NBHWC NBC-HWC: The US Standard for Health & Wellness Coach Certification

What Is the NBHWC NBC-HWC?

The NBC-HWC (National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach) is the gold standard credential for health and wellness coaches in the United States, issued by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Created through a partnership between the NBHWC and ACE (American Council on Exercise), the NBC-HWC is recognized by the medical community, health systems, hospitals, and employers. It is increasingly integrated into clinical settings where health coaches work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

NBC-HWC Requirements

• Approved training program: Complete an NBHWC-approved health and wellness coaching training program (minimum 75 training contact hours with significant health behavior change content)
• Practice sessions: 50+ completed health coaching sessions
• National Board examination: Pass the NBC-HWC exam (150 questions covering health behavior change, coaching competencies, and wellness science)
• CPR certification: Current CPR/AED certification required

Why the NBC-HWC Matters in Healthcare Settings

The NBC-HWC has achieved a level of medical community recognition that the ICF and other coaching bodies have not:

• CPT billing codes: NBC-HWC coaches can bill for health coaching services using specific CPT codes, enabling reimbursement through some health insurance programs
• Hospital systems: Many US hospital systems and integrated health systems hire NBC-HWC coaches for chronic disease management programs
• Corporate wellness: Large employers specify NBC-HWC credentials for employee wellness program coaches
• Primary care integration: Growing movement to embed health coaches in primary care settings

NBC-HWC International Equivalents

For health and wellness coaches outside the US, equivalent certifications include:

• UK/Ireland: UK and Ireland Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA) — the primary UK health coaching body, aligning with NHS standards
• Australia: Health Coaching Australia (HCA) and the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) credentialing programs
• Global: Many health coaches outside the US pursue both their country's health coaching credential AND the ICF ACC/PCC for broader coaching credibility

NBC-HWC Renewal

The NBC-HWC requires renewal every 3 years, including 36 approved continuing education hours and ongoing professional development in health and wellness coaching.