The 8 Best Health Coach Certification Programs of 2024

Health coaching is a comprehensive, rewarding wellness career that helps others make positive behavioral changes that lead to happier, healthier lives.

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A quick search of the term "health coach" on Instagram, TikTok or any other social media platform will likely yield thousands of results, but “health coach” is more than just a buzzword. As the health and wellness industry continues to grow substantially, many people work to make positive lifestyle changes to improve their health. Nevertheless, some could benefit from additional support, creating a demand for health coaching.

If you’re passionate about supporting people as they navigate their wellness journeys, you may want to consider a health coaching certification. A health coach works closely with clients and uses a holistic approach to guide improvements in stress management, diet, exercise, sleep and emotional well-being—all areas that affect wellness. Clients receive a personalized plan with clear goals and objectives created by their health coach to support their health and wellness journey, and are given the support and tools they need to succeed. Health coaching can be done in-person, virtually or using a health app, and can be utilized as a lucrative career or a side hustle for extra income.

A health coaching certification is an investment, and with so many different programs and options, it can be difficult to know which programs are credible and worth your time and money. In this article, we break down eight of the best health coach certification programs of 2024 detailing the cost, structure, focus, accreditation, length and more.

Our Picks for the Best Health Coach Certification Programs of 2024:

• Best Overall Health Coach Certification Program: ISSA Certified Health Coach
• Best Health Coach Certification Program for Personal Trainers: NASM Certified Wellness Coach
• Best University-Led Health Coach Certification Program: Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training
• Best Affordable Health Coach Certification Program: ACE Health Coach Certification
• Most Integrative Health Coach Certification Program: IIN The Health Coach Training Program
• Best Health Coach Certification Program for Nutrition: Precision Nutrition L1 Nutrition Coaching Certification
• Best Health Coach Certification Program for Health Care Professionals: National Society of Health Coaches Health Coach Certification
• Best App to Work with a Certified Health Coach: Future

Best Overall Health Coach Certification Program: ISSA Certified Health Coach

SI Showcase + ISSA

Key features:

• Cost: $988; monthly payment plans available
• Main focus: Health coaching and behavioral change education
• Accreditation: ISSA Certified Health Coach
• Format: Online
• Learning type: Asynchronous
• Program timeline: 10 weeks or self-paced
• Pre-Requisites: None
• Financial Aid/Payment Plan: No financial aid; can enroll in payment plan

The ISSA Certified Health Coach program is a science-backed certification program developed by experienced health and wellness professionals for people who want to empower others to reach their health and wellness goals. Throughout the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of health coaching, psychological skills training, components of fitness including basic exercise science and physical activity recommendations, nutrition coaching, stress management, sleep and more. ISSA also offers educational material on goal setting and ethics, and an overview of chronic conditions so you can better serve your clients.

After signing up, you can access the ISSA Certified Health Coach Textbook, video lectures, worksheets, assessments and templates. If you have any questions, you'll also get unlimited support via chat, email or phone. There is a 10-week guided study option, or you can work at your own pace for up to eight months. The final is open-book and untimed, and you can retake it one time for free.

Editor Rachel Pasche took the ISSA health coach program and exam, and found the course to be straightforward and educational. “One thing I really appreciated about the ISSA Health Coach Certification Program was the complete absence of unnecessary reading or assignments. All the work you’re given to accomplish each week is pertinent to what you’re learning, with no additional fluff that takes away from the real content and information necessary to the health coach certification. It made the weekly lectures and reading assignments super manageable.” 

Pros:

• Monthly payment options available
• Low-stress final exam can be taken online or mailed in
• Curriculum covers a wide range of topics in health education
• Guided and self-paced study option

Cons:

• Recertification fee of $99 every two years
• No synchronous learning option

Best Health Coach Certification Program for Personal Trainers: NASM Certified Wellness Coach

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Key features:

• Cost: $2,999 or $165/month
• Main focus: Help clients achieve positive behavioral change through fitness, nutrition, mental and emotional wellbeing, recovery and regeneration and coaching
• Accreditation: NASM-CWC
• Format: Online
• Learning type: Asynchronous
• Program timeline: One-year deadline to take the exam; average completion is three to four months
• Pre-Requisites: No
• Financial Aid/Payment Plan: No financial aid; can enroll in monthly payment plan

A personal training certificate combined with a health coach certification allows you to tackle a broader range of difficulties that your clients may encounter and give them more strategies to overcome obstacles. The NASM Certified Health Coach Program teaches you how to guide, motivate, and support your client base to make positive lifestyle changes. This program includes lessons on scientific principles and foundational coaching concepts, movement, mental and emotional well-being, nutrition and creating a wellness plan aligned to client goals.

