Become a Clinical Health & Well-Being Coach
Ready to join healthcare as a behavior change professional? Learn more about the requirements to become a CHWC here.
Transition Eligibility Pathways
Already a certified coach interested in pursuing the CHWC credential?
As the field of clinical health and well-being coaching continues to evolve, the CHWC certification program recognizes that many experienced professionals have developed substantial education, training, and practice expertise prior to the formal establishment of standardized clinical training pathways.
We are excited to offer Transition Eligibility Pathways through December 2028 that recognize qualifying prior education or professional experience as acceptable preparation for eligibility to sit for the CHWC certification examination.
Degree Path
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher in a health field), and
- 1 year clinical experience, and
- Completion of a coach training program, and
- More than 200 coaching sessions.
- Coaching sessions for either path must be a minimum of 20 minutes with at least 75% of the time dedicated to coaching as opposed to education, diagnosis, or delivery of another healthcare service.
Experience Path
- 2 years clinical experience, and
- Completion of a coach training program, and
- More than 300 coaching sessions.
IBC Bridge Pathway Program
Permanent Eligibility Pathway
1
Complete an IBC-accredited coach training program
2
Apply for the CHWC exam & practical skills evaluation
3
Register for and pass the CHWC exam and practical skills evaluation
Prior to applying for the CHWC credentialing exam, candidates must complete an IBC-accredited training program.
Training programs will equip candidates with foundational health and wellness coaching skills plus advanced competencies tailored for clinical and integrated care.
IBC-accredited programs must have a minimum of 225 training hours with live practice and mentoring opportunities. Completion of a training program includes a minimum of 100 clinical coaching hours under faculty supervision.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas is required:
- Health or Health Sciences
- Behavioral Sciences
- Human Services or other helping professions
At least 3-5 years of professional experience is preferred, but not required.
To submit your application, you will need:
- CHWC training program completion certificate
- Practicum documentation
- Degree verification
Gather your documents to register at the link below. Applications must be submitted within the application window and may take up to 14 business days to process.
Application Information
CHWC Exam and Practical Skills Evaluation
Taking the CHWC exam and practical skills evaluation is the final step in your journey to becoming a clinical health and well-being coach. This is your opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills to support patients in a clinical care setting. Below you'll find the key steps to preparing your application for the exams.
Find an upcoming application window (links will be live when the application is open):
September 2026
February 2027
Prepare your online application:
To apply for the Degree or Experience Transitional Pathway, you will need the following documents:
- Coach certification verification*
- Degree or employment verification*
- Attestation agreements
*Acceptable documentation can be found in the CHWC Candidate Handbook.
To apply through the IBC Bridge Program Pathway, you will need the attestation letter you’ll receive at the completion of the program.
Submit your application fees.
**IBC accepts accommodation requests and financial assistance requests with applications.
Final Steps
Once you have submitted all the requirements, watch your email for your application status. Applicants will be notified of their status via email within 14 business days of submitting their application.
Upon notice of your application’s acceptance, you will receive information for scheduling both your written exam and your practical skills evaluation.
Still Have Questions?
Check out our FAQs page for some more help!