Getting Started
What is the NBHWC Board Exam?
The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) Board Exam assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to practice as a national board-certified health and wellness coach.
Candidates who pass the exam earn the credential National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), the nationally recognized standard for health and wellness coaching.
Who is eligible to take the NBHWC Board Exam?
To be eligible, you must:
- Complete an NBHWC Approved Training Program
- Complete 50 documented coaching sessions
- Meet the education requirement
All eligibility requirements must be met prior to the application deadline for the exam you are applying for.
For complete eligibility requirements and exceptions, visit the Get Board Certified page.
Do I have to complete an NBHWC Approved Training Program?
Yes.
Completion of an NBHWC Approved Training Program is required for every exam candidate. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Approved programs meet rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, coaching competencies, and practical skills assessment, ensuring every candidate enters the certification process with a consistent foundation.
I completed my program several years ago. Can I still apply?
Possibly.
If you do not have the NBHWC Exam Eligibility Letter, you will need to contact your Approved Training Program to verify your eligibility before your application can be approved. All applicants must have the NBHWC Exam Eligibility Letter to apply.
I completed a program before it became NBHWC Approved. Am I eligible?
No.
Candidates must complete an NBHWC Approved Training Program while it holds NBHWC approval. NBHWC does not accept bridge pathways for graduates who completed a program before approval was granted.
I have an advanced degree, healthcare license, or years of coaching experience. Do I still need an Approved Training Program?
Yes.
All candidates, including licensed healthcare professionals and experienced coaches, must complete an NBHWC Approved Training Program before applying for the exam.
Do I need a college degree?
You must meet one of the following education requirements:
- Associate’s degree or higher (in any field)
OR - 4,000 hours of qualifying work experience (in any field)
My degree is not in a health-related field. Can I still apply?
Yes. Your degree does not need to be in a health-related field to meet the education requirement.
Applicants must have an associate degree or higher (or qualify through the work experience pathway), but the degree may be in any field of study.
I earned my degree outside the United States. Can I use it?
Yes.
If your application is selected for an audit, International degrees must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service to verify they are equivalent to at least a U.S. associate’s degree.
You may instead qualify using the work experience pathway if you meet that requirement.
Do I need to submit transcripts?
No. As part of your application, you will complete the Education Attestation Form.
A small percentage of applications are selected for an audit. If your application is selected, you will be asked to submit an official transcript by the deadline provided in your audit notification.
When can I begin documenting coaching sessions?
You may begin documenting coaching sessions after successfully completing the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) within your NBHWC Approved Training Program.
Your Approved Training Program will provide the exact date you are eligible to begin your coaching log. Coaching sessions completed before your approved start date cannot be counted toward the coaching log requirement.
Do I have to coach 50 different people?
No. The requirement is 50 individual coaching sessions, not 50 different clients.
How do I “code” people to keep my log anonymous?
To protect client privacy, do not include client names in your coaching log.
You may use any coding or identification system that works for you, such as initials, numbers, or a unique client ID. There is no required format, as long as you can distinguish one client from another while protecting their confidentiality.
Can I coach friends, family members, or other students?
The Coaching Log is intended to provide real-world coaching experience that prepares you for the Board Certification Exam.
Coaching sessions with friends, family members, or current classmates should not be included.
Because these relationships vary, NBHWC does not define them. We encourage you to use your best judgment and select clients who reflect the intent of this requirement.
What are common coaching log mistakes?
For complete coaching log requirements, visit https://nbhwc.org/coaching-log/.
Common mistakes include:
- Sessions completed before the Practical
- Skills Assessment (PSA)
- Missing signatures
- Missing information
- Incomplete dates (MM/DD/YY)
Can I get more time to complete my Coaching Log?
Yes. If you are unable to complete your Coaching Log by the application deadline, you may request a Coaching Log Extension for a fee. An extension provides approximately 21 additional days to complete and submit your Coaching Log.
For more information, visit Coaching Log Extension page.
How do I apply?
To begin your application, visit myNBME.org.
Before beginning your application, have all required documents available, including your Eligibility Letter, coaching log, and education documentation.
Watch our short video demonstrating how to upload application documents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4it2nakJLaI
What documents do I need?
The following documents are required to complete your application:
✔ NBHWC Exam Eligibility Letter
✔ Coaching Log
✔ Education Attestation Form
Detailed information about each requirement, including document templates and instructions, is available on the Get Board Certified page: https://nbhwc.org/get-board-certified/
How do I upload documents?
Watch our short video demonstrating how to upload application documents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyjC5VW4g_4
I can't log in to my application account. How do I get help?
If you are experiencing issues accessing your myNBME account, please contact NBME Support at support@nbme.org.
I applied before and didn't pass the exam. How do I apply again?
To retest, register and pay the application fee during the application window for the exam you wish to take. You do not need to upload your documents again, even though the application system may prompt you to do so. Your previously approved documents remain on file.
Once your application and payment have been received, your application will be processed for the selected exam window.
What if I need ADA accommodations for the exam?
Reasonable and appropriate testing accommodations are available for individuals with documented disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you are requesting accommodations, you must submit supporting documentation as part of the accommodations review process. Documentation is used to determine what accommodations are appropriate for the examination.
For detailed information about the accommodations process and documentation requirements, please review the ADA Accommodation Information (https://nbhwc.org/nbhwc-exam-accommodations/).
If you have additional questions about testing accommodations, please email access@nbme.org.
How long does application review take?
Applications are typically reviewed within 30 days of submission.
Review does not begin until you click Submit.
We recommend submitting early in the application window to allow time for corrections if needed.
How will I know the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your myNBME account at www.mynbme.org. After signing in, open your NBHWC application to view your current status.