This program is self-paced but takes three to four months to complete on average. There are 35 chapters with infographics, videos and assessments and downloadable resources. The final exam must be completed within one year and has 100 multiple-choice questions.

Pros:

• Covers positive lifestyle changes through nutrition, mental and emotional wellbeing, movement, coaching and recovery and regeneration
• Downloadable resources
• Certification is available within one business day of passing the exam

Cons:

• Expensive
• No chapters on chronic disease

Best University-Led Health Coach Certification Program: Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training

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Key features:

• Cost: $5,500; financial aid is available for those who qualify
• Main focus: Behavioral change, personal health planning, the Wheel of Health, mindful awareness, patient-centered care, couch and client partnership
• Accreditation: Duke Health & Well-Being Certificate of Completion
• Format: Online
• Learning type: Synchronous, asynchronous
• Program timeline: 10 months
• Pre-Requisites: Bachelor’s degree or 3+ years experience in medical or allied health field
• Financial Aid/Payment Plan: Financial aid based on Federal Poverty Guidelines

The Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training (DHWCT) program led by Duke University offers a 10-month fully remote learning that is broken into two phases: Core Competencies and Advanced Skills. The Core Competencies Phase includes a weekly three-hour webinar and e-learning modules with demonstration videos and short quizzes throughout. The Advanced Skills Phase includes four one-hour mentor sessions where you’ll receive personalized feedback on your coaching from an instructor, four expert-led advanced skills seminars, small group coaching practice, additional e-learning modules and a live oral and online exam.

Over 10 months, you’ll learn about the Wheel of Health, patient-centered care, personalized health planning, the role of health coaching in healthcare, how to effectively utilize coaching skills using the Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Process Model and more. Duke does require applicants to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field but will make exceptions for those with three or more years of experience in a medical or allied health field. There is no online application fee, and the University encourages you to apply if you think the program is a good fit.

The DHWCT program has been a National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) Approved program since 2018, and graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Board Examination. Upon passing the exam, participants receive the esteemed National Board Certification Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential.

Pros:

• Program framework is based on clinical experience and research with thousands of patients and clients
• An estimated five hours per week is needed
• All required course materials are provided
• Provides hands-on health coaching practice with expert feedback and mentorship
• NBHWC Approved program

Cons:

• Expensive; no monthly payment option available
• Hybrid in-person option is on hold until summer 2024
• Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite

Best Affordable Health Coach Certification Program: ACE Health Coach Certification

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Key features:

• Cost: $850-$1,495; package contents vary based on price
• Main focus: Theory and the art of behavioral-change coaching to support overall health and wellness with nutrition, exercise and psychology
• Accreditation: ACE Certified Health Coach
• Format: Online
• Learning type: Synchronous and/or asynchronous
• Program timeline: 16 weeks or self-paced
• Pre-Requisites: CPR and AED certification, proof of either NCAA-accredited certification in fitness or related field; associate (or higher) degree in fitness, exercise science or related field; two years documented work experience in related field
• Financial Aid/Payment Plan: No financial aid; payment plans for some study programs

For the best affordable option, we chose the ACE Health Coach Certification program because there is a Basic study program for just $850. This price includes the exam, one practice test, a digital copy of the textbook and study guide and access to live Q&A webinars and live classes. If you prefer physical copies and audiobooks, the Plus and Advantage programs include these for an extra fee. The Plus program also offers two practice tests at a cost of $990, while the Advantage program provides three practice tests for $1,495. After you sign up, you can access the ACE University Learning Center. There, you'll find video lectures, coaching sessions, audio coaching sessions, quizzes, practice tests and more.

This program covers the theory and art of behavior change coaching so you can use behavior-based methods with your clients. All ACE certifications are recognized by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies). This means that they have been carefully reviewed and are considered to meet the industry's high standards of reliability and validity.

