This document presents a competency-based framework for professional development of certified health education specialists (CHES). Section 1 outlines a process that colleges and universities can use to analyze their curricula for coverage of the health education competencies expected of CHES. The framework's development is traced, and guidelines for its application are provided. Section 2 consists of seven subsections detailing the competencies required by CHES to carry out the following professional responsibilities: (1) assessing individual and community needs for health education; (2) planning effective health education programs; (3) implementing health education programs; (4) evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs; (5) coordinating provision of health education services; (6) acting as a resource person in health education; and (7) communicating health and health education needs, concerns, and resources. Each subsection contains the following items: (1) a discussion of the CHES' role in executing the specific responsibility in community, medical care, school, or workplace settings; (2) detailed discussions of the competencies in the specific area of responsibility; and (3) lists of subcompetencies cross-referenced to behavioral objectives. The following items are appended: guidelines for using the CHES responsibility matrix; a glossary; and a chronology of the development of national certification for health education specialists. (MN)