On Hold – Awaiting Eligibility Review – We’ve received your application and it’s waiting to be reviewed. No action is needed unless we contact you.
On Hold – Awaiting Customer Response – We reviewed your application and need additional information before it can be approved. – Please review the email sent from eligibility@nbhwc.org and submit the requested information.
Approved for Current Window – Congratulations! Your application has been approved. Within 5–7 business days, you’ll receive an email from NBME letting you know your Scheduling Permit is available in your myNBME account.
Can I replace a document after submitting my application?
Once you submit your application for review, you cannot replace documents. However, you may upload additional documents if needed.
If a document needs to be corrected or replaced, you will be notified by email with instructions on how to make the necessary changes.
What if I make a mistake on my application?
If corrections are needed, you will receive an email with instructions on what needs to be updated and how to make the necessary changes. You will be given time to correct your application before it can be approved.
Be sure to monitor your email, including your spam or junk folder, and respond as soon as possible. The time allowed to make corrections is limited.
What happens if my application is denied?
Before denying an application, NBHWC will contact you by email to provide an opportunity to resolve the issue.
If your application is ultimately denied, you will be notified by email. Your exam fee will be refunded to your original method of payment. Please allow time for the refund to be processed by your financial institution. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
How can I prepare for the NBHWC Board Exam?
To prepare for the NBHWC Board Exam, we recommend the following steps:
- Review the NBHWC Exam Content Outline, which details the knowledge domains and competencies covered.
- Review the NBHWC Scope of Practice
- Review the NBHWC Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Utilize the NBHWC Exam Prep Materials
- Review course materials from your Approved Training Program.
Are sample questions or practice exams available?
Yes. NBHWC offers a variety of exam preparation materials, including practice exams, to help you prepare for the NBHWC Board Exam.
To learn more, visit NBHWC Exam Prep Materials.
Please note that results from practice exams are intended for study purposes only and do not predict performance on the NBHWC Board Exam.
How do I schedule my exam?
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email from NBME with your Scheduling Permit. This email will contain instructions for scheduling your exam appointment through Prometric.
What if the name on my Scheduling Permit does not match my government-issued ID?
The name on your Scheduling Permit must match the name on your valid government-issued photo ID.
The following differences are acceptable and do not require a name change:
- Differences in capitalization
- The presence or absence of a middle name, middle initial, or suffix
- A middle name on one document and a middle initial on the other
For any other differences, contact support@nbme.org at least 10 days before your exam appointment. Include your exam registration number, your full name, and a brief explanation of the requested change.
If the name on your Scheduling Permit does not match your government-issued ID, you will not be permitted to take the exam.
How do I reschedule my exam?
You may reschedule your exam appointment within the same testing window through Prometric. You will need the confirmation number from your original appointment to make changes.
Please note that exam appointments cannot be rescheduled to a different testing window. If you wish to test during a future exam window, you must cancel your current application and submit a new application during the desired application window.
Rescheduling and cancellation fees may apply. Please refer to the NBHWC Fee Policy for current fee information.
Can I cancel my exam application or exam appointment?
Yes. You may cancel your exam application before the applicable refund deadline. If you have already scheduled an appointment with Prometric, you must also cancel your exam appointment directly with Prometric.
To cancel your exam application:
- Log in to your account at www.mynbme.org.
- Open your exam registration.
- Under Get Help Now, select Create a Case.
- Use “NBHWC Exam Cancellation” as the subject and submit your request.
- If applicable, cancel your Prometric appointment.
Refund requests received after the published refund deadline are not eligible. Please refer to the NBHWC Fee Policy for current deadlines and refund information.
What is the format of the exam?
The NBHWC Board Exam is a computerized, 150 question, multiple choice exam. The exam is divided into two sections. You can read more about the format of the exam in the Exam Information Packet located here https://nbhwc.org/get-board-certified/.
What do I need to bring on exam day?
On exam day, you must bring:
✔ Your Scheduling Permit
✔ A valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID that exactly matches the name on your Scheduling Permit.
Be sure to review your Scheduling Permit before exam day for any additional testing instructions or requirements.
How are passing scores determined?
The passing standard is established through a comprehensive process involving subject matter experts and statistical methods designed to ensure fairness across different versions of the exam.
Because each exam form contains different questions, the passing score may vary slightly from one administration to the next to account for differences in exam difficulty.
This ensures every candidate is evaluated against the same standard of knowledge and competency.
For this reason, NBHWC does not publish a single passing score.
When do I receive results?
Results are typically available within 4–6 weeks. You will receive an email when test results are ready for review.
What happens after I pass the exam?
Within 24 hours of your exam results being released, you will receive an email with information on how to access your new NBC-HWC benefits and resources.
Your official board certification certificate will also be emailed to you.
If you do not receive your email within 24 hours, please check your spam or junk folder before contacting NBHWC.
What if I don't pass?
If you do not pass the exam, you may retake it up to a total of three times before additional training is required. Each retake requires a $500 fee. There are no discounts for retakes.
If you fail the exam three times, you must complete another NBHWC-Approved Training Program and a new coaching log to become eligible to sit for the exam again.
How much does the Board Certification Exam cost?
The current application and examination fees are listed on the NBHWC Fees & Policies page.
Please refer to that page for the most up-to-date information on:
- Application and examination fees
- Refund policies
- Other applicable policies
View the current fees and policies:
https://nbhwc.org/fee-policy/
Exam eligibility questions
Contact form link
Testing accommodations
access@nbme.org
Application Technical support
support@nbme.org
Contact Us For More Information
We strive to provide all relevant information on the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) website, however, if you have a question that is not addressed elsewhere on the site or below, please contact us.