Pros:

• Includes a study guide and access to live classes led by an experienced ACE Health Coach
• Budget-friendly
• NCCA-accredited program

Cons:

• Basic program does not include free shipping
• Requires a NCCA-accredited certification, an associate degree or higher, a completed NBHWC approved health and coaching program or two years of experience in a related field to enroll

Most Integrative Health Coach Certification Program: IIN The Health Coach Training Program

SI Showcase + IIN

Key features:

• Cost: $4,745
• Main focus: A holistic approach that emphasizes bio-individuality and primary food
• Accreditation: Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certificate
• Format: Online
• Learning type: Asynchronous
• Program timeline: 12 months or an accelerated six-month program
• Pre-Requisites: High school diploma or GED
• Financial Aid/Payment Plan: No financial aid; payment plans available 

The Health Coach Training Program by IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) is a comprehensive program that covers seven categories including nutrition, physical health, mental and emotional health, primary food, spirituality, coaching and business. Here are some learning examples from each category:

• Nutrition: Brain food, digestive wellness, home cooking, food access, insulin resistance
• Physical health: Yogic breathing exercises, meditation, mindful movement
• Mental and emotional health: Impact of physical health on mental health, deconstructing cravings
• Primary food: Sleep yourself well, career congruence, body liberation, financial wellness
• Spirituality: Synchronicities, science of spirituality, reframing limiting beliefs
• Coaching: Goal setting and action planning, motivational interviewing, self-care for coaches, virtual coaching
• Business: Building your brand, creating content that converts, leveraging social media, time management, understanding sales funnels

This program is available online and IIN offers a mobile app so learners can access the program on any device. The curriculum includes audio and video lectures, assignments, handouts, assignments, quizzes, discussion boards and coach sessions with expert IIN Health Coaches.

Pros:

• Integrative program that focuses on lifestyle factors that contribute to overall health
• Coach-IIN-Training Certificate is issued at halfway point so you can start seeing clients
• Three month free trial to the website builder platform IINSite
• Access to a Health Career Library full of resources

Cons:

• Six month program requires a 10-16 hour per week commitment
• Expensive

Best Health Coach Certification Program for Nutrition: Precision Nutrition L1 Nutrition Coaching Certification

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Key features:

• Cost: $799 for self-guided; $999 for expert-guided
• Main focus: Science of nutrition and the art of behavior-change coaching
• Accreditation: Precision Nutrition L1 Nutrition Coaching Certification
• Format: Online
• Learning type: Synchronous and/or asynchronous
• Program timeline: 20 weeks for expert-guided or self-paced
• Pre-Requisites: N/A
• Financial Aid/Payment Plan: N/A

Precision Nutrition (PN) has coached over 100,000 clients in over 17 years and includes these tested and proven methodologies in the Nutrition L1 Nutrition Coaching Certification course. The expert-guided and self-guided programs include three unit textbooks, 20 animated instructional videos, real case studies, active learning tools, assessment forms, workbooks, a study guide, access to a private community of experts and more. The expert-guided nutrition certification program costs slightly more because it includes 20 live weekly discussions and case study sessions, five weeks of business coaching and access to a private community for personalized support from program leaders.

This program emphasizes changing habits and their role in improving health, in addition to nutrition. The curriculum covers coaching, the science of nutrition and how to apply both learnings to coaching and creating an action plan for clients. The PN Nutrition Certification is approved by ACE (American Council on Education) and can count for college credit at institutions that accept it.

Pros:

• Expert program leaders were recently validated in three peer-reviewed studies
• Great for beginners who want to break in to the health and fitness industry
• PN expert team includes nutritionists, dietitians, competitive athletes and more

Cons:

• May not be a good choice for those who want a more integrative program
• Limited to nutrition coaching

Best Health Coach Certification Program for Health Care Professionals: National Society of Health Coaches Health Coach Certification

SI Showcase + National Society of Health Coaches

Key features:

• Cost: $875, those who qualify can opt to pay later
• Main focus: Evidence-based health coaching techniques
• Accreditation: NSHC CHC Certificate of Completion
• Format: Online
• Learning type: Asynchronous
• Program timeline: Self-paced
• Pre-Requisites: License to treat/work in clinical/wellness setting
• Financial Aid/Payment Plan: No financial aid; can quality to defer payment to later date

If you're a health care professional looking for a program designed by clinicians for clinicians, the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC) Health Coach Certification (CHC) Program includes how to engage patients in healthy behavior change and address their health risks, chronic diseases and conditions. It utilizes an evidence-based approach to improve outcomes and reduce costs. This program is designed for healthcare providers who have little time. It is self-paced, which means there are no required webinars or classes. As compared to other programs, it’s at a lower price point of $875, and there is a pay now or pay later option for those who qualify.

