Frequently Asked Questions

NSHC provides a Program Study Guide, access to Live Practice Webinars, a Certified Nurse Coach Supervisor for your required coaching hours, and ongoing support by phone and email. We want every nurse who enrolls to succeed and are here throughout the entire process.

Yes. Many board-certified nurse coaches build independent health coaching practices, either alongside or separate from their clinical role. NSHC's membership community and resources are available to support that path.

Yes. For nurses working in or pursuing positions at Magnet-recognized facilities, this recognition carries meaningful professional weight.

The full pathway earns 60 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits: 42 through the health coaching certification program and 18 through the NC-BC prep course. These apply directly toward your RN license renewal.

Supervised coaching hours are an AHNCC requirement for NC-BC eligibility. NSHC includes a Certified Nurse Coach Supervisor in both enrollment options, so you do not need to find one independently. Your supervisor documents your hours and provides the validation letter required for your application.

Most nurses complete the combined pathway within 12 to 18 months while continuing to work full-time. Because everything is self-paced, your timeline is yours to set.

If you are starting from scratch, yes. The CHC is the foundation of the NC-BC pathway. If you have already earned the CHC through NSHC, you can enroll directly in the NC-BC Prep Course.

NSHC's health coaching certification, the Certified Health Coach (CHC), is the foundational program that builds your clinical coaching skills and is the required first step in the NC-BC pathway. The NC-BC is the advanced board certification awarded by the AHNCC upon completing both programs, meeting supervised hours requirements, and passing the AHNCC exam.

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.

Licensed healthcare clinicians who complete the NSHC program and pass the CHC Certification Exam. This includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered dietitians, physical therapists, and a broad range of other licensed practitioners. Non-licensed staff earn a Certificate of Completion upon passing the final assessment.

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

NSHC provides a Program Study Guide and ongoing support by phone and email. NSHC Lead Health Coaches are available throughout your self-study. We want everyone to be successful and are here to support you throughout the entire process and beyond.

Yes. Everyone completes the same coursework, allowing all staff to learn the same material. The credential earned at the end is determined by licensure status.

The NBC-HWC is a separate credential offered through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. RNs pursuing nurse-specific board certification should explore NSHC's board-certified nurse coach program, which prepares them for the Nurse Coach Board Certification (NC-BC).

Yes. NSHC members holding a Certificate of Completion provide general wellness coaching using the new skills learned in areas such as: healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco cessation, weight management, and stress management – those areas where best practice information is widely available in the public domain. Employing organizations determine how staff holding a Certificate of Completion will be utilized within the organization.  

The CHC is a nationally recognized health coach certification available exclusively to licensed clinicians who pass the Certification Exam. The Certificate of Completion is a professional development credential for non-licensed staff working as part of a health care team or in a healthcare setting who complete the coursework and pass the post-test. The coursework is identical for both tracks.

Licensed clinicians who pass the CHC Certification Exam earn 42 continuing education credits. NSHC is an accredited CE provider through the ACSM, the CDR, and other recognized bodies.

No. The program is entirely self-paced and online. There are no mandatory class times, live sessions, or onsite requirements.

A minimum of 85 hours of self-study is recommended. Most clinicians complete the program while continuing to work full-time. Completion timelines vary based on individual schedule and pace.

Licensed healthcare clinicians who complete the NSHC program and pass the CHC Certification Exam. This includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered dietitians, physical therapists, and a broad range of other licensed practitioners. Non-licensed staff earn a Certificate of Completion upon passing the final assessment.

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 board certified health coach programs. 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.

For Hard Copy Manuals: If you purchase a hard copy of our health coach certification program, you are eligible for a full refund within 15 days of purchase under the following conditions:

• The manual must be unopened and in its original condition.
• The Buyer is responsible for paying the return shipping.

For E-Manual Products: If you purchase one of our e-manual certification programs, you are eligible for a full refund within 15 days of purchase under these conditions:

• You must not have accessed or used any portion of the e-manual. A usage percentage of 0% is required for a refund to be processed.

  No partial refunds are permitted. Please contact our customer service team if you have any questions or need assistance.

Please login and place your order through the Member Store.

Email us for international shipping rates. Please provide the number of program manuals being ordered, the destination address including the zip code and phone number in your email.

Purchasing:

• Hard Copy (Group and Single): contact us to place your order.
• E-Manual International Orders: Use the Order Here button to place your order.

Please Contact Us for Group Purchasing details.

Email us at info@nshcoa.com to schedule a call to discuss details, or visit our CoachClinic® page for general information.

Common approaches include setting a group completion deadline, assigning weekly sections from the manual, scheduling periodic study days, and using NSHC's Program Study Guide to structure your group's progress.

Licensed clinicians take the Certification Exam to earn the CHC credential. Non-licensed staff take the post-test to earn the Certificate of Completion. The course material is the same for both.

We provide a Program Study Guide, organizational guidance on structuring your timeline, and personal support via phone and email throughout the process.

Licensed clinicians who pass the Certification Exam earn 42 continuing education credits. NSHC is an accredited CE provider through the ACSM, the CDR, and Scully Health Management, Inc.

Yes. Everyone takes the same coursework. The credential earned at the end is determined by licensure status.

The CHC is a certification available exclusively to licensed clinicians who pass the Certification Exam. The Certificate of Completion is a professional development credential for non-licensed staff who complete the coursework and pass the post-test.

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.