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NBC-HWC

National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach

The national board credential for health and wellness coaches. It requires approved coach training; your EP degree doesn't replace it.

NBHWCTraining + sessionsLast verified November 1, 2026

At a glance

Detail
Issued by National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
Starting point Training + sessions. NBHWC-approved program + 50 coaching sessions + associate degree (or 4,000 work hours)
Exam NBHWC Board Exam; see the current exam information packet
Cost See NBHWC; application fees are non-refundable
Renewal See NBHWC recertification

Why it matters for an EP

EPs prescribe exercise, but long-term results depend on behavior change. Coach training teaches motivational interviewing and client-led goal setting. Combined with an EP's clinical background, it's a strong offering for private practice, corporate wellness, and lifestyle medicine.

Who this fits

  • EPs building coaching or private practice services
  • EPs in lifestyle medicine, corporate wellness, or chronic disease programs

Eligibility routes

  • Complete an NBHWC-approved training program. Your proof must show your legal name, program, completion date, date of the final practical skills assessment, and the NBHWC seal.
  • Complete 50 health and wellness coaching sessions that meet the NBHWC Coaching Log rules. Per NBHWC's exam packet, sessions must come after your practical skills assessment, last at least 20 minutes, and be at least 75% coaching rather than education.
  • Have an associate degree or higher in any field, or 4,000 work hours in any field. EPs meet this with their degree.
  • Finish everything before the exam application deadline.

Your step-by-step path

  1. Choose an NBHWC-approved training program.
  2. Complete the program and pass its practical skills assessment.
  3. Log 50 qualifying sessions afterward.
  4. Apply before the deadline.
  5. Pass the board exam.

Watch-outs

  • Exercise instruction sessions don't count as coaching sessions.
  • Sessions logged before your practical skills assessment don't count.

Pairs well with

  • CDCES: diabetes behavior change
  • CHES: health education

Official sources

Requirements change. This page summarizes what the issuing organization published as of November 1, 2026. It does not decide your eligibility; only the issuer can. Always check the official sources above before you pay for anything.

Grow with WiseChoice

WiseChoice is building a team of exercise physiologists who keep growing and help more people understand what our profession can do. If that sounds like you, this is a great place to start.

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