This program focuses on the following:

• Decreasing patient/client resistance to treatment
• Motivational interviewing during clinical sessions and chronic condition management, wellness and prevention discussions
• Behavioral cues
• Health coaching techniques and tools
• Self-assessment on active listening skills and communication style

In order to receive the CHC credential, you must hold an active healthcare credential such as Certified Respiratory Therapist, Licensed Dentist or Medical Doctor or National Certified Counselor to name a few (NSHC provides a comprehensive list on the website). If you do not have the listed credentials, you will receive a Certificate of Completion upon taking the course and passing the exam.

Pros:

• CHC is exclusive to those with specific credentials, elevating its credibility
• Evidence-based program designed to support client/patient outcomes
• Self-paced
• Licensed clinicians earn 42 CE (continuing education) credits after passing the exam

Cons:

• No option for interactive webinars, classes or discussions

Best App to Work with a Certified Health Coach: Future

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If you want to get a better idea of what you can do once you are a certified health coach, giving Future a try can help give you insight. Future offers virtual one-on-one coaching with certified health experts and personalized plans tailored to client’s needs and goals. The brand’s extensive coach library has over 70 coaches to choose from, and you can change coaches at any time. After signing up, you’ll answer questions about your fitness level, weight loss goals or other goals, health history and anything else you’d like to share. From there, you’ll receive check-ins and support as you follow your personalized plan, which can give you a small glimpse of what to expect from a career as a health coach.

Related Post: The Best Personal Training Apps

How to Choose the Best Health Coach Certification for You

Cost

The cost of these certification courses ranges from $799-$5,500. Programs that offer payment plans like ISSA and NASM are excellent options for those who don’t want to pay upfront. The price is not a determining factor in the quality of the program. For example, ACE is an affordable option and has been accredited by the NCCA. A university-led program tends to be more expensive due to regulatory compliance, administrative costs and the resources and facilities offered, and the cost varies based on the faculty expertise and the credibility and reputation of the university. Which program you choose depends on which fits your needs and preferences and what suits your budget.

Main focus

While all these programs focus on health and wellness coaching, each curriculum is different. For example, if you want to work with clients who have chronic conditions, you may opt for ISSA because it has modules that detail these so you can better serve your clients’ needs. If you’re a healthcare professional looking to tie in health coaching with the other care you’re providing, you may choose the NSHC CHC program because it’s designed for clinicians by clinicians.

With each health coaching program listed, you will gain a fundamental understanding of coaching and methods for conducting motivational interviews. Before signing up, consider your goals and what clientele base you plan on working with. Each website provides information on the modules and chapters you’ll work on, and we recommend contacting a program representative if you have further questions.

Accreditation

After finishing the modules, there is likely a final exam to take to receive the certification. The length and difficulty of each certification exam vary on the program, and some may include an oral and online portion. When considering a health coaching certification, make sure to research the type of certification you'll get once you finish. We also recommend choosing a program that’s been reviewed and recognized by an accredited organization such as the NBHWC, NCCA or ACE. Professional recognition from these organizations signify the program is high-quality and provides a credible certification. It can also enhance your marketability and networking opportunities. That’s not to say that non-recognized programs are low-quality. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when exploring other programs:

• Research and due diligence: What does the curriculum include? What are the instructor's credentials? What do the program reviews say?
• Recognition: If they are not recognized by an accredited organization is there a clear plan for maintaining quality?
• Industry standards: Does the program adhere to industry standards and best practices (i.e. clear learning objectives, up-to-date content, practical application, ethical considerations, continuing education, transparency, etc.)?
• Skills and knowledge: What skills and knowledge will you gain from this program? Is it applicable? Does it pertain to your goals?
• Employer and client perception: Can I apply for the jobs I want with this certificate? Will I be able to answer questions about the program's content and benefits confidently to potential employers and clients?

All of these are questions and considerations to keep in mind when choosing a program and can ensure your choice aligns with your goals and is worth the investment.

Format and learning type

Each program on this list is offered completely online. If you prefer in-person learning, look for nearby universities that provide on-campus programs and courses. Online courses may require synchronous webinars with live instruction, asynchronous self-paced coursework or a combination of both. Asynchronous learning opportunities are great for those who like to ask questions and interact with others, and for those who prefer a set schedule. Synchronous learning is a good fit for busy individuals with full-time jobs who like to work at their own pace.

