Top 10 Wellness Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a wellness coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and knowledge in the field. They show employers that the individual has taken the time to gain additional qualifications, which can be beneficial when competing for positions. Certifications also provide evidence that the individual is committed to their profession and is up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in health and wellness. Having certifications also gives a potential employer confidence that the coordinator will be able to deliver quality results.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Wellness Coordinators and explain how they can enhance a Wellness Coordinator's career.

What are Wellness Coordinator Certifications?

Wellness coordinator certification is a program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to coordinate and implement successful wellness programs in their organizations. This certification program provides comprehensive instruction in areas such as health promotion, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and employee wellness. It also covers topics related to managing wellness programs, understanding legal issues associated with wellness programs, and developing effective communication strategies for promoting healthy behaviors.

Having a certification as a wellness coordinator can help individuals gain credibility within the field of health promotion and provide them with the skills needed to effectively lead organizational initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles among employees. Furthermore, having this certification can give employers confidence that their wellness coordinator has the knowledge and expertise necessary to successfully create and maintain an effective workplace wellness program. With this certification, organizations can be assured that their wellness coordinator is equipped with the most up-to-date information on creating successful workplace wellness programs.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a wellness coordinator certification program, make sure to research the credentials of the institution offering it and to ensure that their program meets the standards set forth by your state or local government. Additionally, be sure to check for any prerequisites that may be required before enrollment.

Related: What does a Wellness Coordinator do?

Top 10 Wellness Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Wellness Coordinator (CWC)

Certified Wellness Coordinator (CWC) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective wellness coordinators in the workplace. The CWC program is administered by the National Wellness Institute (NWI).

The Certified Wellness Coordinator program consists of an online course, a comprehensive exam, and a practicum experience. The online course provides an overview of wellness principles, strategies for creating successful wellness programs, and how to effectively manage health promotion initiatives in the workplace. The comprehensive exam tests knowledge of wellness principles and strategies as well as management of health promotion initiatives. Finally, the practicum experience requires participants to develop and implement a workplace wellness project that meets NWI standards.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete all requirements for the Certified Wellness Coordinator certification. To get certified, individuals must first register with NWI and pay the registration fee ($125 USD). Then they must complete the online course ($199 USD), pass the comprehensive exam ($99 USD), and successfully complete their practicum project (cost varies depending on project scope).

Once all requirements are completed, individuals will be awarded their Certified Wellness Coordinator certification from NWI. This certification is valid for three years after which time recertification is required to maintain it.

2. Certified Health and Wellness Coach (CHWC)

A Certified Health and Wellness Coach (CHWC) is a professional who helps individuals create and maintain a healthy lifestyle. They provide personalized guidance, support, and accountability to help clients reach their health and wellness goals. The CHWC credential is offered by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

To become certified as a CHWC, applicants must complete an approved health coaching program that meets NBHWC standards. These programs typically include both online coursework and in-person training sessions. The length of the program varies depending on the provider, but most take between 8-12 months to complete.

In order to apply for certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of completion of the approved health coaching program. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NBHWC. After successful completion of all requirements, applicants will receive their CHWC certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CHWC varies depending on the program chosen. Most programs range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD for tuition and fees.

3. Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS)

Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, and manage corporate wellness programs. The program is offered by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), an independent certifying body that sets standards for health and wellness coaching professionals.

The CCWS program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course and an in-person or virtual exam. The course covers topics such as corporate wellness strategy, health promotion, worksite assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation, communication strategies, and legal considerations. It takes approximately 40 hours to complete the online course.

To get certified as a CCWS, you must first complete the online course. After successfully completing the course, you will be eligible to take the exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that test your knowledge on various aspects of corporate wellness management. You must pass the exam with at least 70% accuracy in order to become certified.

The cost of the CCWS certification varies depending on whether you are taking it through NBHWC or another organization offering this certification. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for the entire certification process.

4. Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWSS)

Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWSS) is a professional certification program designed to help employers create and implement successful worksite wellness initiatives. The program is offered by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) and is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate worksite wellness programs.

