Board Certified Health Coach
A board-certified health coach is a health coach who has met nationally recognized standards for training, coaching skills, and ethics, and has passed a certification exam through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). This credential demonstrates that a coach has been trained by an approved coaching program in evidence-based behavior change methods and has the competencies required to support clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes.
What does it mean to be board-certified?
Being board certified means a health coach has completed an approved training program, like FMCA, logged at least 50 coaching sessions, and successfully passed a standardized exam that assesses coaching knowledge, skills and professional ethics. Board certification signals a commitment to professionalism and ongoing education within the field of health and wellness coaching.
What is the difference between a certified health coach and a board-certified health coach?
A certified health coach has completed a training program and earned a credential from that organization, demonstrating foundational knowledge and coaching skills. Certification programs can vary in length, depth, and requirements. A board-certified health coach has completed an approved training program and passed a standardized national exam through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.
This credential reflects a consistent set of professional standards in coaching competencies, ethics, and behavior change methodologies. The board certification offers a higher level of standardization and is widely recognized across the industry.