The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) now has more than 450 people certified at the CHSE, CHSOS and CHSE-A levels. At the same time, there are hundreds (if not thousands) more who don't know where to start or why they even should be certified. My goal here is to give you an idea of which certification may fit you best, and how to get started.
The first question most ask is why would I even get certified? For those with advanced degrees, it may seem odd to go get another "piece of paper," but the certifications offered by SSH are quickly becoming the industry standard to demonstrate competency in healthcare simulation.
Employers are starting to post SSH certification preferred on job postings, as it is one of the few ways to assure that a potential employee actually has appropriate competencies in simulation. Everyone has to decide if the certification is worth it to him or her as an individual, but as organizations start requiring certifications, those who have them will set themselves apart.
The second question is what certification should I get? Since many simulationists wear many hats (or all of the hats) in their center, it can be tough to put yourself into a certification "box." My recommendation is as follows:
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) is a basic level certification for educators. If your primary job duties have to do with education and teaching, CHSE is where you should start. The CHSE includes a bit of operations and technical skills, but is focused on learning and assessment.
Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) is a basic level certification for simulation operators and technicians. If your primary duties are related to the technical components of simulation, start with the CHSOS. The CHSOS includes a bit of education, but is focused on technical topics.
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator - Advanced (CHSE-A) is an advanced level certification for educators. You must be a CHSE first, so you need to start there. If you are a CHSE with five years of experience in simulation and want to move to the next step, CHSE-A is for you.
The third question is where do I start if I want to be certified? For all three levels you need to complete an application (and submit references). For the CHSE and CHSOS, you need to also pass a multiple-choice test. For CHSE-A, you need to submit an electronic portfolio.
Your first stop is SSIH.org/certification. The website includes links to the application, examination blueprint and reference list. It is then up to you to review the blueprint and references to prepare for the examination.
Unfortunately, simulation is a constantly-evolving area, and the reference lists will not cover everything. You will need a good simulation textbook and your own experience in order to be certified.
Both the CHSE and CHSOS require two years experience in healthcare simulation and a bachelor's degree (or equivalent). It is your experience, general background and reading of the literature that will make you successful in getting certified.
You should focus on the areas of the blueprint that you have the least experience in and/or have read the least. Additionally, this article is the first in a series that will dive into different areas of the blueprints and point you in the right direction of what to study.
The certification preparation workgroup is actively working on building additional resources for certification preparation. For the CHSE, we have just announced eight-hour workshops at six locations across the country in 2015. We will be also launching webinars in March. This is in addition to the 90-minute and four-hour workshops at national meetings such as IMSH, INACSL and ASPE.
Getting certified will take time and effort, but it is worth it. If nothing else, it will help to widen your knowledge of simulation and may even help you find some things to improve your own simulation center.
