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Board Certification

Certified in Global Health (CGH)

Setting the Standard for Global Health Excellence

Apply for Certification

Advanced, Competency-Based Board Certification

The American Board of Global Health (ABGH) offers the Certified in Global Health (CGH) credential—an advanced, competency-based board certification that recognizes professionals with demonstrated leadership, field experience, and technical knowledge in global health systems, equity, emergency response, and international collaboration. This certification affirms commitment to ethical global health practice and professional excellence in international health delivery.

What is CGH Certification?

The CGH certification affirms a professional's ability to lead and contribute to high-impact public health work across borders—applying global frameworks, evidence-based strategies, and equity-centered approaches.

Recognition & Impact

CGH-certified professionals are recognized for their commitment to ethical global health practice and their ability to drive positive change in international health systems and communities.

Why ABGH?

Setting the standard for global health excellence

Global Disease Prevention & Health Promotion

Professionals working on disease prevention and health promotion initiatives worldwide

Health Systems Strengthening & Policy Development

Leaders involved in strengthening health systems and developing health policies

Public Health Emergencies & Humanitarian Response

Experts in emergency preparedness and humanitarian health response

International Health Programs & NGOs

Staff and leaders of international health organizations and NGOs

Digital Public Health & Global Surveillance

Specialists in digital health technologies and global health surveillance

Health Equity, Ethics & Human Rights

Advocates and practitioners focused on health equity and human rights

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria

Educational Background

MD, DO, MBBS, PhD, DrPH, MPH, or an equivalent health/public health degree

Professional License

Valid, unrestricted license (for clinical applicants) OR demonstrated public health practice eligibility

Global Health Experience

Documented experience or training in global health, such as:

  • Global health fellowships
  • Work with international NGOs or UN agencies
  • Participation in global research, policy development, or humanitarian response

Supporting Documents

Required documentation for your application

Application Requirements

  • Degree/diploma and transcripts
  • Letter of recommendation or professional verification
  • (If applicable) TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
  • Resume/CV with global or international health experience
  • Documentation of relevant fieldwork or training

ABGH formally recognizes high-quality global health fellowships, MPH programs, academic courses, and humanitarian fieldwork that meet our rigorous certification standards.

Exam Blueprint

Comprehensive assessment of global health competencies

Format & Duration

4 hours

Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

Questions

160

Multiple-choice questions

Exam Fee

$495

One-time certification fee

Core Domains Covered

  • Global Burden of Disease & Epidemiology
  • Emergency Preparedness & Humanitarian Response
  • Cross-Cultural Competency & Health Literacy
  • Health Systems, Policy, and Financing
  • International Frameworks (WHO, SDGs, Global Compacts)
  • Legal, Ethical & Regulatory Issues in Global Practice
  • Global Health Ethics & Human Rights
  • Global Health Informatics & Surveillance
  • Implementation Science & Quality in Global Health

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your global health career

Download Resources

Review the full exam blueprint and candidate handbook 

Download Blueprint

Take Practice Test

Prepare with our comprehensive practice examination

Access Practice Test

Submit Application

Complete your secure online application

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