NBHWC Certification: National Board Health & Wellness Coach

The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) is the credentialing body specifically for health and wellness coaches. Unlike general coaching certifications, NBHWC focuses on evidence-based behavior change in health contexts — helping clients manage chronic conditions, improve nutrition and exercise habits, reduce stress, and make lasting lifestyle changes.

The credential you earn is NBC-HWC (National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach). What makes this credential distinctive is its partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) — the same organization that administers Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. This partnership gives the NBC-HWC a level of clinical legitimacy that no other coaching credential can claim.

NBHWC was established to create a standardized, nationally recognized credential for health coaches. Before NBHWC, there was no consistency in what "health coach" meant — anyone could use the title. The NBC-HWC credential establishes a clear competency standard, which is why healthcare systems, insurers, and employers increasingly require or prefer it.

Earning the NBC-HWC requires meeting four eligibility criteria before you can sit for the certifying exam. Here is each requirement broken down:

1. Complete an NBHWC-approved training program. You must graduate from a training program that NBHWC has reviewed and approved. As of 2026, there are 138+ approved programs across the US and internationally. These programs vary in format (online, in-person, hybrid), length, and cost — but all meet NBHWC's curriculum standards covering health coaching competencies, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and behavior change theory.

2. Meet the education or experience requirement. You need at least one of the following: an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, or 4,000 hours of documented work experience in a health-related field. The degree does not need to be in a health field — any accredited associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree qualifies.

3. Complete 50+ coaching sessions. Before applying to take the exam, you must have completed at least 50 health and wellness coaching sessions. These sessions must be at least 20 minutes each and follow the coaching competencies outlined by NBHWC. Many approved training programs include practicum hours that count toward this requirement.

4. Pass the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Exam. The exam is developed and administered by NBME. It covers health coaching competencies, behavior change science, ethics, and practical application. The exam is offered at Prometric test centers across the US and at select international locations.

NBHWC maintains a directory of approved training programs that meet their curriculum standards. These programs span a wide range of formats and price points:

University-based programs. Many accredited universities now offer NBHWC-approved health coaching programs through their schools of medicine, public health, or continuing education. Examples include programs at Duke Integrative Medicine, Georgetown University, and the University of Minnesota's Center for Spirituality & Healing. University programs often carry higher tuition but offer the added credibility of a university credential alongside NBHWC eligibility.

Independent training organizations. Standalone coaching schools and health coaching institutes also hold NBHWC approval. Organizations like Wellcoaches, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), and the Health Coach Institute offer programs that combine health science with coaching methodology. These tend to be more flexible in scheduling and may be more affordable than university options.

Online and hybrid formats. Many approved programs are available fully online or in hybrid formats. This is particularly relevant if you're working full-time while pursuing certification. Verify the format and time commitment before enrolling — some "online" programs still require synchronous live sessions.

How to choose: Before enrolling in any program, confirm it appears on the current NBHWC-approved list. Programs can lose approval, and completing a non-approved program means you won't be eligible for the certifying exam regardless of how good the training was.

The NBC-HWC certifying exam is developed and administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). This is the same organization responsible for the USMLE (medical licensing exams), which gives the NBC-HWC credential significant clinical legitimacy.

Exam format: The exam is computer-based and taken at Prometric testing centers. Prometric operates hundreds of locations across the US and select international sites. The test uses multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of health coaching competencies, behavior change science, ethical practice, and applied coaching scenarios.

What the exam covers: The exam blueprint is based on NBHWC's health and wellness coaching competencies. Key content areas include: establishing the coaching agreement and relationship, active listening and powerful questioning, facilitating behavior change using evidence-based approaches (motivational interviewing, self-determination theory, stages of change), goal setting and accountability, ethical standards, and understanding scope of practice boundaries.

Exam windows: NBHWC offers the exam during designated testing windows throughout the year. You must apply and be approved before scheduling your exam appointment. Check the NBHWC certification page for current exam dates and application deadlines.

Preparation: Most approved training programs include exam prep content. NBHWC also provides a certification exam handbook and content outline. Study groups and third-party prep courses are available, though the best preparation is thorough completion of your approved training program combined with real coaching practice.

The NBC-HWC credential opens doors in settings where general coaching certifications don't carry sufficient weight. Health and wellness coaching is increasingly recognized as a legitimate healthcare profession, and the NBC-HWC is the credential driving that recognition.

