Frequently Asked Questions

To sit for the board exam you must complete an NBHWC Approved Training Program, complete 50 health coaching sessions, and have an associate’s degree (or higher).

Please click here for full details on determining exam eligibility

Your proof of completion should have the current NBHWC Seal of Approval on it.  If it does not, you will need to reach out to your training program to determine your eligibility.  

You can also verify your training program’s approval staus by clicking here. The earliest completion date that is accepted is listed on the program profile.

If it has been more than 18 months since you completed your training, we recommend you contact your program to let them know you intend to sit for the NBHWC board exam to ensure you have the correct proof of completion form to verify eligibility.

Yes. Anyone wishing to become board certified must first complete an NBHWC Approved Training Program. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Ensuring all NBC-HWCs have a standardized base of knowledge on the health coaching competencies is an important step in establishing standards in the field.  NBHWC Approved Training Programs have been reviewed and approved based on competencies taught, contact time with students, faculty requirements, and practical skills development and assessment. 

You can begin documenting sessions on your NBHWC Coaching Log once you have passed the final Practical Skills Assessment within an NBHWC Approved Program 

The exact date you can start your personal coaching log will vary by training program. Please contact your NBHWC Approved Training Program for the exact date. This is an important step as your exam application will not be approved if your log contains dates prior to the start date provided by your NBHWC Approved Program.

Yes. If you have a documented disability that effects your ability to sit for this exam and are covered under the ADA, please request accommodations when you apply for the exam.

Additional information can be found here.

Please note all accommodation documentation must be submitted prior to the exam application deadline.

You can watch a short video with a step-by-step guide to upload your application documents here.

Watch a short video for a step-by-step guide to upload your application documents here. 

If the name listed on your Scheduling Permit differs from your name as it appears on your identification, you will not be able to take the test. Changes or corrections can be made up to seven business days before your scheduled testing appointment. Submit a request via your MyNBME account (www.MyNBME.org) as follows:

On the homepage or “My Exams” page, click on the “Registration ID“ associated with the exam requiring the name change.

Scroll down to the “Get Help Now” section and click “Create a Case.”

Enter “Name Change” as the subject and type your request in the “Description” field.

Click “Save.”

Your updated permit will be available within five business days after the name change or correction has been completed.

Please use the “locate” button at the link below to find the testing centers in your area. https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/hwccp

Once you are approved to take the exam, you will receive an email notifying you of your eligibility. Within five business days of receiving that email, you will receive an email from NBME notifying you that your Scheduling Permit is available. Your permit contains the instructions for scheduling your exam with a Prometric Test Center, and will be available in your myNBME portal.

An exam can be rescheduled within the same testing window by clicking here.  Please note you will need your confirmation number from the original appointment to rescheudle.  

Exams cannot be rescheduled to different testing windows. To sit in a future exam window, you must fully cancel your current exam application and reapply in the desired window.  

Fees may apply.

To cancel your exam you must complete the following steps before the deadline outlined in the NBHWC Fee Policy.

Please note, If you have scheduled an exam appointment at Prometric, you must also cancel that appointment by clicking here.

Both steps must be complete prior to the refund deadling outlined in the fee policy to be eligible for a refund.

Requests that are received after the deadline are not eligible for refund.

1. Log in to your applicaiton account atwww.mynbme.org.
2. Find your exam on the “My Exams” page and click on “Registration ID.”
3. Scroll down to the “Get Help Now” section and click “Create a Case.”
4. Enter “NBHWC Exam Cancellation” as the subject and send a description of your request.
5. Click “Save.”

Upon completion of all required cancellation steps, a refund request is generally processed within three weeks. After processing, the refund should be applied within 7-10 business days.

The release date of test results can vary for numerous reasons, but typically can be expected about eight weeks after the test window closes.

Instructions for requesting a score recheck can be found on the Score Verification Form. Please note this is a rescoring of the exam and not likely to change the outcome of your exam.

Fees may apply.

There is an annual fee of $75 to maintain the credential.

You will need 36 CEUs every 3 years.