TAKING THE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACH CERTIFYING EXAMINATION

The Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Exam helps health care professionals, patients, employers and educators identify health coaches who meet a high standard.

Stand Out in an Increasingly Competitive Field

This certifying exam measures the foundational knowledge, skills, tasks and abilities essential to the practice of health and wellness coaching.

By becoming a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, you can provide evidence of your expertise and stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

Plus, you gain access to additional resources and networking opportunities to help advance your career, including a listing in the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) Directory, invitations to conferences and meetups, and entry into the NBHWC private Facebook group.

Overview

NBME collaborates with the NBHWC to create and manage the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Exam, which is based on extensive research and the training, education and assessment of coaches who attended an NBHWC-approved school.

Test items are developed by nationally recognized subject matter experts who are experienced as practitioners and educators in the field. Examination content draws on the results of a job task analysis and broadly represents the principles of health and wellness coaching, teaching and practice.

Click here to learn more about the NBHWC.

Exam Content

Exam content is developed by nationally recognized subject matter experts, including both experienced educators and private practitioners in the field, and covers the following topics:

  • Coaching Structure
  • Coaching Process: Coaching Relationship/Communication/Techniques
  • Health & Wellness
  • Ethics/Legal (including NBHWC Code of Ethics)
Content Outline

Taking the Exam

The Health & Wellness Certifying Exam is offered at Prometric test centers across the United States and abroad. Click here to locate a Prometric test center.

The four and a half hour test session includes 150 multiple choice questions and is made up of the following sections:

  • A 15-minute tutorial
  • The first test section (1 hour and 52 minutes)
  • A 15-minute break
  • The second test section (1 hour and 52 minutes)
  • A 15-minute post-test survey

 

Test Accommodations

NBME is committed to providing test accommodations to examinees with documented disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Click the link below to learn more about the types of accommodations available and for instructions on submitting a request. 

Test Accommodations Information, Guidelines, and Forms

Find a Test Center

Score Reports

Scoring for the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Examination is designed to ensure that all certification holders have demonstrated a minimum level of knowledge consistent with conducting safe and effective health and wellness coaching.

The credential will be granted in recognition of successful performance on the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Examination (“HWC Certifying Examination” or “HWCCE”), documented and verified work experience, and education.

Professionals who wish to obtain the credential must meet established eligibility criteria.

For eligibility requirements, see https://nbhwc.org/become-a-board-certified-coach.

A comprehensive list of recognized educational programs is available at https://nbhwc.org/find-an-approved-training-program.

Learn More