Writing SMART Objectives for Programs

In Video 14 of the CHES & MCHES certification prep series, we take an in-depth look at writing smart objectives for programs. This lesson falls under Area II — Planning Health Education/Promotion, 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.

In this video, we break down how to write SMART objectives for health education programs. SMART objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — and they form the backbone of effective program planning.

Area II covers Planning Health Education and Promotion programs. This area examines your ability to develop goals, objectives, and strategies based on assessment findings. Effective planning requires understanding theory-based approaches, resource allocation, and the alignment of interventions with identified community needs.

Understanding what smart objectives are and why they matter 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 write objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound 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 common mistakes when writing program objectives 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 smart objectives connect to evaluation 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 practice examples of writing smart objectives for health programs 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.