Registration for the 2012 exam, which will be held next February, will open soon.

For more information on the Certified in Public Health Exam, visit [www.nbphe.org](http://www.nbphe.org).

*   Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association