Be recognized for your strong academic preparation, professional experience, and commitment to ongoing professional development in wellness. The CWP credential is awarded to individuals from multiple disciplines and backgrounds such as health promotion, counseling, wellness coaching, nutrition, social work, nursing, worksite wellness, public health, education, and more.

See our Frequently Asked Questions and CWP Certification Examination Eligibility Requirements to determine your eligibility and for additional details as you prepare to take this important step in your professional development!

Certified Wellness Practitioners:

• Receive national recognition for their professional competence in the five domains of the NWI Wellness Promotion Competency Model: Authenticity & Self-awareness, Whole-person & Systems Approaches, Inclusive & Responsive Practices, Communication & Connection, and Legal & Ethical Principles.
• Elevate their reputations as wellness professionals among their employers, colleagues, and clients.
• Build enhanced connections and community with inter-disciplinary teams of professionals.
• Share a common understanding of wellness and wellness-approaches.
• Attain leadership opportunities that help shape the trajectory of the wellness field.
• Create wellness-enhancing environments through the initiation of individual, organizational, and cultural change.

CWPs also receive access to all NWI member benefits, effective on their initial certification date and as long as their certification remains in active* status. Membership benefits include access to an online Certification Journal to track continuing education credits earned toward recertification of their CWP, CWP-exclusive networking opportunities, discounts on continuing education, and more.

*After the first year of certification, CWPs must pay a $75 annual fee to maintain active status. Every five years, in addition to the annual fee, proof of 50 continuing education credits earned will be required to re-certify for another five years.

Certification exams are administered three times per year, starting on the second Tuesday in January, May, and September. Online registration for CWP exams opens at least three months prior to each exam and closes the Thursday before the exam period begins. You must complete your certification exam in one sitting at any time during the two-week exam period for which you are registered.

Please refer to the following dates for this exam period:

• Apr. 23, 2024: May exam optional eligibility pre-screen application deadline (see below)
• May 9, 2024: May exam application and registration closes
• May 14-28, 2024: May exam period
• Jun. 1, 2024: May exam results posted

CWP certification standards are continually reviewed and maintained by NWI’s CWCE. This council serves as the decision-making body to evaluate, provide oversight, and give guidance on CWP policies and procedures, and sets continuing education requirements. The CWCE does not require CWP candidates to complete courses, trainings, or conference sessions offered by the National Wellness Institute to be eligible to sit for the certification examination.