Becoming a Certified Wellness Coach
What are the Certified Wellness Coach certification requirements?
Individuals who complete a designated education program are eligible to apply for certification as a Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) upon graduation. The qualifications for certification are:
- CWC I – Associate degree + 150 hours minimum of field experience
- CWC II – Bachelor’s degree + 300 hours minimum of field experience
Graduates who meet these criteria and successfully apply for certification through HCAI are granted Registered Certified Wellness Coach (R-CWC) status. This designation confirms that the individual meets the minimum eligibility requirements for certification and allows them to enter the workforce and provide services as a Certified Wellness Coach.
R-CWCs are certified and may enter the workforce and provide services as a Certified Wellness Coach. These individuals must complete the remaining hours (400 hours for CWC I and 800 hours for CWC II) within 2 years of receiving their R-CWC. Once they complete those requirements and submit them to HCAI, the registered designation is removed. If they fail to meet these requirements within the two-year period, their certification status will be moved to “inactive.”
For additional questions, reference the student FAQ document here.
What is the certification process?
HCAI is the certifying entity. Once individuals meet the degree and field experience requirements, they are eligible to apply for certification. A step-by-step walkthrough of the certification process can be found here.
The certification review process usually takes 2 – 5 business days. Frequently asked questions can be found here. For additional questions, a customer support team is available by emailing certify@cawellnesscoach.org or calling (503) 210-1334.
The student is responsible for completing their certification application once they complete their degree and certification requirements.
Are there additional requirements once an individual is certified?
To maintain certification and remain in good standing, all active Certified Wellness Coaches are required to recertify every two years. The application is through HCAI, and Certified Wellness Coaches will begin receiving notifications from HCAI to complete their application six months before their deadline.
The recertification process includes completing 20 hours of continuing education in approved subject areas from qualifying organizations. These hours can be accrued at any time within their two-year period. Detailed information about the recertification requirements and process can be found on the HCAI Certified Wellness Coach Recertification webpage.
Examples of qualifying trainings can also be found here.
Are there scholarship opportunities for students interested in becoming Certified Wellness Coaches?
HCAI’s Wellness Coach Scholarship Program (WCSP) held two previous scholarship cycles to support students interested in becoming CWCs. Students awarded these scholarships must complete a qualifying degree and complete a service obligation. To learn more about the WCSP, please reference this grant guide.
Will there be additional scholarship opportunities?
Currently, there are no additional cycles of the Wellness Coach Scholarship Program planned. HCAI is continuing to explore scholarship opportunities via other funding streams and will provide updates as soon as they’re available.
How do scholarship recipients get support if they have questions?
Recipients of the Wellness Coach Scholarship Program can email their dedicated grant program officer for support at BHPrograms@hcai.ca.gov.
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), HCAI is unable to release the personal identification information (PII) of scholarship recipients to external parties. Should students need support, we encourage them to contact the email above, and HCAI can help them get connected with any faculty or staff on campus for additional support.