Technician Information: Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technician (CHEST)

Technician Information:
Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technician (CHEST)

The Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technician (CHEST) certification ensures EVS technicians obtain the necessary skills to stay compliant by properly cleaning, disinfecting, and preventing infection in the health care environment. This certification demonstrates that technicians perform their jobs according to the required regulations and standards, ensure patient satisfaction, and contribute to reduced HAIs within their health care facilities.

Certification Renewal Continuing Education AHE Education

Steps to Certification

STEP 1

TRAINING

If you are an EVS technician and have 6 months health care facility environmental services cleaning experience, let your manager know if you are interested in becoming certified. Attend 24-hour CHEST training provided by a T-CHEST at your facility and take the certification exam.

Note: EVS technicians who miss 2 hours or more of training are not eligible to graduate from the CHEST program and take the certification exam. The techs must make up the time with the trainer OR wait until the trainer’s next session before they become an eligible candidate for CHEST certification. T-CHESTs are not eligible to take the certification exam.

Once you successfully complete the 24-hour CHEST training, you will become an eligible candidate for CHEST examination.

STEP 2

EXAMINATION

Once you become an eligible candidate for the CHEST exam, you will need to complete the CHEST Exam Application Form at least five days before the exam date. Your trainer will help you with the process, including providing you with the OTP validation code.

On the day of the exam, you will log into the PSI test delivery portal and take the exam.

The exam has 50 multiple-choice questions. The exam is timed and you will have 2 hours to complete the exam. Once you complete the exam, the scores will be emailed to you within 15-20 minutes. If you pass the exam, you will become CHEST-certified. You will receive your certificate of recognition and can claim your digital badge.

If you fail the exam, you can retake it again. If you fail more than once, you must attend an additional 24-hour CHEST program at your facility.

STEP 3

CLAIM YOUR BADGE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Show off your skills! Approximately 3-4 weeks after successfully passing the certification exam, each CHEST-certified technician will receive an email from admin@credly.com with an invitation to accept their digital badge and certificate. You can attach the badge to your social media and tag AHE on LinkedIn.

Active CHESTs

Once you pass the CHEST certification exam, you will become an active CHEST. Your name and valid certification period will show on the list of active CHEST-certified technicians.

View CHEST Certificants

STEP 4

CERTIFICATION RENEWAL

Your CHEST certification is valid for 3 years and stays with you, even if you leave your current employer. To keep your certification valid, you must complete the following within the 3 years.

OPTION 1: Complete Continuing Education Credits

Indicate on the Renewal Application Form or report online using the Certification Portal if you have completed 15 hours of continuing education (including relevant in-service classes) within the past three (3) years.

Certification Portal

OPTION 2: Re-take the CHEST Exam

Renewal by this option requires re-taking and passing the CHEST Examination no more than one (1) year prior to the certification expiration date. You should first complete a Renewal Application Form and submit it to AHE along with your payment. After the application is processed, AHE will notify your facility of the test request and they will get in touch with you to schedule the test. If you are renewing your certification by retaking the exam, your organization may cover the $40 examination cost. Ask your supervisor, manager or your facility T-CHEST.

Renewal Application Form