Become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach

Holistic Health Educators’ HHC/TNC Dual Certification Programs are deeply rooted in health sciences, natural health protocols for a wide range of conditions, practical wellness strategies, lifestyle instruction, behavior change principles, and in-depth training in cellular anatomy and physiology.

The NBHWC Board-Approved Health & Wellness Coach Program focuses on professional coaching techniques—including interpersonal communication, active listening, ethics, and the structure of effective, board-approved coaching sessions.

While the content emphasis differs, these programs complement each other exceptionally well. Graduates emerge with both the knowledge to support the body’s healing and the coaching skills to guide clients through the behavior changes necessary to achieve lasting results.

The program includes two live classes per week—scheduled either Monday & Wednesday evenings or Tuesday & Thursday afternoons—totaling about 4 hours of live instruction.

Outside of class, you’ll complete assigned book readings, watch short online training videos, and have the option to join our weekly study group sessions for additional support and connection.

On average, we recommend budgeting 6–10 hours per week for the program to ensure steady progress and full mastery of the material.

Yes—live attendance is required for this 20-week program, along with completing all coursework during the set timeline. You may miss up to two live classes without penalty. If you miss more than two, you’ll be required to schedule a make-up session with your instructor to stay on track.

We understand this is a significant commitment, but it’s also an essential investment in your success as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and holistic health professional.

One of the most practical benefits of NBHWC board certification is the ability to apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI). Many graduates use their NPI to qualify for reimbursement through their clients’ FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts).

Board certification can also create opportunities to work with healthcare systems that use electronic medical record (EMR) systems, potentially allowing you to utilize CPT codes for billing in collaborative settings.

While we cannot guarantee insurance reimbursement at this time, advocacy is actively underway to expand these opportunities. A major milestone occurred on April 1, 2021, when the NBHWC announced that health and wellness coaches would be assigned a unique taxonomy code—a recognition that strengthens our profession’s role in healthcare and lays important groundwork for potential future insurance billing.

This growing integration of health coaching into mainstream healthcare enhances your professional credibility, career opportunities, and earning potential as a certified coach.

The National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential is the profession’s highest standard, developed in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners.

With more health and wellness coach training programs on the market than ever, NBHWC approval ensures that both coaches—and the organizations training them—meet rigorous, standardized qualifications that advance the industry’s standard of care.

HHE’s Holistic Health Coach Certification is officially recognized as an NBHWC Approved Training & Education Program. This means graduates are eligible to sit for the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Examination to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.

Board certification provides advanced training in coaching and health-related topics and can open the door to insurance billing (when permitted), as well as FSA/HSA reimbursement for clients—significantly expanding your professional credibility and career opportunities.

It depends on your schedule and availability. Some students successfully complete their current HHE coursework alongside the NBHWC program, while others choose to pause their existing classes to focus fully on the 20-week training.

When you enroll in the NBHWC program, we automatically extend your HHE graduation deadline by 5 months. You’re also welcome to keep your original graduation date if you feel confident balancing both programs without added stress.

As a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), you can work in a wide range of professional settings, including:

• Healthcare teams — Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in integrative care settings.

• Digital health companies — Coach clients virtually for leading telehealth, wellness, and lifestyle platforms.

• Community-based programs — Support health initiatives through nonprofits, public health organizations, or local wellness centers.

• Corporate wellness — Design and deliver programs that improve employee health, engagement, and productivity.

• Private practice — Build your own coaching business, specializing in areas such as stress resilience, nutrition, or lifestyle transformation.

Board certification enhances your credibility, marketability, and earning potential, opening doors in both traditional healthcare and the expanding wellness industry.

No. The Board Exam fee is not included in your tuition. Because students may choose to take the NBHWC board exam at different times throughout the year, registration and payment for the exam are handled directly by the student.

The exam must be taken in person at an approved testing center. You can view upcoming exam dates and find the nearest location by visiting www.nbhwc.org.

To be eligible for the National Board Certification Exam, you must:

1. Complete the training program — 75 hours of approved instruction.

2. Complete 50 health & wellness coaching sessions (minimum 20 minutes each) after your training.

3. Provide documentation of either:

   • An associate degree or higher (any field), OR 

   • ~2 years (4,000 hours) of work experience (does not need to be health-related).

4. Apply for the board exam through the NBHWC website and achieve a score of 80% or higher.

The NBHWC offers three exam windows each year—visit their site for dates and the official Exam Checklist.