A Word with CPH Ambassador Norman Hess

A Conversation with Norm Hess, MSA, CPH: The Journey and Impact of Certification

In the ever-evolving field of public health, staying current and validated in your expertise is essential. One way to achieve this is through the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential, a distinguished certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of public health professionals. Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Norm Hess, MSA, CPH, Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health, who shared his journey toward earning this certification, the challenges he faced, and the positive impact it has had on his career and outlook on public health.

The Motivation Behind the Certification

For many public health professionals, the decision to pursue the CPH is driven by a desire to formalize their expertise and demonstrate their commitment to the field. This was certainly the case for Norm, whose background in Health Care Administration laid the groundwork for a career in public health. “My bachelor's and master's degrees were in Health Care Administration,” he began, “but I’ve spent most of my career in governmental public health or health-related nonprofit organizations. I thought the CPH credential would be a valuable addition to my resume because it documents and validates my public health competencies that I’ve acquired through work experience.”

The CPH not only serves as a credential but also as a reflection of Norm’s dedication to continuous learning and professional development. In a field as dynamic and impactful as public health, having a certification like the CPH is not just about career advancement—it’s about solidifying one’s role as a knowledgeable and skilled professional.

Navigating the Journey: Challenges and Strategies

The journey to obtaining the CPH certification is one that requires commitment, time, and a strategic approach. Norm candidly shared the challenges he faced along the way, particularly the difficulty of finding time to prepare for the exam. “I think the most challenging thing about obtaining credentials like the CPH is simply setting aside time to prepare for it,” he admitted. With the demands of a busy career and personal life, making time for study can be a significant hurdle for many professionals.

To overcome this challenge, Norm took a proactive approach by integrating the CPH certification into his professional development goals. “In 2023, I wrote it into my professional development goals for my performance evaluation,” he explained. “This way, I would be accountable to preparing and taking the test in a specified timeframe.” By making the CPH a formal part of his career objectives, he ensured that it remained a priority throughout the year.

But individual effort wasn’t the only strategy he employed. Norm also found strength in numbers by joining a study group composed of like-minded public health professionals. “I was fortunate to identify a group of public health professionals in Michigan who committed to participating in a study cohort,” he shared. “We met online every other week from February to June 2023, to watch the recorded review webinars together. It helped keep all of us accountable to setting aside the time.” This sense of community and shared responsibility played a crucial role in his successful preparation for the exam.

The Personal Triumph of Earning the CPH

For Norm, earning the CPH was not just a professional milestone, but a deeply personal achievement. “This was more of a personal goal for me than a pursuit of career advancement,” he revealed. “I’m likely in the position I’ll retire from in about five years. However, I’m glad to have the CPH credential to validate my competence as a public health professional.”

The CPH certification has had a profound impact on how Norm views his work and his contributions to the field. “Preparing for the exam helped me better understand the theoretical underpinnings of the work I’ve been doing for many years,” he reflected. “It’s given me new language to explain why I value certain things and why I do things the way I do them. This has been very helpful to me.” This deeper understanding and ability to articulate his approach to public health has enhanced his confidence and reinforced his commitment to the field.

Becoming an Advocate: The Role of a CPH Ambassador

With his certification in hand, Norm took on the additional role of CPH Ambassador—a position that allows him to advocate for the credential and support others on their journey. In regions like Michigan, where the CPH is still gaining recognition, Norm’s efforts are particularly impactful. “Gaining the CPH credential has been a very positive experience for me,” he emphasized. “The credential is not as well known in my state as it seems to be in some other states. I enjoy being a resource to professionals who are looking for a way to validate their learning.”

As an ambassador, one of the most rewarding experiences has been guiding others through the certification process and celebrating their successes. “I love it when a member of our study cohort lets me know they’ve passed the exam,” Norm shared with pride. “I can tell they’re excited, and I’m proud of them for following through on it.” This sense of pride and accomplishment extends beyond his own achievement—it’s about fostering a community of knowledgeable and skilled public health professionals who are recognized for their expertise.

Building Connections and Expanding Networks

The CPH certification has also opened doors to new professional connections and opportunities. “I’ve had several other CPH-credentialed professionals reach out to connect through LinkedIn,” he noted. These connections have been a source of inspiration and support, reinforcing Norm’s commitment to promoting the CPH credential and expanding his professional network.

Norm’s experience highlights the value of the CPH community, where professionals from diverse backgrounds come together to share knowledge, support one another, and advance the field of public health. Whether through formal study groups, online connections, or informal conversations, the CPH community offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and collaboration.

A Final Word of Advice

As we concluded our conversation, Norm offered valuable advice for those considering the CPH certification: “Don’t be intimidated. Spend sufficient time preparing, and you should be fine. This is important for the field of public health, and we should all do what we can to promote it.”

Norm’s journey underscores the significance of the CPH certification—not just as a career milestone, but as a meaningful validation of the knowledge and skills that public health professionals bring to their work. Whether you’re just starting out or are well into your career, the CPH offers a unique opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute to the future of public health. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact that certification can have, not only on individual careers but on the broader public health community.

You can see all of our Ambassadors on our website, and find many of them on LinkedIn or in our CPH LinkedIn Group, for active CPH certificants.