CHSE - Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator

The Certified Healthcare Simulator Educator (CHSE) certification is intended for healthcare educators who perform healthcare simulations. CHSE credentials are awarded by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). This organization, established in 2004, represents the growing group of educators, research scientists, and advocates using healthcare sims for education, testing, and healthcare research.

CHSEs work to reduce errors in patient care by using and training others on technology, task trainers, patient simulators, virtual reality, screen-based simulators, and standardized patients.

Test Format

The CHSE examination is administered nationwide, at Prometric Testing approved testing centers or online via live remote proctoring. The computer-based test takes two hours, and contains 115 multiple-choice questions. Only 100 questions count toward the final score, and 15 items are pre-test questions used for data collection.

Results

The exam is scored electronically. Pass/Fail results are provided. Passing results do not provide a score or further information. Failing results provide a scaled score and percentage of questions answered correctly in each domain. 

Those who fail can retake the exam every 90 days, no more than four times per calendar year. The reexamination fee is:

• SSH Member Fee $175

• Non-member Fee $275

To apply for CHSE, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Professional experience participating in healthcare simulation in an educational role

• Demonstrate focused simulation expertise in a specialty of healthcare

• Possess a bachelor’s degree

• Documentation of two years of healthcare simulation in education, research, or administration

Application Process:

1. Visit SSH to create a profile and log in.

2. Click into the Candidate Management System.

3. Complete the online application.

4. Submit the CHSE application and application fee.

Applications may be submitted online anytime. There are no deadlines. Applications are typically processed in 3 weeks.

Test Fees

• SSH Member Fee $395

• Non-member Fee $495

CHSEs must renew their certification every three years. There are two paths to recertification.

• Method #1. Obtain and document 45 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units during the 3- year cycle and pay a renewal fee ($350 for SSH Members or $450 for Non-members).

• Method #2. Retake and pass the CHSE examination and pay the renewal fee ($395 for SSH Members or $495 for Non-members).

The SSH offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Exam Handbook

• CHSE Exam Blueprint

The SSH also offers the following certifications:

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS)

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced (CHSE-A)