CHW Association

South Carolina Community Health Worker Association (SCCHWA)

Credentialing Council

South Carolina Community Health Worker Association (SCCHWA)

Credentialing Council TypeStart of CertificationTotal CHWs CertifiedAverage Certifications per YearLegislation Supporting CertificationCHW AssociationMarch 2020400250No

Training

Guiding Competencies

South Carolina’s Core Credentials are based on the C3 Project’s National Core Competencies for CHWs. Any organization can submit a curriculum for credentialing CHWs on the Core Credentials to SCCHWA’s South Carolina Community Health Worker Credentialing Council (SCCHWCC) for approval.

Requirements

Facilitated HoursFacilitated FormatPracticum HoursPracticum FormatCosts/TuitionMandatory80In-person, online with facilitator80Paid or unpaidVary by siteNo

Requirement of 80% attendance to all trainings.

Eligibility

AgeResidency StatusMinimum EducationExperienceBackground Check18No requirementsHigh school diploma/ GEDSee “Tracks”No requirements

Screen for Fit

The application process must determine if the applicant meets the core qualities of a CHW and determine their fit for CHW career.

Training Sites

Training is hosted by the CCHA, nonprofit organizations, and state universities. Spanish language trainings are offered. SCCHWA is actively accepting applications from organizations that meet the association’s curriculum and training standards.

CCHAPASOsSCSU CHWTPApplicationAplicaciónApplication

Tracks

CHW ICHW IICHW IIINo prior experience4 years experience8 years experience (with 2 years in leadership)Recertify every 2 yearsRecertify every 2 yearsRecertify every 2 yearsNo specialty tracks2 specialty tracks3 specialty tracks

CHW III is intended to signify a CHW with significant experience that is prepared to take on leadership positions. Leadership positions may include but are not limited to program manager/supervisor/director, association workgroup, board member, community group facilitator, or project leader.

Specialization

A Specialty Track is achieved with a minimum of 16 hours of training in a concentrated field, which can be made up of multiple smaller classes or trainings. CCHA has some specialty training offerings. CHW II and CHW III require specialized trainings.

Instructor Credentials

Instructors must have educational and experiential qualifications. Instructors that are CHWs must have 2 years experience. Instructors that are not CHWs must have experience working in community health and co-teaching with a CHW.

Legacy

Previously offered, but phased out.

Examination

The certification exam is administered by SSCHWA. Applicants are allowed a maximum of 3 attempts. Both the credentialing council approved course and the SCCHWA exam must be passed to be considered certified in SC.

Cost

The cost of the exam is $50. Costs are typically covered by applicants’ supporting organizations.

Recertification

Number of CEUsFrequencyCost24 Every 2 years Variable, see below

See Continuing Education Units for more.

Costs to individual applicants may vary. At significant meetings, SCCHWA offers educational programming that equal a minimum of 1 CEU at no cost. SCCHWA has plans to begin a monthly CHW collaborative learning opportunity open to all SE CHWs offering 1 opportunity per month to earn 1 CEU. The goal is the opportunity for all CEUs necessary for SC CHW recertification to be obtained at no cost. Other organizations outside of SCCHWA may offer CEUs at a cost.

Most CEU costs are associated with certifying CEU content through SCCHWA. Most states in the SE CHW Network do not have a state CEU certifying process and instead work with SCCHWA to certify CEU providers. Potential CEU providers are able to submit an application to SCCHWA. After the application is approved, CEU providers give SCCHWA 60 days notice prior to any CEU events.

Reciprocity Policy

None

Special thanks for contributions from Sarah Covington Kolb, Rebecca Salter, Terri Jowers, Ana Cossio, and Dr. Audrey McCrary-Quarles on behalf of South Carolina. See the bottom of the webpage for a full reference list. Last updated November 2023.