Health Literacy and Numeracy Explained

In Video 55 of the CHES & MCHES certification prep series, we take an in-depth look at health literacy and numeracy explained. This lesson falls under Area VI — Communication, one of the core competency areas defined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Whether you are preparing for your initial CHES certification or advancing to the MCHES level, mastering this content is essential for exam success and professional practice.

We begin Area VI with health literacy and numeracy. Understanding how people access, process, and use health information is fundamental to effective health communication.

Area VI addresses Communication in health education practice. This area evaluates your ability to assess communication needs, develop targeted messaging, select appropriate channels, and evaluate communication effectiveness across diverse populations and settings.

Understanding definitions of health literacy and health numeracy is a key component of this competency area. The NCHEC expects certified health education specialists to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge of this concept but also the ability to apply it in real-world public health scenarios. Understanding the impact of low health literacy on health outcomes is a key component of this competency area. The NCHEC expects certified health education specialists to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge of this concept but also the ability to apply it in real-world public health scenarios. Understanding how to assess health literacy levels in target populations is a key component of this competency area. The NCHEC expects certified health education specialists to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge of this concept but also the ability to apply it in real-world public health scenarios. Understanding strategies for creating materials appropriate for all literacy levels is a key component of this competency area. The NCHEC expects certified health education specialists to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge of this concept but also the ability to apply it in real-world public health scenarios. Understanding key exam concepts related to health literacy is a key component of this competency area. The NCHEC expects certified health education specialists to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge of this concept but also the ability to apply it in real-world public health scenarios.

This topic appears frequently on the CHES and MCHES certification exams. Scenario-based questions in this area often require you to identify the most appropriate course of action given a specific public health context. Pay close attention to the distinctions between similar concepts, as NCHEC exam writers frequently use closely related answer choices as distractors. Reviewing this material alongside practice questions will help reinforce your understanding and improve your test-taking confidence.

As you work through this content, consider how each concept connects to the broader health education process. The NCHEC exam blueprint emphasizes the integration of knowledge across all Areas of Responsibility. A strong candidate understands not only the individual competencies but also how assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, advocacy, communication, leadership, and ethics work together in professional practice. Use this video lesson as a starting point, then deepen your understanding through additional study resources available at subthesis.com.