Career roadmap
How to Become a Community Health Worker
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a community health worker, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a community health worker: (1) connect with your community, (2) get hired, (3) complete CHW training, (4) earn state certification, (5) advance. Most people need about 1–3 months. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a community health worker
Connect with your community
Volunteer or lead.
Get hired
Clinics, health departments or nonprofits.
Complete CHW training
Core competencies.
Earn state certification
Where available.
Advance
Become a lead CHW or move into nursing or public health.
Education and training requirements
A high school diploma is typical, plus short on-the-job training. Many states offer CHW certification.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 1–3 months |
Certifications and licenses
- State CHW certification: Available in many states.
- Certified Application Counselor: Insurance enrollment.
- Mental Health First Aid: Crisis awareness.
- Chronic disease self-management training: Program leader credentials.
Skills to build now
Start with health education, outreach, and care coordination, and practice cultural humility and empathy. Learning the community health worker vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Community Health Worker: Serve clients.
- Lead CHW: Lead teams.
- Program Coordinator: Run programs.
- Public Health or Nursing Career: Advance with education.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Community Health Worker training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do CHWs need a degree?
No, a high school diploma and training are typical.
Is certification required?
Some states and employers require it.
How long does it take to become a community health worker?
Most people need about 1–3 months of training. A high school diploma is typical, plus short on-the-job training. Many states offer CHW certification.
Do you need a degree to be a community health worker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 21-1094 (Community health workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Community health workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.