States increasingly recognize the value of community health workers and promotores (CHW/Ps) — members of the community who connect patients to needed health-related and social services in a culturally competent manner — for reaching underserved populations and the need to support this workforce with professional development opportunities. However, there currently is 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 of CHW/Ps and facilitate opportunities for further professional recognition.

With support from the California Health Care Foundation, the Center for Health Care Strategies led a comprehensive scan of training and certification approaches undertaken by states across the country to increase CHW/P engagement and support. This resulting report outlines a set of training and professional recognition considerations for sustaining a robust CHW/P workforce. While the report shares specific considerations for California, these lessons are also applicable in other states.