CHWC Exam & PSE FAQs

The CHWC exam application and registration does include fees to cover application processing, exam proctoring, exam management, and standardized patient training and time.

CHWC Exam Application Fee: $250
CHWC PSE: $99

CHWC Exam Retake Fee: $175
CHWC PSE Retake Fee: $75

Yes. To ensure adequate internet speeds for remote proctoring, candidates may complete a brief check through our proctoring partners.

Candidates need internet, video, and microphone for both the PSE and written exam. Additional rules and regulations can be found here.

Their is not a limit on the number of times an individual may take the exam. However, candidates may not attempt the written exam or the PSE more than two times within one year of their first attempt.

Candidates who do not pass on their second attempt must wait one full year prior to retaking either portion of the exam.

IBC is glad to provide accommodations for both the exam and PSE for individuals with appropriate documentation. Accommodation requests may be found here and submitted with a candidates' exam application.

Rely on knowledge and skills gained in your training program, practical work experience, and outlined in the CHWC Examinee Blueprint.

Client (standardized patient) information will be made available 48 hours prior to their scheduled PSE. Candidates should review the client information carefully in preparation for their PSE.

The PSE is scored using a validated, standardized rubric.

As we are building a new credential, the exam and PSE will be offered multiple times per year. Our initial pilot exams will be offered in September and November 2026 with application windows in June and August, respectively.

IBC anticipates another exam window in February 2027 with applications opening in November 2026.

IBC will honor passing results of either component, but a credential cannot be awarded until passing scores are earned for both the PSE and written exam.

CHWCs agree to abide by the IBC Scope of Practice and CHWC Code of Ethics.

Additionally, CHWCs must pay an annual credential maintenance fee of $75 per year and obtain 45 CEUs during each three-year certification cycle. More information regarding CEU requirements can be found in the CHWC Candidate Handbook.

The exam is delivered online and can be taken in a secure, distraction-free location of your choosing. Candidates will be monitored using live, remote proctoring.

The PSE is completed virtually through Zoom.

Candidates who fail the CHWC exam and/or PSE on their first attempt may submit a retake request for the next testing window through the candidate portal.

Candidates must pass both the CHWC exam and the PSE to earn the credential.  

IBC is committed to ensuring access to all interested candidates regardless of socioeconomic status or financial hardship. A copy of our financial assistance policy and a link to the application may be found here.

Note: In order to ensure discounts are applied at the time of the application, IBC encourages candidates to submit their financial assistance application at least 10 days prior to submitting their exam application.

IBC recommends candidates utilize the CHWC Exam Blueprint, along with training program materials and resources, to guide preparation. Candidates should be prepared to answer competency-based questions within each domain with an emphasis on application over recall.

No. The PSE is designed to simulate a standard clinical coaching encounter and is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate key coaching competencies in a simulated clinical environment. IBC does not require. specific structure be utilized, but candidates should ensure central elements of a coaching encounter are included.

The exam is scored out of 100 points. Each exam item counts equally and incorrect answers do not count against candidates.

Candidates who achieve a passing score based on IBC standards will have completed this portion of the credentialing requirements.

Candidates will be notified of their results from both portions of the credentialing process within 30 days of the close of the testing window.

Candidates may submit an appeal decisions related to exam results, eligibility determination, or denial of certification following the process outlined in the CHWC Candidate Handbook.

Appeals must be based on procedural errors, misapplication of certification policy, or administrative or processing irregularity.

Appeals cannot be submitted just because a candidate disagrees with the decision.

Individuals who have successfully completed an IBC-accredited coach training program qualify to take the exam and PSE.

Through 2028, IBC offers two transitional eligibility pathways for those with relevant training and/or experience. Information regarding the pathways may be found on the Eligibility & Training Requirements page.

IBC is offering two transitional eligibility pathways for those with relevant training and experience until 2028. Information regarding the transitional pathways may be found on the Eligibility & Training Requirements page.

After 2028, only individuals who have successfully completed an IBC-accredited coach training program will qualify.

IBC has developed a transitional eligibility pathway for individuals with relevant and equivalent experience to CHWC eligibility standards.

If you have 2 years of clinical experience, have completed a coach training program, and have coached more than 300 sessions, you qualify to take the exam through 2028.

No.

The CHWC is unique from other coach certifications in that is specifically designed to prepare coaches to coach in a clinical setting. If you already hold a coach certification, visit the Eligibility & Training Requirements page to see if you meet the minimum application standards under our transitional eligibility pathways.

Candidates must complete 225 contact hours through an IBC-accredited training program prior to counting sessions for the practicum. Practice sessions during the 225 contact hours do NOT count towards a candidate's practicum.

100 coaching sessions in a supervised, clinical setting are required with at least 10 hours of direct observation and feedback by an eligible supervisor for program completion.