CPH
Overview
The CPH exam (Certified in Public Health), administered by the NBPHE (National Board of Public Health Examiners), is a 200-question, 4-hour multiple-choice test covering 10 core public health domains like Evidence-Based Approaches, Communication, Law & Ethics, and Health Equity, assessing a broad range of competencies for public health professionals. It’s taken by those with a public health degree or extensive experience, focusing on practical application of public health principles across various settings, with eligibility often tied to CEPH-accredited programs or professional experience.
Credentialing Public Health Professionals
The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential is the only credential of its kind for public health that demonstrates not only your knowledge of key public health sciences, but also your commitment to the field through continuing education focused on emerging and established public health issues. The CPH credential distinguishes you as a public health professional at the cutting edge of an ever-evolving field.
The CPH is the mark of a public health professional. Join the ranks of public health professionals, leaders, alumni, and faculty by sitting for and successfully passing the CPH exam. Stand out from your peers by showing employers that you can meet and maintain a national standard in public health through continuing education.
Be the public health professional that the public needs.
Passing Score
The passing score for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam is a scaled score of 500, within a total range of 300 to 800, as the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) uses a standardized scale for consistent scoring across different exam versions. While historically the passing score (cut score) varied, NBPHE implemented this scaled scoring system in August 2024 for consistent evaluation, meaning 500 always represents the same level of competency.
Key Aspects of the Exam
Exam Format
The CPH (Certified in Public Health) exam format is a 200-question, four-hour, multiple-choice test focusing on core public health domains, including biostatistics, epidemiology, management, environmental health, and social/behavioral sciences, with a “single best answer” format and no complex math, testing broad comprehension. It’s administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) and covers 10 key competency areas, with a detailed content outline available for study.
Exam Structure & Content
- Format: 200 multiple-choice questions (single best answer).
- Time: 4 hours to complete.
- Content: Covers 10 domains, each representing 10% of the exam, testing core public health principles and cross-cutting themes.
Key Areas:
1. Evidence-based Approaches
2. Communication
3. Leadership
4. Law & Ethics
5. Public Health Biology & Disease Risk
6. Collaboration & Partnership
7. Program Planning & Evaluation
8. Program Management
9. Policy in Public Health
10. Health Equity & Social Justice
Key Features:
- No Calculator Needed: Questions avoid complex calculations; whiteboards are provided for simple work.
- Delivery: Can be taken at a testing center or online via a proctor.
- Study Resources: NBPHE offers sample questions, practice exams, and a detailed content outline.
Where does the CPH Exam content derived from?
The Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam content is developed and maintained by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) based on a Job Task Analysis (JTA) conducted every five to seven years. This process ensures the exam reflects current, foundational, and evidence-based public health practices.
Exam content is sourced from a Job Task Analysis, Subject Matter Experts who write and review questions, CEPH competencies, and core public health disciplines. Retired exam questions are used for practice exams. As of August 1, 2024, the exam covers 10 domains, each accounting for 10% of the content, including Evidence-Based Approaches, Communication, Leadership, Law and Ethics, and Health Equity. The NBPHE regularly updates the content to align with current public health principles. More information about the CPH exam domains can be found at Association of Public Health Nurses.
Rescheduling or Canceling Your Exam
You can reschedule or cancel the CPH (Certified in Public Health) exam through the online scheduling system, but deadlines and fees vary: reschedule at least 2 business days ahead for no fee (or a $15 fee if within 10 days for in-person) or 24 hours for live online; miss the deadline and you forfeit fees, with no refunds after application approval, though eligibility itself is indefinite. Policies are detailed in your “Notice to Schedule” email and the Candidate Handbook, requiring login to your ProctorU/testing vendor account.
CPH Exam Eligibility
MPH students are eligible to sit for the exam after successfully completing all five core public health courses. To facilitate exam scheduling, the SPH will verify eligibility as long as the student has successfully completed four core courses and is registered for their last core course– but the student must not take the exam until the final core course has been passed.
How we assist candidates in clearing this exams.
Exact examination Q&A bank
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