CCHP - Certified Correctional Health Professional

  • Cost $220
  • Renews every year

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

Certified Correctional Health Professional certification (CCHP) validates the knowledge and skills of health professionals who have demonstrated a passion for working in a correctional facility. The National Commision on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offers the CCHP exam and certification.

Eligibility Requirements

All professionals working in correctional health, including administrative, mental health and support staff are eligible to participate in the CCHP certification program.

Completion Time: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the CCHP exam

Cost:

  • Application fee: $220

    • $15 surcharge for mailing or faxing paper applications

  • Testing fee:

    • NCCHC site or affiliate: Free

    • Prometric Center: $50

    • Remote: $50

Course Format

Exam Format

The CCHP certification exam consists of 80 to 100 multiple choice questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam and must score 65% or higher to pass. They receive their Pass/Fail results by mail within 2 weeks of completing the exam. CCHP exam topics include: 

  • Governance and Administration (20-25%)

  • Patient Care and Treatment (15-20%)

  • Special Needs and Services (12-18%)

  • Health Promotion, Safety, and Disease Prevention (10-15%)

  • Ancillary Health Care Services (8-14%)

  • Medical-Legal Issues (8-14%)

  • Personnel and Training (5-10%)

In Person

Applications sent by mail take 3 to 4 weeks to process. Online applications generate an immediate confirmation, though documentation review may take longer. After application approval, candidates receive an email with further directions.

There are two options for in person testing. Traditional paper testing with Scantron score sheets offered at NCCHC conferences and by regional partners or computerized testing offered at over 900 ProMetric locations.

To test at an NCCHC or affiliate sponsored event, candidates must contact the sponsor of the event directly to schedule testing on the date and location on the Exam calendar.

Applicants may self-register for the exam after receiving their Authorization to Test from NCCHC. Register online or by calling Prometric at (800) 998-1942.

Online

In approximately one week candidates receive an email with further directions. Online testing requires candidates to have a webcam, either built in or added on. There’s a $50 fee for online testing. More information about testing is provided after application approval.

Certification

Steps to certification:

  • Go to the CCHC Application

  • Click “Apply Now”

  • Create an account

  • Complete application

  • Pay application fee

  • Submit documentation to the NCCHC within three month of initial application

    • Resume or curriculum vitae 

    • Credentials (e.g. license, diploma)

  • Applicant must take the exam within 6 months of their initial application

Renewal

CCHP credentials are valid for one year. To be eligible for renewal the CCHP-RN must:

  • Maintain a professional license with good standing

  • Complete 18 contact hours of mental health continuing education

    • 6 contact hours specific to correctional health care

    • 12 additional hours of mental health continuing education

  • Complete a Renewal Application

  • Pay recertification fees

Cost

  • Online renewal $100 / Faxed or mailed renewal $115

  • Late fee: $25

Continuing Education

Part of the renewal process requires 18 continuing education (CE) contact hours. All CE contact hours must be related to the CCHP’s profession and at least 6 hours must be related to correctional health.

Approved correctional health continuing education can be found at:

Other Resources

Related Certifications

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) credentials are ideal for registered nurses working in correctional health

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Advanced (CCHP-A) credentials are ideal for healthcare professionals who have maintained CCHP certification for three years

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Mental Health (CCHP-MH) credentials are ideal for mental health professionals working in correctional health

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Frequently asked questions

Who should get the CCHP certification?

CCHP certification is appropriate for health care professionals who work in correctional health.

How much experience do I need to be CCHP certified?

Although some related certifications have experience and educational requirements, CCHP certification doesn’t require any experience.

How much does the CCHP certification exam cost?

The CCHP application costs $220 with a $50 surcharge if you take it via computer testing either remotely or in person. A paper and pencil version of the exam can be taken for no additional charge.

What happens if I fail the CCHP exam?

If you fail the CCHP exam, you may retake it for an additional examination fee of $45 per attempt.

How long will I have to wait after taking the CCHP exam to get my results?

You should receive your CCHP exam results within two weeks of taking it.

What other certifications does NHCC offer besides the CCHP?

The National Commision on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) also offers the following certifications:

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN)

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Advanced (CCHP-A)

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Mental Health (CCHP-MH)

What organization offers the CCHP?

The National Commision on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offers the CCHP.

Can I earn a Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) online?

Yes you can earn a Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) online.