Top 11 Wellness Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a wellness consultant in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field. Certifications also show potential employers that the wellness consultant has taken the time to learn about the industry and has obtained a certain level of expertise. Having certifications can make a wellness consultant stand out from other applicants, as they have proof of their qualifications and experience. Additionally, certifications can help employers decide if a person is qualified for certain roles within their organization and can give them peace of mind when hiring someone with specialized knowledge.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Wellness Consultants and explain how they can help advance a wellness consultant's career.

What are Wellness Consultant Certifications?

Wellness consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of health and wellness. It is designed to equip certified professionals with the skills they need to help clients develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. Wellness consultants are trained in nutrition, exercise, stress management, lifestyle habits, disease prevention, and other areas related to health and wellness.

By obtaining a wellness consultant certification, practitioners can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality services to their clients. Certification can also open up new opportunities for career growth. With this certification, individuals can become eligible for higher-level positions such as health coaches or corporate wellness directors. Additionally, having certification may make it easier for individuals to find employment in the field of health and wellness.

Being certified also signals to potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to gain competency in the field of health and wellness. This may give you an edge over non-certified candidates when it comes time for hiring decisions. Finally, having a well-recognized credential like a wellness consultant certification can provide you with more credibility as a practitioner in the eyes of your clients.

Pro Tip: Before you enroll in a wellness consultant certification program, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Check to see what kind of instruction and support is offered, as well as the credentials of the instructors. Look for programs that are accredited by a recognized organization, as this will ensure you receive quality training and gain the skills necessary to be successful in your new career.

Related: What does a Wellness Consultant do?

Top 11 Wellness Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Wellness Consultants today.

1. Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP)

A Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) is a professional who has completed specialized training in the field of health and wellness. The CWP designation indicates that the practitioner has achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the area of health promotion and disease prevention.

The certification process typically requires completion of a comprehensive education program that includes coursework, practical experience, and an exam. Depending on the program, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified.

To become a CWP, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in health science or related field. They must also complete an accredited wellness practitioner program and pass an exam administered by the National Board for Health and Wellness Professionals (NBHWP).

The cost of becoming a CWP varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, programs range from $500 to $2,000 for tuition and fees. Additional costs may include textbooks, travel expenses for attending workshops and conferences, and other miscellaneous expenses.

2. Certified Wellness Program Manager (CWPM)

Certified Wellness Program Manager (CWPM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop, implement, and manage successful wellness programs. The program is offered by the National Wellness Institute (NWI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness in the workplace.

The CWPM program consists of three courses: Introduction to Wellness Program Management, Foundations of Wellness Program Management, and Advanced Wellness Program Management. Each course takes approximately 12 hours to complete. Participants must also pass an exam at the end of each course in order to receive their certification.

To become certified as a CWPM, individuals must first register for the NWI’s online training program. Once registered, they will be able to access all three courses and take the exams when they are ready. Upon successful completion of all three courses and passing all three exams, participants will receive their Certified Wellness Program Manager certificate from NWI.

The cost of becoming a Certified Wellness Program Manager varies depending on how many courses you choose to take and whether or not you need any additional materials such as textbooks or study guides. Generally speaking though, it costs around $1,000 USD for the entire program including all materials and exams.

3. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional credential that demonstrates mastery of the Seven Areas of Responsibility for health education specialists. The CHES designation is awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

To obtain the CHES credential, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the CHES exam. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in health education or a related field from an accredited college or university, as well as having at least two years of full-time experience in a health education setting.

The CHES exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as planning, implementation, evaluation and administration of health education programs; principles of health promotion; and social and behavioral theories. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $225 for NCHEC members or $275 for nonmembers.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their official CHES certification card from NCHEC. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or re-examination.

4. Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS)

A Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) is a professional who specializes in providing corporate wellness services to organizations and their employees. The certification program is offered by the National Wellness Institute (NWI).

To become a CCWS, individuals must complete a two-day training program that includes an online assessment, as well as a comprehensive exam. The program covers topics such as health promotion, stress management, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle management. Upon successful completion of the program and exam, individuals are awarded the CCWS designation.