The CWSS certification requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework related to worksite wellness. Course topics include health promotion models, program planning, evaluation methods, communication strategies, legal considerations for worksite wellness programs, financial management for worksite wellness programs, and more. Candidates must also complete an online exam in order to earn the certification.

To become certified as a CWSS, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by NBHWC. These requirements include having at least 2 years of experience in health promotion or related fields such as public health or nutrition; holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and completing 30 hours of approved coursework related to worksite wellness. Once these requirements are met, candidates can register for the online exam through NBHWC’s website.

The cost of becoming certified as a CWSS varies depending on where you take your coursework. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as travel expenses if applicable.

5. Certified Health Promotion Professional (CHPP)

Certified Health Promotion Professional (CHPP) is a professional certification offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competence in the field of health promotion. The CHPP credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles among individuals, groups, and communities.

To become certified as a CHPP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, two years of full-time professional experience in health promotion, and completion of 45 hours of continuing education related to health promotion within the past five years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as health education theory and practice, community assessment and planning, program implementation and evaluation, communication strategies, cultural competency, legal/ethical considerations, and more. The exam can be taken online or at one of NCHEC's testing centers throughout the U.S.

The cost for taking the exam is $295 for members of NCHEC or $325 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials as well as one attempt at taking the exam. If you need additional attempts at taking the exam, there is an additional fee of $150 per attempt.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, you will receive your CHPP certification from NCHEC. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

6. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional designation that demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in the practice of health education. The CHES credential is awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

To become certified as a CHES, an individual must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, complete at least 25 semester hours or 37 quarter hours of coursework in seven areas of responsibility for health education specialists, and pass the CHES exam.

The process to become certified as a CHES typically takes about 6-12 months. To begin the process, an individual must submit an application to NCHEC along with proof of academic credentials and payment of fees. After the application is approved, individuals can register for the exam which is offered three times each year.

The cost to become certified as a CHES varies depending on when you apply and how many applications you submit. The initial application fee is $225 plus $50 per additional application submitted within the same calendar year. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($275) and renewing certification every five years ($125).

7. National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Certification (NBHWC)

The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Certification (NBHWC) is a professional certification program that was developed to provide health and wellness coaches with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively practice in this field. The NBHWC is the first national board certification program specifically designed for health and wellness coaches. It is offered through the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the NBHWC certification process. To become certified, applicants must complete an online application and submit documentation of their education, experience, and training in health coaching or related fields. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as communication skills, client assessment techniques, motivational interviewing, behavior change strategies, nutrition science, physical activity science, lifestyle medicine, and more.

The cost of the NBHWC certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level. For those who have completed an approved health coaching program or have equivalent experience in health coaching or related fields, the cost is $425 USD. For those without any prior experience in health coaching or related fields, the cost is $595 USD.

Once certified by the NBHWC, individuals may use their credential as a way to demonstrate their expertise in health and wellness coaching to employers or clients. They may also be able to access additional opportunities for professional development and networking within the field of health and wellness coaching.

8. Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional (CLMP)

Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional (CLMP) is a certification program offered by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). It is designed to recognize and promote the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals who specialize in lifestyle medicine. The CLMP designation is awarded to healthcare providers who demonstrate competency in the principles, practices, and delivery of lifestyle medicine.

The CLMP certification requires successful completion of an ACLM-approved education program, which typically takes between 12-18 months to complete. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam and meet continuing education requirements every two years to maintain their certification status.

To become certified as a CLMP, applicants must first complete an approved education program. This can be done through one of several accredited universities or online programs that offer courses in lifestyle medicine. Once the educational requirements have been met, applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by the ACLM. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CLMP designation.

The cost for becoming certified as a CLMP varies depending on the type of educational program chosen and other associated fees such as application fees and exam fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to become certified as a CLMP.

