State Certification Programs
Some states require community health workers (CHWs) to meet training or certification standards. Credentialing and certification programs are often implemented by a department of health or department of public health. Other state programs are implemented by a department of human services, board of nursing, or third-party entity. Often, credentialing is necessary to participate in reimbursement for services provided by CHWs. Recent research found that some CHWs view certification and continuing education as a tool to help advance their careers and the CHW field as a whole, while others believe that certification is not necessary for their role or could disconnect them from the community.
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) released an updated map of the status of state CHW certification standards. The map describes the status of state-level CHW certification programs as of February 2020 as follows:
- State operated certification program: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
- Privately operated certification program: Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Missouri,
- Certification program under development: Minnesota, Illinois
- Certification program under consideration: New Hampshire, District of Columbia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Iowa, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Alaska
Texas was the first state to develop legislation to govern CHW activities in 1999. The Texas Department of State Health Services offers a promotor(a) or CHW certification program.
A chart of state CHW policies from the National Academy for State Health Policy highlights CHW education and certification information by state.
Resources to Learn More
Approved
Community Health Worker Programs
Website
Lists approved CHW training programs in Ohio and their contact information.
Organization(s): Ohio Board of Nursing
Community
Health Worker Certificate (CHWC)
Website
Lists the curriculum (courses and descriptions) required for the Ohio Board of Nursing Community Health Workers
certificate.
Organization(s): Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Community
Health Worker Training
Tutorial/Training
Provides free eight week online and in-person training for CHWs and is offered quarterly in a various locations
around Washington State.
Organization(s): Washington State Department of Health
MA Association of Community Health Workers
Website
Provides information about the Massachusetts statewide network advocating the integration of CHWs into all
aspects of health, behavioral health, and substance recovery services.
State Community Health Worker
Policies
Website
Highlights state-specific policies and partnerships to support the CHW workforce. Covers financing, education
and training, certification, current legislation, and organizations.
Organization(s): National Academy for State Health Policy