The cost of the CCWS certification program varies depending on the location of the training and whether or not you choose to take advantage of any additional resources offered by NWI. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1000 to become certified.

Once certified, CCWSs can provide corporate wellness services such as developing health promotion programs for employees; assessing employee needs; creating customized wellness plans; implementing health education initiatives; and evaluating employee participation in wellness activities.

5. International Board of Lifestyle Medicine Certified Wellness Consultant (IBLM-CWC)

The International Board of Lifestyle Medicine Certified Wellness Consultant (IBLM-CWC) is a certification program offered by the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in lifestyle medicine. The IBLM-CWC certification is an advanced credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care.

The IBLM-CWC certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in health promotion or lifestyle medicine, as well as completion of at least 45 hours of continuing medical education in lifestyle medicine topics. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, and behavior change strategies.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the IBLM-CWC certification. The cost for the application fee and exam fee varies depending on the country you are applying from but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

To apply for the IBLM-CWC certification, applicants must submit an online application form along with their professional resume and supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of continuing medical education credits. Once approved, candidates will receive an invitation to take the online exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering various aspects of lifestyle medicine. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their IBLM-CWC certification.

6. American College of Sports Medicine Health Fitness Specialist Certification (ACSM-HFS)

The American College of Sports Medicine Health Fitness Specialist Certification (ACSM-HFS) is a comprehensive certification program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the health and fitness industry. The certification requires applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, or related field. Additionally, applicants must complete an ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist Certification Exam and pass with a score of at least 70%.

The ACSM-HFS certification process can take anywhere from two to six months depending on the individual's availability and preparation. The first step is to register for the exam by visiting the ACSM website. Once registered, applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts from their college or university. After submitting all required materials, applicants will receive an email notification when they are approved to take the exam.

Once approved, applicants will be able to schedule their exam date at one of the testing centers available through Pearson VUE. The cost for taking the exam is $300 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the test at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certificate in approximately four weeks after passing the test. They will also be listed as an ACSM Certified Health/Fitness Specialist in an online directory that can be accessed by employers and other professionals looking for certified health and fitness professionals.

7. National Society of Health Coaches Professional Certified Coach (NSHCPCC)

The National Society of Health Coaches Professional Certified Coach (NSHCPCC) is a professional certification program that recognizes health coaches who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skills related to health coaching. It is designed to provide health coaches with the credentials necessary to work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

In order to become certified as an NSHCPCC, individuals must complete a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as nutrition, lifestyle management, stress management, communication skills, and more. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Society of Health Coaches.

The process typically takes between 6-12 months depending on how quickly the individual can complete their coursework and prepare for the exam.

In order to get certified as an NSHCPCC, individuals must first register with the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC). Once registered, they will be given access to all of the materials needed for their studies. They will also need to pay an application fee when registering with the NSHC. After completing their coursework and passing their exam, they will receive their certificate from the NSHC.

The cost for becoming an NSHCPCC varies depending on where you are located and which courses you take. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for all course materials and exams required for certification.

8. International Association for Worksite Health Promotion Professional Certification (IAWHP-PC)

The International Association for Worksite Health Promotion Professional Certification (IAWHP-PC) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of worksite health promotion. The certification is awarded by the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion (IAWHP), which is an international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing worksite health promotion around the world.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. Applicants must have at least two years of experience in worksite health promotion or related fields, such as public health, occupational health, or human resources management. They must also complete 30 hours of continuing education courses in worksite health promotion or related topics within the past five years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as worksite health promotion strategies, program design and implementation, evaluation and research methods, and organizational change management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their certification from IAWHP-PC.

The cost of obtaining IAWHP-PC certification varies depending on the country in which you are applying; however, it typically costs between $200-$400 USD.

9. National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching Certification (NBHWC-CERT)

The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching Certification (NBHWC-CERT) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of health and wellness coaching. The NBHWC-CERT is administered by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of health and wellness coaching practice.

In order to obtain NBHWC-CERT certification, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field, completing at least 40 hours of health and wellness coach training from an approved provider, passing the NBHWC-CERT exam, submitting two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or clients, and agreeing to abide by the NBHWC Code of Professional Conduct.

