Frequently Asked Questions

Without an active license to practice as a clinician, one needs to select Allied Healthcare Provider-Certificate of Completion Only in the credentials drop down when registering. However, before taking that examination, the person completes their licensure program and receives their clinical license. Then the person notifies us and provides validation of licensure at which time we change the credential from Allied Healthcare Provider to your respective licensed credential. With this process in mind, one needs to decide when is the most appropriate time to purchase and register for NSHC's program. Individuals will typically wait until closer to the time they receive their "active clinical license" before they purchase. You have 12 months from the time of purchase to use NSHC's one complimentary test attempt, so several months out would be an appropriate "wait" time to purchase/register.

Some of the most commonly used methods are:

• Meet with staff to determine what they believe to be a reasonable timeframe for their completion of study and testing.
• Select an end date for all staff to have completed their study and testing.
• Give staff a paid day off periodically to meet together onsite for the purpose of independent study time.
• Give staff “assignments” of the various Manual Sections from week to week in order to meet a company or organization deadline. Each staff member eports progress to a designated leader.
• Use NSHC's Program Study Guide to set dates for your group's completion of different blocks of study material. (We highly recommend this.)

• We know test taking can be stressful. Our course was purposefully built to maximize learning and comprehension  - we want everyone to be successful! Over 90% of  test takers pass their certification test on the first attempt. We provide one complimentary test attempt. You may re-test in 30 days. The re-test fee is $50. If you re-test after your 12-month complimentary period, there is a re-test fee of $50 and membership renewal of $50. You must have a current NSHC Membership to access the Members Only Testing Area.

Skills competency is timed and is taken only after passing the multiple choice examination. It simulates health coaching encounters via online video, whereby your responses to the clients are scored.

Certification Examination is comprised of two parts. Part 1 Exam is Multiple Choice and Part 2 is Skills Competency.  Part 1 contains 125 items and is timed. Part 1 must be passed before entry into Skills Competency is permitted.

The online post test is for those individuals who are not licensed as healthcare practitioners. The online Certification Exam and Skills Competency is primarily for those individuals seeking health coach certification who have a license to provide medical advice and guidance.

Email us at: info@nshcoa.com  to schedule a call to discuss details.  General information can be found by clicking the CoachClinic® tab on the menu bar.

No, it isn’t possible to cover all of the program materials in one day that are necessary in order to test. NSHC's CoachClinic® jumpt starts an organization's use of evidence-based health coaching by including self-assessments and live practice as part of the event. .

The NSHC's private onsite CoachClinic® is a daylong event provided specifically for an organization at their selected venue for its staff and invited guests. This highly interactive clinic is generally used to jumpstart the understanding and use of motivational interviewing within the patient/client engagement and the implementation of evidence-based health coaching by healthcare providers. The day is highlighted by guidance from the NSHC Lead Coaches in self-assessments, group discussion and hours of practice devoted to attendees developing their health coaching and motivational interviewing skills!

A passion, a willingness to help people, and good communication skills are some of the qualifications you need. Additionally, the NSHC exclusively certifies licensed clinicians and practitioners in health coaching. Please contact us if you have specific questions regarding your eligibility.

Recertification is required every 5 years and is achieved only through re-testing. The exam will reflect the content of the most current NSHC Edition of its self-study program. NSHC Members will register for recertification and test prior to the expiration of their CHC credential to avoid interruption in their certification status.  A current NSHC membership, in good standing with the Society, and an active unencumbered license/qualifying credential are required to recertify. The cost for recertification is $545.  You can register for recertification in the Member Store after login or contact us to request an invoice to pay by check.

• We know test taking can be stressful. Our course was purposefully built to maximize learning and comprehension  - we want everyone to be successful! Over 90% of  test takers pass their certification test on the first attempt. We provide one complimentary test attempt. You may re-test in 30 days. The re-test fee is $50. If you re-test after your 12-month complimentary period, there is a re-test fee of $50 and membership renewal of $50. You must have a current NSHC Membership to access the Members Only Testing Area.