Length

The length of each program varies from 10 weeks to 12 months. Self-paced programs let you go through the lessons however you prefer, granting you the freedom to tailor the program's timeframe to your schedule. We recommend noting how many hours per week you can dedicate to the program you’re considering and ensuring that aligns with the length. If you choose a self-paced program, keep in mind that many give you up to a year to take the exam. Always be sure of the program deadlines before committing to avoid additional fees.

How We Chose the Best Health Coach Certification Programs

When coming up with the panel of what we considered to be the best health coach certification programs, there were a few things (in addition to those mentioned above) that we took into consideration when selecting the programs:

Accreditation: If you’re going to get a health coach certification, you want to make sure it’s one that will further (or kickstart) your career, meaning you want a certification that’s reviewed and recognized by an accredited organization. Examples of these organizations include ACE, NCCA or NBHWC. In addition to ensuring the quality of your certification and course, this also helps with credibility and career opportunities as a certified health coach.

Reputation: The reputation of the courses and programs was another element we took into careful consideration when creating this list of health and wellness coach certification programs. It’s important to make sure you’re receiving your certification from a well-recognized organization with a good reputation, especially if you want to begin a career in health coaching or join a workforce somewhere. Having a certification from a highly reputable organization can be significantly more beneficial than receiving one from an unqualified and unrecognized organization.

Accessibility: We recognize that not everyone is able to access in-person classes and examinations, which is why we opted for programs that offered more online options with more flexible pacing. This allows more people to take the courses and exams to become a certified health coach. 

How to Become a Health Coach

1. Pick a program that works for you:

The first step to becoming a health and wellness coach is selecting a program that works well with your goals, schedule, current education level and what you want to learn. Not all programs are created equal; some are designed for registered health professionals, some have prerequisites that may act as a roadblock and some are available to nearly anyone. Likewise, each program is suited to a specific career goal. Decide whether you want to open an independent practice, work as a health and wellness coach on the side or join a company working full-time as a wellness coach before you select your program, because different programs are better suited to different post-program goals.

2. Study the provided materials:

Once you’ve enrolled in your program of choice, it’s time to begin studying. Some programs are entirely online and self-paced, while others are hybrid courses that offer hands-on training with a more rigid schedule. Most programs have a certain timeline that you’re expected to follow in order to get your certification, so be sure you’re staying on track and up to date with your study materials, tests and more.

3. Take the exam:

You’ve spent months studying, learning and testing, and you’re ready for your final certification exam. The type of exam you’ll need to take varies depending on the program you’re enrolled in. Some offer in-person exams at certain times and places, while others offer proctored online exams that you can take from your home, given you have adequate internet access. Once you take (and pass) your exam, you’re ready to use your new health coach certification.

Best Health Coach Certification Programs FAQs

How do health coaches get clients?

Health coaches acquire clients through networking, creating a professional website, maintaining an active social media presence, receiving referrals, partnering with healthcare institutions, providing workshops, and offering free or low-cost consultations and more. Programs such as IIN, NASM and ISSA include business development and marketing education in the curriculum.

What should be included in a health coaching program?

A health coaching program should include foundational knowledge about coaching and ethics, health and wellness fundamentals, behavior change psychology, coaching and communication skills, how to set goals and conduct assessments, lifestyle and nutrition education and coaching tools and resources.

What is the difference between a health coach and a wellness coach?

A wellness coach aims to improve various aspects of well-being beyond physical health, such as relationships, personal growth, and life purpose. Meanwhile, a health coach may target positive changes in physical health and well-being only. We want to note that the focus of these titles can vary depending on training, certification, specialization and the needs of their clients.

What does it mean to be a board-certified health coach?

A health coach with certification from the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) is known as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). This certification displays a coach's expertise, dedication to quality and industry standards, and instills confidence and trust in both clients and employers.

Do I need a certification to become a health coach?

No, it is not required but a certificate enhances your credibility, knowledge and effectiveness as a health coach. It also gives your coaching business a competitive edge over someone without certification, and clients may feel more comfortable working with a certified health coach.

Final Thoughts

A health coach certification program is ideal for those who feel passionate about health and wellness and want to work with others to help meet their goals and make healthy lifestyle changes. It provides individuals with other health-related certifications the opportunity to expand their client base and it’s an excellent option for individuals who want to break into the wellness industry. Because each program varies in price, focus, structure, and length, it's relatively easy to find one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and career path.

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