Training and Supporting Community Health Workers and Promotores: Lessons for California and Other States

States increasingly recognize the value of community health workers/promotores (CHW/Ps) for reaching underserved populations and the need to support this workforce with professional development opportunities. There is, however, currently no single, nationally recognized standard for CHW/P training, and many organizations and states have developed different approaches. Whether training is undertaken by the state, an educational institution, or a private entity, it is important to identify organizations and trainers that specialize in training CHW/Ps. Further, states can also facilitate certification of CHW/Ps. This document contains considerations for enhancing professional recognition of CHW/Ps through training and/or certification, drawn from approaches undertaken by states across the country.