Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is a health coach?
A Health Coach is a guide who helps clients gain the knowledge, skills, tools and self-efficacy to become active participants in their care so they may achieve their self-identified health goals.” Health coaches serve as advocates, facilitators, educators, and linking agents to community resources. A health coach may also provide accountability, self-management support, emotional support, and continuity of care to clients.
Who can become a health coach?
Anyone who is interested in helping others achieve health and behavior outcomes can become a health coach. We believe adequate training and practice are prerequisites necessary to becoming an effective health coach. At UNCG, we are building a community of coaches who are grounded in behavioral theory and armed with critiqued practice of health coaching skills. We offer webinars and additional trainings, which will focus on enhancing skills of those already practicing coaching.
Who is eligible to take the test and get the certificate?
The UNCG certificate is an optional opportunity for those who complete the 3-day Foundations in Health Coach Certificate Training (Level 1). If a participant who completed the 3-day training chooses to obtain the optional certificate, they will be required to complete a personal skills assessment through demonstration of 4-6 coaching session with a client, an audio recorded session, a transcript with reflection of audio-recorded session, reflection of coaching, and pass an online exam. All materials must be submitted within 6 months from the training date to be eligible for faculty review. For those looking to move on to the Advanced Health Coach Training (Level 2) and be eligible for the NBHWC exam, the UNCG certification process will need to be completed within the 3 months following the training. Please see our certificate requirements page for more details. As of March 2021, we have been awarded “pending approval” for our curriculum through NBHWC. To be eligible for the NBHWC exam, Level 1 & Level 2 (starting September 2021) will need to be completed.
Is there a billing code for health coaching?
As of January 1,2020, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) has approved of new Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Codes for health and well-being coaching. Professionals certified by NBHWC can use the new codes.  For more information read here.

Certification Training

When is the next certification training?
The list of our upcoming training dates are listed on our website as well as being advertised through Charlotte Area Health Education Center. We now have a Foundations of Health Coach Training (Level 1) and an Advanced Health Coach Training (Level 2). To view our upcoming training dates, please visit our our training page.
How do I register for the training?
To register for our training programs, please visit our registration page.
Where are your trainings?
All of our trainings for the year 2021 will be held virtually. Please visit our registration page or Charlotte Area Health Education Center (AHEC) for more details.
Will I get CEUs for the training?
Our training programs are approved for continuing education credit through Charlotte Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Our training is also approved as a category 1 through NCHEC. To find out if these training qualify for CEUs through other organizations, please contact the governing board to inquire about eligibility.
Will I get academic credit through UNCG?
We do not offer academic credit for our training programs. However, we do offer a semester long Intro to Health Coaching class at UNCG that is worth 3 academic credit hours at the graduate level. This course is part of our Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching. To view course listings, please visit UNCG Course Offerings Search.

About the Certificate

Where do I send the payment for the review of my materials?
The payment should be sent via check made out to UNCG Dept of Public Health and mailed to: Health Coach Training Programs, Dept of Public Health, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402
How do I find someone to buddy coach with?
We encourage participants of the training to partner with someone else who is interested in completing the experience for the certificate. If you are unable to find a partner within the training, you may reach out to past participants through our social networking sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter). We are happy to help you find a buddy to begin your coaching journey.
What are requirements for the certificate?
Our certificate requirements page outlines the requirements for the UNCG Health Coach Certificate.
Where do I submit my certificate materials?
After you complete the 3-day training, you will upload your completed certification materials at this link.
Do I need to complete the test before I complete the buddy coaching?
No, You may take the test at any time within one year following the completion of the 3-day training. We do recommend you take the test soon after the training as the material will be fresh in your mind!

How do I complete my annotated transcript?
To ensure that coding and evaluation of the audio clip are precise, you will be required to submit a transcript of the audio that is submitted for review. Submit a typed transcript of the audio clip. Include a column to write notes about your use of the coaching spirit throughout the session. For assistance with transcribing your session, we have found Temi, a speech to text transcription service, to be helpful.

Are there continuing education requirements for the certificate?
Currently, there are no continuing education requirements for our training participants. However, we do strongly encourage all participants to seek out continuing education opportunities. We believe that it is important to practice, receive feedback and stay up-to-date on current coaching practices.
Who issues the certificate?
The certificate as a health coach is issued by the Department of Public Health Education at UNCG after completing the Level 1 training certificate requirements. This is not an academic credit certificate. In order to receive academic credit, you would need to enroll in our post-baccalaureate in health & wellness coaching. More information can be found here.
Does this training help me become a nationally credentialed health coach?
UNCG Health Coaching Programs has been awarded “Pending Approval” status, which means participants can follow a Level 1 & Level 2 Training Program to be eligible to become a nationally certified health coach. The Level 1 training will serve as a Foundations of Health Coach training. The Advanced Health Coach training (Level 2) contains additional live zoom sessions, self-paced modules, and a practical skills assessment. After successful completion of both training programs, you will then be eligible to complete the requirements for and apply for the National Board exam. The health education profession is thriving and the field of health coaching is growing, with new programs and practitioners emerging every year to serve the public. That growth also means more variability in the skills and preparation of health coaches employed everywhere from hospitals to universities, insurance agencies to private practices. Check the NBHWC website for updates about the exam and other national certificate efforts.
When will I receive the certificate?
Following the training, if you wish to move to Level 2, you will have 3 months to complete the certificate, if you are not looking to move on, you will have up to 6 months to complete the additional requirements. After submitting your exam, coach notes, case study and review fee, we will review your materials. You should receive notification from our team within 4-6 weeks of submitting all of your materials. A digital copy of your certificate will be emailed to you.

The Test

When do I need to take the test?
The test may be taken at any time within one year following the completion of the 3-day training (within 3 months if you wish to move on to Level 2). The test is part of the requirements necessary for the optional certificate.
How do I access the test?
Following the completion of the 3-day training, you will receive an email with a link to the exam.
What is included on the test?
The test will consist of all of the content included in the 3-day training as well as the assigned reading. It will be made up of multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions.
Does the test have to be completed all at once?
No, you can complete the exam at any time. However, if you’d like to complete the exam in one sitting, please set aside 1-2 hours to complete. Keep in mind, your personal exam link is only valid for 12 months after your training.
How will I know if I passed the test?
You must score 70% or higher on the exam if you wish to receive the certificate. You will be notified by e-mail with the results of the exam within 1-2 weeks.