If you’re serious about carving a fulfilling and rewarding career in the health and wellness space, then obtaining your NBHWC credential is a must.
Upskill your credential and become NBHWC certified.
But first, what is the NBHWC? And why is it so important to become a board certified health coach?
You’ll find the answers to these questions, and so much more in our four-step guide to becoming an NBHWC certified health coach.
In this article we cover the four major requirements that you must achieve in order to become board-certified. These include:
- Graduate from an NBHWC approved training program.
- Log 50 health coaching sessions.
- Complete higher education/work experience requirements.
- Pass the National Board Certification Exam.
Let's get into it!
What Is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach?
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC) have sat the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) exam. This is the highest standard in the profession of health coaching.
Prospective employers and future clients look for coaches holding a NBHWC credential, as it represents the pinnacle in health coaching.
But how did it all begin?
The NBHWC is a non profit organization that was established in 2016. Their aim was to define and develop professional standards for health and wellness professionals in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). These standards were developed by industry experts, and form the basis of the NBC-HWC credential.
There's currently no requirement for health coaches to become certified in the United States. But, many jobs in the healthcare sector require board certification upon application.
The skills acquired from the NBC-HWC credential are desirable for healthcare professionals outside of the coaching space. Certified personal trainers, nurses and health education workers are just a few allied health professionals that will benefit from the NBHWC credential.
Your 4 Step Guide to Becoming NBHWC Certified
Becoming an NBHWC certified coach takes time and planning. If you're feeling a little unsure about how to start the process, then we have you covered.
Here's our 4 step guide to becoming board certified:
1. Graduate From an NBHWC Approved Training Program
Your first step towards becoming a board certified coach is to graduate from an NBHWC Approved Training Program. All NBHWC-approved schools meet the minimum required training and education standards in the areas of:
- Instructional hours.
- Practical skill development and assessment.
- Faculty qualifications in health and wellness.
There are over 138 NBHWC approved training programs to choose from. Many of which are offered as online courses. Each school will have their own unique focus and course content. Choose a school that aligns with your health and wellness values. Look for excellent instruction and guidance too.
2. Log 50 Coaching Sessions
All board certified health coaches are required to provide a coaching log of 50 health and wellness coaching sessions.
The guidelines for these coaching sessions include:
- Duration, each coaching session must be at least 20 minutes.
- They can be facilitated either in person, over the phone or using video conferencing. (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc).
- 75% of each coaching session must be devoted to coaching facilitation and not education.
- Coaching sessions must not be with friends, family or current classmates.
- Coaching sessions can be retroactively listed up to 7 years prior to sitting the NBC-HWC exam.
3. Complete Higher Education/Work Experience Requirements
Before sitting your board certifying exam, you must provide evidence of either:
- Graduation from an associate's degree or higher (in any field).
- At least 4000 hours of work experience (in any field).
4. Pass a National Board Certification Exam
In order to qualify to sit the NBC-HWC exam you must first complete steps 1-3. Exams are held at approved testing locations worldwide, several times a year.
The exam itself consists of 150 multiple choice questions that are to be completed in a four and a half hour time period. The exam focuses on four key concepts:
- Coaching structure, your ability to prepare and manage each stage of a coaching session.
- Coaching process, your ability to use core health coaching competencies with your clients.
- Health and wellness, your knowledge of health behaviors, chronic disease and related topics.
- Ethical and legal considerations relating to health coaching.
Here's three informative NBHWC exam resources you may find helpful:
Upon successful completion of all 4 steps (including passing your exam) you will earn your NBC-HWC credential.
To maintain your NBC-HWC status, 36 continuing education credits are required every three years. These can be obtained by completing approved continuing education courses.
Why You Should Become a PHCI Master Coach
Did you know that here at the Primal Health Coach Institute (PHCI), we offer an NBHWC approved program?
The Master Coach Certification is offered as a fully immersive 12-week program. Our advanced credential is suitable for all aspiring coaches who are keen to:
- Prepare for the NBC-HWC exam with confidence.
- Understand the science behind ancestral health principles.
- Master expert coaching techniques and become a behavior change specialist.
- Network with PHCI's Faculty, fellow classmates and PHCI graduates.
- Graduate from the first ancestral health coaching school.
Erin Power (Course Director and Senior Instructor) leads PHCI's expert panel of Course Facilitators. PHCI's Master Coach Instructors will guide, educate and provide professional support throughout our 12-week program that offers:
- Twenty-four 90-minute webinar sessions (two live sessions per week).
- Online learning with 12 Chapters and 140,000 words.
- Graded peer-to-peer coaching practice with detailed feedback from course faculty.
- Access to the private PHCI Master Coach Facebook Group.
Ready to start your coaching career with a strong foundation? Learn more about PHCI Master Coach Certification here.
Recap
If you’re an inspiring coach, an NBHWC certification is the best way to to reach your career goals. Health coaching is becoming a competitive field to work in, and holding the most sought-after credential in the industry will set you up for success.
To recap, become NBHWC certified by following these 4 steps:
- Graduate from an NBHWC approved training program.
- Log 50 health coaching sessions.
- Complete higher education/work experience requirements.
- Pass the National Board Certification Exam.
Start your journey towards becoming NBHWC certified, and enroll in PHCI's Master Coach Certification today!