If you are a licensed clinician, especially a nurse, the NSHC program was designed specifically for YOU. Other programs certify people with all types of backgrounds, that of non-licensed lay and allied health providers. NSHC's program is based on the knowledge that clinicians bring to their study. As such, NSHC requires higher eligibility criteria for its Health Coach Certification. 

The course material is the same for both the Certification (for licensed clinicians) and for the Certificate of Completion (non-licensed clinicians). Those with a certification eligible credential take the health coach certification exam to become a Certified Health Coach (CHC) and all others take a Post Test for the Certificate of Completion.

Setting the gold standard for healthcare practitioners and clinicians in health coach certification, NSHC developed the Nation’s first Clinical Model of Evidence-based Health Coaching. Our program was developed by clinicians for clinicians and allied healthcare providers whose goal it is to implement evidence-based health coaching at the point of care to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

Merriam-Webster defines wellness as the quality of state of being healthy; or in good health, especially as an activity- sought goal.  The Centers for Disease Control define wellness as the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about life.  Therefore, it can be reasoned that wellness coaching is guidance and inspiration provided to otherwise "healthy" individuals who desire to maintain or improve their overall general health. In contrast, the premise of the NSHC is that health coaching is provided to those with disease, acute and chronic conditions, co-morbidities, and/or moderate to high health risks and shall be conducted by licensed/credentialed healthcare professionals who may also provide clinical interventions and treatments within the coaching engagement. See NSHC's Published Article: Advancing the Practice of Health Coaching

Keep in mind that NHSC's program is designed for independent self-study, and that individuals taking our program vary widely in reading speeds, learning styles and comprehension. It is estimated that it takes a minimum of 85+ hours to complete NSHC's self-study.

Evidence-based health coaching skills can benefit all individuals who work with people of all ages. Your organization will determine how your new health coaching skills will be used within your current position. We’ve had many people tell us that they have used the strategies with their families and children!

The course material is the same for both the Certification (for licensed clinicians) and for the Certificate of Completion (non-licensed clinicians). Those with a certification eligible credential take the health coach certification exam to become a Certified Health Coach (CHC) and all others take a Post Test for the Certificate of Completion.

The cost for program materials is $875. NSHC offers volume discount pricing for groups of 5 or more! Click the Course Details link located under the Certification Tab to view volume pricing and requesting an invoice for your volume order.

Health coaching is not regulated at this point. However, there are growing concerns about coaches who engage individuals with chronic conditions or those with moderate to high health risk who are not qualified by licensure to do so. State Practice Acts regulate who can provide clinical interventions. Those without a license who use coaching skills must not cross into the boundaries of medicine, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, or therapy. See NSHC's special presentation: The Legalities of Health Coaching.  

The NSHC exclusively certifies only clinicians and practitioners in health coaching. However, the NSHC also awards a Certificate of Completion to all non-licensed healthcare providers upon passing. NSHC's guided self-study program is purchased online followed by Registration. Contact the NSHC with questions of particular interest to you.

Merriam-Webster defines wellness as the quality of state of being healthy; or in good health, especially as an activity- sought goal.  The Centers for Disease Control define wellness as the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about life.  Therefore, it can be reasoned that wellness coaching is guidance and inspiration provided to otherwise "healthy" individuals who desire to maintain or improve their overall general health. In contrast, the premise of the NSHC is that health coaching is provided to those with disease, acute and chronic conditions, co-morbidities, and/or moderate to high health risks and shall be conducted by licensed/credentialed healthcare professionals who may also provide clinical interventions and treatments within the coaching engagement. See NSHC's Published Article: Advancing the Practice of Health Coaching

The National Society of Health Coaches describes Evidence-Based Health Coaching (EBHC) as the use of evidence-based skillfull conversation, clinical strategies and interventions to actively and safely engage clients in health behavior change to better self-manage their health, health risk, and acute and chronic conditions resulting in optimal wellness, lowered health risk, improved health outcomes and decreased health costs. View NSHC's Clinical Model of Health Coaching, first in the nation.