9. American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist Certification

The American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist Certification (ACSM-EP) is a professional credential that recognizes advanced knowledge and expertise in exercise physiology. It is designed to demonstrate the highest level of competence in the field of exercise science and to ensure that those who hold this certification have the necessary skills to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based exercise programs.

To become an ACSM-EP, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements. This includes having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in an exercise science-related field, such as kinesiology, physical education, or health promotion; at least one year of professional work experience in the field; and passing a comprehensive exam administered by the American College of Sports Medicine.

The ACSM-EP certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, individuals must complete all required coursework and exams before they can be certified.

The cost for becoming an ACSM-EP varies depending on the individual's situation. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $300-$500 for registration fees plus any additional costs associated with taking courses or exams.

10. National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification is a credential that shows the holder has met the highest standards for knowledge, skill, and ability in strength and conditioning. It is the gold standard for strength and conditioning professionals.

It takes approximately four to six months to prepare for the exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, nutrition, program design, testing/evaluation, administration/organization/professional development, injury prevention/rehabilitation, and sport psychology. The practical exam assesses an individual’s ability to apply these concepts in a real-world setting.

To become certified as a CSCS you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the NSCA which include having an undergraduate degree in an exercise-related field or completing an accredited postsecondary program in strength and conditioning; having at least two years of experience working with athletes; passing both parts of the CSCS examination; agreeing to abide by the NSCA Code of Ethics; and paying all applicable fees.

The cost for registering for the CSCS exam is $300 USD for NSCA members ($400 USD for non-members). There may also be additional costs associated with obtaining any necessary certifications or educational materials needed to prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Wellness Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Wellness Coordinator Certificate to be successful in the field of wellness coordination. However, having a certificate can give you an edge in the competitive job market and can provide recognition that you have a certain level of expertise in the field.

If you are considering pursuing a career as a wellness coordinator, it is important to understand what your responsibilities will be and how your experience and education will help you succeed. A good place to start is by researching what kinds of qualifications employers look for when hiring wellness coordinators. You should also consider which type of certification would best prepare you for the role and give you an advantage in the job market.

A Wellness Coordinator Certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have taken the time to learn about the principles of health promotion and how to effectively coordinate programs that foster employee wellness. With this certificate, you will also gain knowledge about how to assess health risks and create plans for improving employees’ overall wellbeing. Additionally, some certifications may cover topics such as communication skills, program evaluation techniques, budgeting strategies, and legal considerations related to employee health promotion programs.

Having a Wellness Coordinator Certificate can also show potential employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date with current trends in health promotion practices and have received specialized training on promoting employee wellbeing. Furthermore, having this designation may make it easier for employers to trust your judgment when making decisions related to employee wellness initiatives.

In conclusion, having a Wellness Coordinator Certificate is not necessary for success in this field but it can give job seekers an edge over other applicants who do not possess this credential. Those interested in pursuing this type of certification should research accredited programs offered by universities or professional organizations in order to find one that best fits their needs.

Related: Wellness Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Wellness Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Wellness Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Wellness Coordinator Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and manage wellness programs in a variety of settings.

2. How long does it take to get a Wellness Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The time required to obtain a Wellness Coordinator Certification depends on the program chosen and the individual’s prior experience and education level. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the certification process.

3. Are there prerequisites for obtaining a Wellness Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Yes, most programs require applicants to have at least two years of experience in health promotion or related field, such as exercise science or public health, as well as an undergraduate degree in health science or a related field.

4. What topics are covered in the certification program?

Answer: Topics covered in the certification program include health promotion theory and practice, program planning and implementation, evaluation methods, leadership development, communication strategies, cultural competence, budgeting and grant writing, legal issues related to wellness programming, marketing strategies for wellness programs, and more.

5. What type of jobs can I get with a Wellness Coordinator Certification?

Answer: With a Wellness Coordinator Certification you may be qualified for positions such as Corporate Wellness Manager, Health Promotion Specialist, Community Health Educator, Public Health Educator/Program Manager, Employee Assistance Program Manager/Coordinator or Health Coach/Wellbeing Consultant.