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Certification for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Maryland is here!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER (CHW) CERTIFICATION BASED ON EXPERIENCE IS JUNE 30, 2021 !!
The previous deadline for certification based on experience has been changed per Governor Hogan's Order 21-03-09-03. Applications for CHW certification based on experience will only be accepted through June 30, 2021. Applications in 'Draft' mode in Maryland OneStop will not be considered unless they are submitted by June 30, 2021. Once this pathway closes, the only pathway to CHW certification will be based on the completion of an accredited CHW certification training program!
Note: The application for CHWs to apply for certification based on the completion of an accredited CHW certification training program is open. There is no deadline for this pathway. See the webpage 'Certification Based on the Completion of an Accredited CHW Training Program' for additional information.
Click here for more information.
Things to know about certification for CHWs in Maryland:
- Certification is voluntary, not mandatory.
- There is no fee to apply for certification.
- Certification for experienced CHWs (formerly known as the grandparenting process) is based on CHW paid or volunteer experience and proficiency in the Maryland CHW core competencies.
- Applications for certification for experienced CHWs will be accepted until 30 days after the state of emergency has been terminated in Maryland.
- Certification for CHWs in Maryland is new and there is assistance in helping you with completing your application and materials. Contact the CHW Certification team at 410-767-5971 or MDH.CHWapplications@Maryland.gov.
Certification Requirements for Experienced CHWs
- Age: The applicant must be 18 years old or older
- Experience:
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of CHW paid or volunteer experience 5 years prior to October 1, 2018 or 5 years prior to the date of the CHW certification application submission.
- Occupied as a CHW on October 1, 2018.
- Proficiency in Maryland's CHW Core Competencies:
1. Advocacy and community capacity building skills
2. Effective oral and written communication skills
4. Understanding of ethics and confidentiality issues
5. Knowledge of local resources and system navigation
6. Care coordination support skills
7. Teaching skills to promote health behavior change
8. Outreach methods and strategies
9. Understanding of public health concepts and health literacy
Important Application Documents!
Carefully review these documents prior to beginning your application.
Click each document title to view. Adobe reader required to complete the Letter of Validation form.
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*Note: Prior to completing the form, save the form to your computer and close the original view. Open the saved document from your computer location and enter information.
The online application portal is now open! The online application functions best when using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browsers.
Previous link: APPLY HERE FOR CHW CERTIFICATION!
* NOTE: Please be sure that the name, birth date, and dates of employment are the same on all documents as well as your application.
Once your complete application has been submitted, please allow up to 90 days for processing.
Contact the CHW Certification Team at MDH.CHWApplications@Maryland.gov or 410-767-5971.
