CPH Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential is designed for public health professionals — from policymakers to health educators — who are dedicated to making a real impact on the health and safety of communities worldwide. CPH certification shows you have an in-depth understanding of major public health issues and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop solutions that drive positive change.
Want to become a CPH-certified professional? In this guide, we’ll break down what the certification is, who qualifies for it, and how to earn it, and we’ll answer common questions about the process.
CPH Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You must be a current student or an alumni of a qualified program, a public health faculty member with 3 years of teaching experience, or a public health professional with relevant work experience to qualify.
- Preparation: Review the candidate handbook, study all the topics listed in the exam content outline, create a personalized study plan, and take practice tests.
- Application process: Submit an online application form, upload the necessary documents, and wait for your application to be reviewed and approved.
- Exam: Your test will have 200 questions, and you’ll have 4 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $385.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 2 years.
What Is CPH Certification?
CPH is a professional credential that’s awarded to public health professionals who meet strict eligibility criteria and pass a specialized exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).
Want to know what the exam covers? It focuses on 10 essential knowledge areas related to improving health and preventing disease in communities.
| Knowledge area | Examples of testable topics |
|---|---|
| Data, analytics, and informatics |
|
| Communication |
|
| Leadership |
|
| Law and ethics |
|
| Disease and injury prevention |
|
| Community engagement and partnerships |
|
| Program planning and evaluation |
|
| Program and resource management |
|
| Policy and advocacy |
|
| Health outcomes and population perspectives |
|
Wondering which professionals are eligible for this credential? Public health includes a variety of fields, and the NBPHE provides these examples of relevant work settings:
- Health departments
- Healthcare organizations carrying out public health functions
- Nonprofit organizations involved in public health initiatives
- Colleges and universities engaged in public health education or research
- Federal agencies focused on public health, like the U.S. Public Health Service
- Military units or operations centered around public health
Steps to Get CPH Certification
Curious about what it takes to earn this credential? Let’s break down the journey to becoming a certified public health expert.
1. Meet CPH Certification Requirements
The first step is ensuring you meet the NBPHE’s eligibility requirements. You can qualify through one of four pathways:
| Eligibility pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Students of a CEPH-accredited school or program of public health | If you are a student of a program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), you may qualify to take the certification exam. Passing grants provisional certification until graduation, after which you become fully CPH-certified. |
| Alumni of a CEPH-accredited school or program of public health | If you’ve fulfilled all requirements for a master’s or doctoral degree in a CEPH-accredited program, you may be eligible. |
| Public health faculty | If you have a graduate degree and at least three years of public health teaching or work experience, you may be eligible. Teaching can be at any level, but courses must directly relate to public health. |
| Public health work experience | If you have a bachelor’s degree and five years of public health experience or a master’s and three years of experience, you may be eligible for the CPH exam. |
When applying based on public health work experience, your application will be reviewed to assess how your knowledge aligns with the 10 essential public health services. Ineligible applicants will receive a full refund.
2. Prepare for the Exam
Your next step is to carefully prepare for the exam. Start by printing the CPH exam checklist to stay organized, and make use of the following resources to guide your study:
- Personal action plan
- Candidate handbook
- Content outline
- CPH exam sample questions
- Reference list
- On-demand review webinar
- CPH test prep
Review books can also be a valuable part of your preparation, including the following, which are recommended by the NBPHE:
3. Register for the Exam
Begin by setting up your online NBPHE account, completing your exam application, and submitting payment. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an email with scheduling instructions. The CPH certification exam is available year-round at computer-based testing centers or through live online proctoring.
4. Pay the Exam Fee
To finalize your application, you’ll need to pay the $385 exam fee. NBPHE partners with over 50 organizations, schools, and public health programs. If you’re an employee, member, student, or alum of any of these organizations, you’ll be eligible for a discount.
5. Pass the CPH Exam
Curious about the exam experience? Here’s a preview of what you can expect on test day:
- Your test will last 4 hours.
- You’ll need to answer 200 questions (175 scored and 25 unscored).
- You’ll need a scaled score of 500 to pass, with scores ranging from 300 to 800.
- You’ll receive a printed CPH score report if you tested at a physical center. For remote proctoring, you’ll have to contact candidate support to request a copy of your score.
6. Maintain the Certification
Your credential is valid for two years. To renew your certification, you must report at least 30 recertification credits during the recertification period and submit your renewal application.
You can earn recertification credits through various sources, including:
- CPH activity finder
- TRAIN learning network
- Public health learning navigator
- Public health training center network
Frequently Asked Questions: CPH Certification
How hard is the CPH certification exam?
The pass rate typically ranges from 75% to 85%, meaning that most candidates who prepare thoroughly are likely to succeed. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on your background and experience in public health.
What do I do if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass the exam or were absent on your scheduled date, you can reapply the day after your exam. The retake fee is $150, and once paid, you’ll receive an email from Meazure Learning, the NBPHE’s testing partner, with the scheduling details.
What is a typical CPH salary?
With advanced certifications like CPH, public health professionals can earn higher salaries, as credentials often play a crucial role in salary negotiations. For example, public health nurses typically make around $72,000 annually, with salaries ranging from $65,000 to $81,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
Salary differences can also be influenced by your workplace setting and geographic location. For example, the five states where nurses earn the most are:
What are the best certifications for public health professionals?
Your career path and interests in public health will play a big role in choosing the right certification. Besides CPH, here are several well-regarded credentials to consider:
- Public Health Nurse Certification (PHN-BC)
- Certified Health Care Environmental Services Professional (CHESP)
- Certified in Infection Control (CIC)
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS)
What are the benefits of obtaining the CPH certificate?
Becoming CPH-certified shows that you have met high standards in public health and that you’re committed to continuous professional development. It helps build credibility among peers, employers, and clients, highlighting your expertise and dedication to the field.
Related Certifications
Want to expand your professional credentials? Here are some certifications to explore:
- Board Certified Nurse Executive (NEA-BC)
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS)
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
- Nursing Informatics – Board Certified (NI-BC)
- Nursing Professional Development (NPD)
Want to Elevate Your Nursing Career?
Regardless of your CPH certification status, you can upgrade your career right now. IntelyCare can match you with quality nursing opportunities tailored to your qualifications and preferences. Explore new career horizons today.
