Introduction
Becoming a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) is an exciting professional milestone. By the time candidates are ready to apply for the NBHWC Board Exam, they have already invested significant time completing an approved training program, developing their coaching skills, and gaining practical coaching experience.
The exam is the final step toward earning the NBC-HWC credential, and knowing what to expect throughout the process can help candidates approach it with confidence. From submitting an application to receiving exam results, here is a step-by-step look at the journey.
Step 1: Make Sure You Are Eligible
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the current eligibility requirements and confirm that all requirements can be completed by the applicable deadlines.
Eligibility for the NBHWC Board Exam includes completing an NBHWC Approved Training Program, completing 50 qualifying health and wellness coaching sessions, and meeting the education or work experience requirement.
Candidates are responsible for confirming their eligibility before applying, so reviewing the requirements and gathering documentation early can make the application process much smoother.
Candidates who would like a more detailed walkthrough of the eligibility requirements and application process can also sign up to receive NBHWC’s on-demand Exam Q&A video, which explains the requirements and process in greater detail.
Step 2: Apply During the Correct Application Window
The NBHWC Board Exam is offered three times each year, with a separate application period for each exam window. Candidates must apply for the specific exam window in which they plan to take the exam. Exam registrations cannot be transferred to a future testing window.
Applications are submitted through the myNBME portal and include payment of the application and exam fees as well as the required eligibility documentation.
Candidates who require testing ADA accommodations should review the accommodation process and documentation requirements before beginning their application. Accommodations must be requested during exam registration, so candidates should be prepared to submit the required information at that time.
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day of the application window to begin the process. Taking time to review documents before submitting can help prevent delays caused by missing or incorrect information.
View Upcoming Exam and Application Dates
Step 3: Allow Time for Application Review
Submitting an application does not mean it is immediately approved. NBHWC reviews applications in the order they are received and works to process each application as quickly as possible. During the review, application materials are carefully evaluated to confirm that each candidate meets the eligibility requirements.
Because a high volume of applications is often submitted near the end of an application window, candidates may receive their approval after the application window has closed. As long as the application was submitted by the deadline, it will still be reviewed.
Candidates whose applications are complete and meet all requirements will be notified once they are approved. If any information or documentation is missing or needs correction, candidates will be notified and given an opportunity to make the necessary updates – even if the application window has already closed.
Candidates should monitor their email throughout the application review period and respond promptly to any requests from NBHWC. Candidates will be given a deadline to submit requested corrections or additional documentation, so it is important to act within the timeframe provided.
Step 4: Schedule the Exam
Once approved, candidates will receive an email with instructions for accessing their Scheduling Permit. The permit contains instructions for scheduling an appointment at a Prometric testing center.
Scheduling early is strongly encouraged. Testing appointments are based on availability, and preferred dates, times, and locations may become limited as the exam window approaches.
Candidates should also review the name printed on their Scheduling Permit as soon as they receive it. The name on the permit must match your government-issued ID. Waiting until exam day to discover a discrepancy will prevent a candidate from taking the exam.
Find a Prometric Testing Center
Step 5: Prepare for the Exam
Preparation should include reviewing exam content and becoming familiar with what to expect on test day.
Start with the NBHWC Content Outline, which identifies the knowledge and skills assessed on the exam. NBHWC also offers an Exam Information Packet, practice exams, and other preparation resources.
As you prepare, remember to wear your coaching hat. Many candidates bring experience from healthcare, nutrition, fitness, counseling, education, and other professions. While that experience is valuable, the exam assesses the knowledge and skills expected of a health and wellness coach. Approach exam scenarios from a coach’s perspective, keeping the coach’s role and scope of practice in mind.
Explore NBHWC Exam Preparation Resources
Step 6: Know What to Expect on Test Day
A little preparation for the logistics of test day can help candidates focus their attention where it belongs, on the exam.
Before exam day, confirm the testing center location and appointment information, and review the identification requirements. Some testing centers can be difficult to locate or may be located within larger office buildings or complexes, so candidates should plan their route in advance and allow plenty of extra time for traffic, parking, finding the testing center, and completing the check-in process.
Prometric testing centers follow specific security and check-in procedures, so the experience may feel different from taking an exam at home or in a classroom. Arriving with plenty of time can help candidates avoid unnecessary stress before the exam begins.
Candidates should also review the Exam Information Packet before test day for important details on the exam format, timing, breaks, identification requirements, and testing center policies.
Find the Exam Information Packet on this page.
Step 7: Wait for Exam Results
One of the most common questions after the exam is, “When will I receive my score?”
Candidates should expect to wait 6-8 weeks after the exam window closes to receive their results. This is a normal part of the exam process and allows time for scoring and required post-exam review.
When results are released, candidates receive an email notification and can access their results through their myNBME account.
For those who pass, this marks the beginning of their journey as an NBC-HWC. Candidates who do not pass can review NBHWC’s retake policies and determine their next steps.
Key Takeaways:
The path to board certification involves several steps, but candidates do not have to navigate them all at once. The most important thing is to pay attention to deadlines, carefully review communications from NBHWC and NBME, and use official NBHWC resources when questions arise.
From completing training and coaching sessions to walking into a Prometric testing center, each step brings candidates closer to earning the NBC-HWC credential.
For current exam dates, eligibility requirements, preparation resources, policies, and frequently asked questions, visit the NBHWC Get Board Certified page.
