The NCCHC Certified Correctional Health Professional - Mental Health (CCHP-MH) exam has 80 to 100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes, and our exam data lists a 65% pass mark. You must already hold a current CCHP to apply. Content is weighted, with patient care and specialized services each worth 15% to 20%.
Wondering how ready you are right now? Take the CCHP-MH practice test before you read further and note your score for each content area. Every section that follows is organised around what that first result reveals.

Who is eligible to sit the CCHP-MH exam?
Eligibility is the first hurdle, and it is stricter than for many certification exams. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) says the specialty certification is open to qualified mental health professionals as its Standards for Mental Health Services in Correctional Facilities define them: psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses and other professionals legally authorized by education, credentials and experience to assess and treat mental health needs.
Having the right job title is not enough. Before you submit an application, NCCHC's candidate handbook says you must have all four of the following.