CHW Association

Kentucky Association of Community Health Workers

Credentialing Council

Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers

Credentialing Council TypeStart of CertificationTotal CHWs CertifiedAverage Certifications per YearLegislation Supporting CertificationState operatedOctober 201922745902 KAR 21:40. Community health worker certification and Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 309.460, 309.462, and 309.464

Training

Guiding Competencies

Kentucky outlines its Core Competencies that closely reflect the C3 Project in its CHW Certification Manual. Applicants must complete competency-based didactic training as well as Mental Health First Aid.

Requirements

Facilitated HoursFacilitated FormatPracticum HoursPracticum FormatCosts/TuitionMandatory40*In-person, virtual, synchronous, asynchronous**40 hours (training-based track)Supervised mentorship$50 certification fee***No

*Not including Mental Health First Aid (training-based track) completed within 3 years of application.

**Format is not mandated but rather depends on the training site. Many sites found that virtual options allowed for networking and idea sharing across the state to the benefit of students.

***While certification is optional as a whole, it is required if the CHW plans to pursue reimbursement through Medicaid for their services.

Eligibility

AgeResidency StatusMinimum EducationExperienceBackground Check18US resident living or working in KYHigh school diploma/GED preferred*2,500 hours (experience-based track)*None

*Individuals without a diploma may apply and KOCHW will review on a case-by-case basis.
* Background checks are completed by employers.

Screen for Fit

None

Training Sites

Community colleges and technical colleges offer certification courses.Per KRS, organizations who wish to provide the foundational CHW training must submit an application and be approved by the KOCHW.

Tracks

Training-based trackExperience-based trackNo experience required2,500 hours of experience*

*Completed within 3 years of application.

Specialization

Currently surveying perspectives across the state to inform future decisions of offering pathways to specialization.

Instructor Credentials

No credentials are currently required.

Kentucky is in the beginning stages of credentialing instructors through two pathways: 1) Certified based on prior experience teaching CHWs or similar professionals. 2) Certified following completion of a free curriculum.Instructors seeking certification must submit a completed application which includes payment of the fee, a photo, professional reference, and either the certificate of completion from training or a detailed CV/resume. Certified Instructors will renew every 3 years via the online application, which includes payment of a fee and CEU information.

Legacy

Achieved through experience-based track.

Examination

No standardized exam to achieve certification, only completion of standardized curriculum is required.

Cost

While the cost for certification is $50, there is typically a cost for those who wish to complete the foundational training, which can vary by organization.

Recertification

Number of CEUsFrequencyCost10 CEUs*Every year**$25

*At least 5 CEUs must come from KOCHW-approved training, while up to 5 CEUs can come from independent trainings. College courses, professional presentations, and poster presentations are all eligible to be counted as CEUs.

**Certification expires every October 31st.

The KOCHW works with a variety of organizations across the state, including the KYACHW, to provide CCHW CEUs based on direct CHW feedback. All CEUs build upon the CHW Core Competencies. CEUs formats include live presentations, home or self-study, distance learning, and teleconference.

Reciprocity Policy

As of 2022, Kentucky does not have a reciprocity agreement with any other state certifying CHWs. This will be a consideration in the future and will be on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation. Certification between states would not transfer but you can become certified based on past experience through the experience-based track.

Special thanks for contributions from Laura Eirich. See the bottom of the webpage for a full reference list. Last updated December 2023.