The process typically takes 3–6 months to complete depending on how quickly applicants can submit all required materials. Applicants should also plan for additional time if they need to take additional courses or workshops in order to meet eligibility requirements.

The cost for obtaining NBHWC-CERT certification depends on several factors such as which training program you choose, whether you are taking a course online or in person, and other related expenses such as study materials or travel costs. Generally speaking, most applicants spend between $1,000–$2,500 USD on their application process. This includes fees associated with registering for the exam ($250 USD), purchasing study materials ($50–$100 USD), and taking approved training courses ($800–$2,000 USD).

10. National Council on Strength and Fitness Personal Trainer Certification (NCSF-PTC)

The National Council on Strength and Fitness Personal Trainer Certification (NCSF-PTC) is a nationally recognized certification program designed to help personal trainers become more knowledgeable and better prepared to serve their clients. The NCSF-PTC is a comprehensive program that covers the fundamentals of exercise science, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, as well as health assessment and risk management. It also provides practical instruction on how to design safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with special needs or medical conditions.

In order to obtain the NCSF-PTC, applicants must first complete an online course that covers all the topics in the program. This course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. Once completed, applicants must pass an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions related to the topics covered in the course. The exam must be taken at an approved testing center and costs $125 USD.

Once both the course and exam are completed successfully, applicants will receive their NCSF-PTC certification which is valid for two years from date of issue. To maintain certification status, recertification is required every two years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam. The cost for recertification is $75 USD every two years.

Overall, obtaining the NCSF-PTC takes approximately 10 hours of study time plus additional time for taking the exam at an approved testing center. The total cost for obtaining this certification is $200 USD ($125 for initial certification + $75 for recertification).

11. American Academy of Health and Fitness Professional Certification (AAHF-PC).

The American Academy of Health and Fitness Professional Certification (AAHF-PC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of professional excellence in the health and fitness industry. The certification is offered by the American Academy of Health and Fitness (AAHF), an organization dedicated to promoting best practices in the health and fitness industry.

To obtain the AAHF-PC, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as exercise science, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics related to health and fitness.

The process of obtaining the AAHF-PC typically takes 4-6 months. During this time period, applicants must complete all necessary coursework and exams required for certification. They must also submit an application packet that includes documentation verifying their educational background and experience in the field.

The cost of obtaining the AAHF-PC varies depending on whether or not applicants are members of the AAHF. For non-members, the cost is $399 USD; for members it is $299 USD. This fee includes access to all course materials needed for certification as well as access to online study guides and practice tests that can help prepare applicants for their written exam.

Do You Really Need a Wellness Consultant Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Wellness Consultant Certificate depends on your individual goals. If you are looking to become a professional wellness consultant, then obtaining a certification would be beneficial as it will demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in the field. A certification may also help you gain credibility and trust with potential employers, clients, and colleagues.

On the other hand, if you are simply interested in learning more about wellness consulting for personal use, then a certificate may not be necessary. There is plenty of information available online that can provide insight into the basics of health and wellness consulting without having to pay for a certification course. Additionally, many employers don’t require certification when hiring for entry-level positions within this field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Wellness Consultant Certificate is up to you and what your individual needs and goals are. If becoming certified is something that interests you, then researching courses offered by accredited institutions is recommended.

Related: Wellness Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Wellness Consultant Certifications

1. What is the Difference Between a Wellness Consultant and a Health Coach?

Answer: A wellness consultant focuses on helping individuals to create and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, while a health coach works with clients to help them set and reach their specific health goals.

2. What Does it Take to Become a Certified Wellness Consultant?

Answer: To become certified, one must complete an accredited wellness consultant certification program that includes coursework in nutrition, exercise science, stress management, and other related topics.

3. How Long Does it Take to Complete a Wellness Consultant Certification Program?

Answer: The length of the program can vary depending on the type of certification and the institution offering it; typically, programs range from 6 months to 2 years in duration.

4. Are There Any Prerequisites for Becoming a Certified Wellness Consultant?

Answer: Most institutions require applicants to have completed an undergraduate degree in nutrition or health sciences before being accepted into their certification program.

5. Is There an Exam Required for Certification?

Answer: Yes, most programs require students to pass an exam in order to become certified wellness consultants.