Take your career in health care construction to the next level - become a Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC). This health care certification program demonstrates your proficiency in the unique and regulated environment of health care construction sites, making you stand out as an expert in your field.

Showcase your knowledge and expertise about the fundamental difficulty of construction in health care settings, your understanding of the planning, design, and construction process, special safety precautions necessary in the health care setting, and financial stewardship of complex construction projects.

Learn more about how to get CHC certified or how to renew your certification below or visit American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE).

Do I Qualify for Certification Testing Logistics Recertification Process Study Resources

Do I Qualify for Certification?

 

Eligibility for the examination requires ONE of the following:

  • Baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university plus five (5) years of associated construction experience*, five (5) years of which must have been working on health care construction projects, three (3) years of management/supervisory/administrative experience, and work experience on health care construction projects within the last three (3) years.
  • Associate degree from an accredited college or university plus seven (7) years of associated construction experience*, five (5) years of which must have been working on health care construction projects, three (3) years of management/supervisory/administrative experience, and work experience on health care construction projects within the last three (3) years.
  • High school diploma or equivalent plus ten (10) years of associated construction experience*, five (5) years of which must have been working on health care construction projects, three (3) years of management/supervisory/administrative experience, and work experience on health care construction projects within the last three (3) years.

*Associated construction experience refers to work experience in the following functional areas: Construction/project management, estimating, planning, marketing, project superintendent or foreman, architect/engineer design, or design and construction position within a health care organization.

 

Testing Logistics

 

The American Hospital Association Certification Center contracts with PSI to administer its certification exams.

Eligible candidates must apply to take the exam with the American Hospital Association Certification Center. Once the candidate purchases their exam, they can schedule their exam with PSI through the AHA Certification Portal. Candidates can schedule their exam with PSI at an approved testing center.

If you need to reschedule an exam, log in to the Online Certification Management Portal.

Exam cost:

  • $400 for ASHE members
  • $570 for non-members
  • Eligible veterans can have the cost of their exam reimbursed

Candidates that pass their exam can expect to receive their official certification from the American Hospital Association Certification Center two to four weeks after their testing date. Please contact the American Hospital Association Certification Center if you have questions about a certification or need the receipt for the exam for your records.

 

Recertification Process

 

Certificants can renew their certification in two ways:

Certificants may submit their renewal one year before the current expiration date. However, if you submit your application early, that will not change the expiration date or extend the next renewal cycle. Your 45 contact hours must fall within the three-year certification dates.

Renewal fees:

  • $135 for ASHE members
  • $225 for non-members

Additional $50 if renewing in the 30 days after your expiration date.

You can submit your certification renewal up to 30 days after your expiration date with a $50 late fee. However, you cannot submit CECs you earned during this 30-day extended grace period. If you do not submit your renewal by the end of the 30-days, you will have to retake and successfully pass the exam to reinstate your credential.

The American Hospital Association Certification Center may grant an extension of time to a certificant to complete the number of Continuing Education Credits (CECs) required for a recertification cycle. An extension of time shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility for completion of the recertification requirements for the cycle in which the extension period falls. A certificant with a credential in Revoked status is NOT eligible to request an extension.

 

Study Resources