NBHWC Certification Requirements: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

So, you’re passionate about helping people live healthier, more balanced lives—and now you’re ready to take it to the next level by becoming board-certified. The NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching) is the gold standard in the wellness coaching world, and in 2025, it's still the #1 credential for serious coaches who want to stand out.

But how do you actually get certified?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to add professional credibility to your coaching practice, here’s everything you need to knowto get NBHWC certified this year.

Before anything else, you’ll need to complete a training program that's been approved by NBHWC. These programs are designed to teach you essential coaching skills like motivational interviewing, client-centered goal setting, and behavior change theory.

What to look for:

At least 60 hours of training

Supervised coaching practice

Feedback from experienced mentors

Topics like health psychology, ethics, and communication

💡 Tip: Choose a program that fits your schedule—many offer online optionsthat are self-paced or cohort-based.

After finishing your training, you’ll need to log at least 50 real coaching sessions. These should be with actual clients (not classmates), and each session must be at least 20 minutes long.

You’ll document each session with:

The date

Session length

Client initials

A brief summary

This shows the NBHWC that you’ve actually practiced your skills outside the classroom.

You don’t need a college degree to apply—but you must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. If you’ve already completed higher education in fields like nutrition, psychology, fitness, or nursing, that’s a bonus, but it’s not required.

Once you’ve checked the boxes above, it’s time to apply for the certification exam. You’ll submit:

Proof of training program completion

Your coaching log

Education documentation

Application fee

Once approved, you’ll schedule your exam with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

What’s the exam like?

Multiple choice

4 main areas: Coaching structure, process, communication skills, and health knowledge

Available online or at test centers

2025 Exam Windows:

April (Spring)

October (Fall)

To keep your certification active, you’ll need to:

Complete 36 hours of continuing educationevery 3 years

Stay up to date with NBHWC’s Code of Ethics

Submit renewal documents and fees

This helps you grow with the field—and keeps your skills sharp and current.

With wellness coaching booming across healthcare, corporate wellness, tech, and private practice, NBHWC certification helps you rise above the noise. Employers, clients, and healthcare providers know that board-certified coaches meet the highest standards in the industry.

It’s not just a credential—it’s a statement of excellence.

If you're ready to turn your passion for wellness into a legit, professional career, then NBHWC certification is absolutely worth it. It’s a journey of growth, learning, and empowerment—not just for your clients, but for you too.

2025 could be the year you finally say, “I’m a board-certified coach.”