To be eligible for the Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) credential, all applicants must ultimately meet the minimum requirements outlined below. These requirements ensure that every CCHW professional is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide effective, ethical peer support.
The following information provides an overview of the CCHW requirements – detailed information is provided in the CCHW Standards and Requirements Table.
Requirements Overview
🎓 Formal Education
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
📚 CCHW Training
- Completion of 30 hours of training in CCHW-approved topics, designed to build foundational skills in behavioral health.
💼 Work Experience
- A completion of 500 hours of work experience in a substance abuse or related setting.
👥 Supervision
- At least 20 hours of supervised work experience, focused on developing your knowledge and skills as a Community Health Worker.
📝 Letters of Recommendation
- Submission of three letters of recommendation that support your readiness and suitability for CCHW certification.
🖥️ Exam Requirement
- Applicants may only register for the exam after application requirements have been reviewed and approved by the Certification Board.
- Pass a 100-item, multiple-choice certification exam. The exam is designed to assess knowledge, skills, and competencies essential to behavioral health technician practice.
- The passing score is 70%, with all questions weighed equally.
Standard Application Pathway
Currently, the only pathway to full certification for the Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) credential is through an application process based on your existing experience as a community health worker.
💼 Standard Pathway
Choose this path if you have already met all the following:
- Required education
- Completed CCHW training
- At least 500 hours of relevant work experience
- Required supervision hours
If you’re ready to apply for the CCHW credential, see the CCHW Standards and Requirements Table for detailed instructions.
If you have additional questions, contact us for guidance.
Click on the standard application pathway button to access detailed information on application, examination, credential award, and maintenance/renewal requirements, processes, and procedures.