CCHP-MH - Certified Correctional Health Professional - Mental Health
- Cost $320
- Renews every year
COURSE FORMAT
About
Certified Correctional Health Professional Mental Health certification (CCHP-MH) validates the knowledge and skills of mental health professionals who have experience and demonstrated a passion for working with the incarcerated population. The National Commision on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offers the CCHP exam and certification.
Eligibility Requirements
Mental health professionals must have a minimum of 3 years of full-time experience or equivalent to apply for CCHP-MH certification.
Completion Time: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the CCHP-MH exam
Cost:
Application fee: $320
$15 surcharge for mailing or faxing paper applications
Testing fee
NCCHC site or affiliate: Free
Prometric Center: $50
Remote: $50
Course Format
Exam Format
The CCHP-MH certification exam consists of 80 to 100 questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam with the passing score determined by the CCHP Board of Trustees. They receive their Pass/Fail results by mail within 2 weeks of completing the exam. CCHP-MH exam topics include:
Patient Care and Treatment (12-18%)
Special Needs and Services (12-18%)
Personnel and Training (7-12%)
Governance and Administration (5-10%)
Mental health Care Services and Support (5-10%)
Medical-Legal Issues (5-10%)
Correctional Mental Health: Past and Future (5-10%)
Juveniles (5-10%)
Clinical Record (4-8%)
Safety (3-7%)
Health Promotion (3-7%)
Applications sent by mail take 3 to 4 weeks to process. Online applications generate an immediate confirmation, though documentation review may take longer. After application approval, candidates receive an email with further directions.
There are two options for in person testing. Traditional paper testing with Scantron score sheets offered at NCCHC conferences and by regional partners or computerized testing offered at over 900 ProMetric locations.
To test at an NCCHC or affiliate sponsored event, candidates must contact the sponsor of the event directly to schedule testing on the date and location on the Exam calendar.
Applicants may self-register for the exam after receiving their Authorization to Test from NCCHC. Register online or by calling Prometric at (800) 998-1942.
In approximately one week candidates receive an email with further directions. Online testing requires candidates to have a webcam, either built in or added on. There’s a $50 fee for online testing. More information about testing is provided after application approval.
Certification
Steps to certification:
Go to the CCHC Application
Click “Apply Now”
Create an account
Complete application
Pay application fee
Submit documentation to the NCCHC within three month of initial application
Professional license or proof of licensure eligibility
Completed application in 3-ring binder with appropriately labeled tabs
Three letters of recommendation sent directly to the CCHP Board of Trustees
$320 application fee
Renewal
CCHP-MH credentials are valid for one year. To be eligible for renewal the CCHP-MH must:
Maintain a professional license with good standing
Complete 18 contact hours of mental health continuing education
6 contact hours specific to correctional health care
12 additional hours of mental health continuing education
Complete a Renewal Application
Pay recertification fees
Cost
Online renewal $100 / Faxed or mailed renewal $115
Late fee: $25
Continuing Education
Part of the renewal process requires 18 contact hours. All contact hours must be related to mental health contact and at least 6 must be related to correctional health.
Approved correctional health continuing education can be found at:
The NCCHC doesn’t specify approved providers for mental health continuing education but it’s recognized as an approved provider of mental health continuing education by the American Psychological Association.
Other Resources
The NCCHC has resources available to help candidates prepare for the CCHP-MH exam, including:
Related Certifications
Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) credentials are ideal for registered nurses working in correctional health
Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) credentials are ideal for healthcare professional working in correctional health
Certified Correctional Health Professional Advanced (CCHP-A) credentials are ideal for healthcare professionals who have maintained CCHP certification for three years
Frequently asked questions
Who should get the CCHP-MH certification?
CCHP-MH certification is appropriate for mental health care professionals who have worked in correctional health for three years.
What other specialty exams besides CCHP-MH are offered by NCCHC?
In addition to CCHP-MH, the NCCHC offers specialty certification to physicians (CCHP-P) and registered nurses (CCHP-RN). Other healthcare professionals can obtain certification as medical correctional medical health professionals.
How much does the CCHP-MH certification exam cost?
The CCHP application costs $320 with a $50 surcharge if you take it via computer testing either remotely or in person. A paper and pencil version of the exam can be taken for no additional charge.
What happens if I fail the CCHP-MH exam?
If you fail the CCHP-MH exam, you may retake it up to 3 times per year for an additional examination fee of $45 per attempt.
How long will I have to wait after taking the CCHP-MH exam to get my results?
You should receive your CCHP-MH exam results within two weeks of taking it.
What other certifications does the NCCHC offer besides the CCHP-MH?
Can I earn a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Mental Health (CCHP-MH) online?
Yes you can earn a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Mental Health (CCHP-MH) online.