The NSHC has higher certification eligibility criteria than the NBHWC. NSHC requires a current license, registration or certification to assess, plan, treat, implement and/or evaluate interventions in the clinical setting. The NBHWC includes programs that certify non-clinicians as health coaches, while the NSHC certifies only those with an active clinical license to practice. Due to this difference, the NSHC will remain independent of the NBHWC.

Membership is exclusive and is automatic for those who purchase NSHC’s health coaching program. Your first membership year is complimetnary!

(Applicable to Current NSHC Members)

• Exclusive Member Email Listserv for professional networking (No profiles to complete!)
• FREE NSHC Live Practice Webinars (each $125 value)
• Inclusion in NSHC's CHC Member Registry (Conditions apply)
• Personal support via phone & email (Complimentary)
• Certificates printable immediately upon passing

The course material is the same for both the Certification (for licensed clinicians) and for the Certificate of Completion (non-licensed clinicians). Those with a certification eligible credential take the health coach certification exam to become a Certified Health Coach (CHC) and all others take a Post Test for the Certificate of Completion.

Contact hours and credits are provided complimentary by the NSHC.    

• Nursing and Physical Therapy are granted Forty-two (42) Continuing Education Contact hours by Scully Health Management, Inc. (954-242-0515), Coral Springs, FL, an Approved Provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 14223), and Approved by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
• The Commission on Dietetic Registration has approved NSHC's program for 42 CPEUs for its Registered Dietitian; Dietetic Technician, Registered; Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist; and Nutrition & Dietetic Technician, Registered. "Learning Needs" Codes for the Commission on Dietetic Registration are 6010, 6020, 6070, and 6080. Those awarded CPEUs may submit Program feedback directly to the CDR at cdr@eatright.org
• All other individuals qualified for NSHC Certification and also Allied Healthcare Providers, upon passing, receive 42 CECs from the American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM). The American College of Sports Medicine's Professional Education Committee certifies that the National Society of Health Coaches meets the criteria for official ACSM Approved Provider Status from 2018 - December 2023. Providership # 701294.

NOTE: Those granted CE Contact Hours are responsible for safely maintaining their respective certificate in their own personal files and for submitting to their own Professional Board for approval.

Without an active license to practice as a clinician, one needs to select Allied Healthcare Provider-Certificate of Completion Only in the credentials drop down when registering. However, before taking that examination, the person completes their licensure program and receives their clinical license. Then the person notifies us and provides validation of licensure at which time we change the credential from Allied Healthcare Provider to your respective licensed credential. With this process in mind, one needs to decide when is the most appropriate time to purchase and register for NSHC's program. Individuals will typically wait until closer to the time they receive their "active clinical license" before they purchase. You have 12 months from the time of purchase to use NSHC's one complimentary test attempt, so several months out would be an appropriate "wait" time to purchase/register.

Some of the most commonly used methods are:

• Meet with staff to determine what they believe to be a reasonable timeframe for their completion of study and testing.
• Select an end date for all staff to have completed their study and testing.
• Give staff a paid day off periodically to meet together onsite for the purpose of independent study time.
• Give staff “assignments” of the various Manual Sections from week to week in order to meet a company or organization deadline. Each staff member eports progress to a designated leader.
• Use NSHC's Program Study Guide to set dates for your group's completion of different blocks of study material. (We highly recommend this.)

Yes! We have an entire Section devoted to MI with a robust Training Video Series (produced by Psychotherapy.Net and Cathy Cole, MINT Trainer and former NSHC Professional Advisory Board Member). NSHC's highly popular Live Practice Webinars are also offered on a regular basis.

The online post test is for those individuals who are not licensed as healthcare practitioners. The online Certification Exam and Skills Competency is primarily for those individuals seeking health coach certification who have a license to provide medical advice and guidance.

Setting the gold standard for healthcare practitioners and clinicians in health coach certification, NSHC developed the Nation’s first Clinical Model of Evidence-based Health Coaching. Our program was developed by clinicians for clinicians and allied healthcare providers whose goal it is to implement evidence-based health coaching at the point of care to improve outcomes and reduce costs.