Apply for Community Health Worker Certification

A Community Health Worker is a public health worker who applies his or her unique understanding of the experience, language and culture of the populations he or she serves in order to carry out one or more of the following roles. (a) providing culturally appropriate health education, information and outreach in community-based settings such as homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, shelters, local businesses and community centers; (b) bridging or culturally mediating between individuals, families, communities and Health and Human Services, including actively building individual and community capacity; (c) assuring that community members access the Health and Human Services they need; (d) providing direct services, such as informal counseling on access to Health and Human Services, social support, care coordination and health screenings; (e) advocating for individual, family and community needs pertaining to access to Health and Human Services; and (f) additional roles as may be identified by the Board that may emerge in the development of Community Health Worker practice.

Please visit the Office of CHW website for more information:

• www.mass.gov/community-health-workers

Work Experience Pathway

• Once you have completed the required 4,000 hours of work experience, you may apply for a Massachusetts CHW certification via the Work Experience pathway.

Combined Training & Work Experience Pathway

• Once you have completed the 2,000 hours of work experience and obtained certification from a Board Approved Training Program, you may apply for a Massachusetts CHW certification via the Combined Training & Work Experience Pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) | (DOC), and Fact Sheet (PDF) | (DOC) for detailed instructions.

Complete applications must include the following documents:

• Completed application form, signed, dated, and notarized
• 2x2 passport style color photo
  • White or off-white background
  • Copies and printer generated photos are not acceptable
• Signed and notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgement Form (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Application fee
• 3 professional references, using Reference Form (PDF) | (DOC)
  • Verification of 1 Core Competencies
• Social security number
• For Combined Training and Work Experience Pathway applicants, verification of a CHW Education and Training Program completed in an envelope sealed and signed by a Board Approved CHW Education Training Program.

• Application must be submitted on single-sided paper
• All requested information must be provided; failure to provide requested information may result in a delay in processing of application. We will return any incomplete applications.
• Do not leave blanks. If you are unable to provide the requested information, attach a separate sheet with an explanation.
• Keep a copy of your completed application for your records. The Board is not able to provide copies of your application. Employers may require that you provide them with a copy.