Healthcare systems and hospitals. Major health systems are hiring NBC-HWC coaches to work alongside physicians, nurses, and dietitians. Health coaches help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity through sustained behavior change — an area where traditional medical interventions often fall short. Hospital systems value the NBC-HWC because of its NBME-backed rigor.

Employer wellness programs. Corporate wellness has shifted from offering gym memberships to providing personalized health coaching. Companies contract NBC-HWC coaches to work with employees on stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and work-life balance. Larger employers increasingly specify NBC-HWC certification when hiring wellness coaches.

Insurance and integrative medicine. Some health insurance companies and integrative medicine practices are beginning to recognize and reimburse for health coaching services — but typically only when provided by an NBC-HWC certified coach. As insurance coverage for health coaching expands, this credential becomes increasingly valuable for private practice coaches who want to accept insurance.

Community health organizations. Nonprofits, public health departments, and community health centers employ health coaches to work with underserved populations on preventive health. The NBC-HWC signals competency in evidence-based health behavior change, which funders and administrators require.

Private practice. Many NBC-HWC coaches build independent practices serving clients directly. The credential differentiates you from the large number of self-described "health coaches" without standardized training. Clients with health conditions feel more confident working with a board-certified coach, and physicians are more likely to refer patients to NBC-HWC holders.

If you're considering how health coaching fits into a broader coaching career, see our health and wellness coaching specialization guide.

This is one of the most common questions aspiring health coaches ask: do I need NBHWC, ICF, or both? They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

NBHWC (NBC-HWC) is a health-specific credential. It certifies that you are competent in evidence-based health behavior change coaching. It's recognized by healthcare systems, some insurers, and employer wellness programs. The exam is administered by NBME, giving it clinical credibility. Best for: coaches whose primary focus is health and wellness — chronic disease management, nutrition coaching, fitness behavior change, stress reduction, and working within or alongside healthcare systems.

ICF (ACC, PCC, MCC) is a general coaching credential. It certifies competency in the broad practice of coaching — powerful questioning, active listening, goal setting, accountability. It's recognized across industries, especially in corporate, executive, and leadership coaching. Best for: coaches whose practice spans life coaching, career coaching, executive coaching, business coaching, or any non-health-specific coaching niche.

Key differences:

• NBHWC requires health-specific training; ICF requires general coach training from an ICF-accredited program
• NBHWC requires an associate degree or 4,000 hours of work experience; ICF has no degree requirement
• NBHWC requires 50 coaching sessions before the exam; ICF-ACC requires 100+ coaching hours
• The NBHWC exam is administered by NBME (medical board examiners); the ICF exam is developed by ICF
• NBHWC renewal: 36 CEUs every 3 years; ICF renewal: 40 CCEUs every 3 years

Can you hold both? Yes. Some coaches earn both credentials, particularly those who want to offer health coaching within a broader coaching practice. Some training programs are approved by both NBHWC and ICF. Holding both is a strong combination if you want maximum flexibility across healthcare and non-healthcare settings.

For a full overview of ICF credentials, see our certifications hub.

The total cost of NBHWC certification varies significantly depending on your training program choice. Here's a breakdown of the components:

Training program tuition: This is the largest cost and the most variable. NBHWC-approved programs range from roughly $2,000 for basic online programs to $10,000+ for university-based programs. The average falls in the $3,000-$6,000 range. Some programs include practicum hours, mentoring, and exam prep in their tuition; others charge separately.

Exam fees: The application and exam fee is paid to NBHWC/NBME when you register for the certifying exam. Check the NBHWC website for current fee amounts, as these are updated periodically.

Continuing education: After certification, you need 36 CEUs every 3 years to maintain your NBC-HWC. CE costs vary — some are free (webinars, conferences), while paid courses typically range from $50-$500. Budget roughly $300-$1,000 per renewal cycle for CE.

Optional costs: Study guides and exam prep materials ($50-$300). Professional liability insurance ($200-$500/year). Professional memberships in organizations like the National Society of Health Coaches.

Financial aid and employer support: Some employers will cover the cost of NBHWC certification, particularly if you work in healthcare or corporate wellness. Several training programs offer payment plans. Check whether your employer has tuition reimbursement that covers professional certification programs.

For a broader perspective on coaching career finances, see our how to become a life coach guide.