Why should you consider becoming a CHW?
Community health workers (CHWs) help build healthier communities. More and more leaders in the health field are understanding the value of CHWs. CHWs help people navigate the health system, communicate better with their health care team, learn how to stay healthy, and get services they need, like housing, food, and transportation. The need for CHWs is growing in Illinois. This job is a great choice for people who are kind and respectful, trusted by community members, work well with others, and are good at solving problems. You do not need college classes to become a certified CHW.
CHW Certification Eligibility
You may complete an application if you:
Why should you consider certification?
Certification is an important step in growing your career as a CHW. It builds your credibility as a health professional. Certification is also needed for Medicaid and Medicare to pay for your services. These payments can help make your job more stable.
Is CHW certification required in Illinois?
No. CHW certification in Illinois is voluntary. CHWs can work in Illinois without being certified. However, certification is required in Illinois for CHW services to be paid for by Medicaid and Medicare.
Do I have to take a statewide qualifying exam to be certified?
No. Illinois does not have a statewide test for CHW certification. Instead, IDPH-certified CHW training programs will assess student competencies during the training program.
How much does CHW certification cost?
Right now, there are no fees to apply for CHW certification. If you choose the Certified Training Program Pathway, the program may charge a fee, but some programs are free. To renew your certification, you need to take continuing education courses. Some of these courses may have a fee.
The Certified Training Program Registry is a database of IDPH-certified CHW training programs and apprenticeships in Illinois. [You can find the Certified Training Program Registry here.] You can use this database to search by location and determine if a program is in person, online, or both. For more details about a training program, contact them directly.
There are currently four pathways to CHW certification in Illinois. Some of the paths will expire; note any expiration dates below. Most paths require a standard recommendation form that the program will send directly to the identified person.
CHW Certification Application
Learn more information about the CHW Applications and how to apply
Learn moreIf you are a CHW and have questions about CHW certification, contact:
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
- Email: chw@siu.edu
- Phone: [TBD]
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Spanish-speaking callers are welcome.