The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the practice of health and wellness coaching. We set rigorous standards and offer certification for health and wellness coaches, ensuring they are highly qualified to support and guide individuals in making positive, lasting changes to their health and well-being.
Our role includes establishing professional training standards and administering a comprehensive board certification exam. Through our commitment to excellence, we aim to enhance the quality of coaching and support the growth of the field.
With National Board Certification, the public can confidently choose health coaches who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help them achieve their wellness goals.
Mission
To champion the advancement of health and wellness coaching through evidence-informed standards of education, training, credentialing and research.
Vision
The NBHWC envisions a world where all people have the opportunity to thrive, including with the support of qualified health and wellness coaches.
Advance
Advance the health and wellness coaching profession by establishing and maintaining standards of equitable, evidence-informed education, training, certification, and maintenance of certification that result in quality professional practice.
Facilitate
Facilitate the integration of health and wellness coaches into the healthcare team to foster a whole-person approach to care.
Support
Support research initiatives to elevate the field of health and wellness coaching.
Promote
Promote access for individuals across diverse communities to work with National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC) as well as for professionals to complete quality coach training, certification and continuing education.
2010
Founders begin discussing the need for standards in the field of health & wellness coaching.
2012
NBHWC established as a 501c6 organization.
2014/2015
Job Task Analysis developed.
Begin developing training & education requirements based off the Job Task Analysis.
2016
Partnership with NBME established. Exam was Developed.
2017
First exam administered. Permanent approval standards established for training and education programs.
2019
AMA granted category III CPT codes for health & wellness coaching.
2021
Introduced continuing education course approval.
2022
Updated program approval standards for training and education programs.
2023
Presented category I CPT Codes to the AMA. CMS temporarily approves telehealth coaching codes.
National Board Certification
Coaches who hold this highly regarded credential (NBC-HWC) have attended an approved health & wellness coach training program and have passed the board certification exam offered through the NBHWC.
