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Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) Exam

Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP)
Certification Examination
Earn the gold-standard Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) designation and elevate your professional reputation! As a CWP, you'll receive national recognition for your 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.

Certified Wellness Practitioners are recognized for their strong academic preparation, professional experience, and commitment to ongoing professional development in wellness. The CWP credentials are 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.

Please carefully review the CWP Exam Frequently Asked Questions, Eligibility Criteria, and Prep Resources as you prepare to take this important step in your professional development!
Why Get Certified as a CWP?
    • Advance inclusive cultures of well-being for all through individual, organizational, and systemic change.
    • Build valuable connections with interdisciplinary professionals.
    • Attain leadership opportunities that help shape the trajectory of the wellness profession.
    • Enhance your professional skills with access to all NWI member benefits, CWP-exclusive networking opportunities, discounts on continuing education, and more.
    • Differentiate yourself in the ever-expanding field of wellness.
Registration Info
Online Certification exams are administered during two-week periods, three times per year, starting on the second Tuesday in January, May, and September. Registration opens at least three months prior to each exam and closes on the first Thursday of the examination month.

Next Exam Period: Sept. 10-24, 2024
Registration Deadline: Sept. 5, 2024

Exam Fee: $350*

Review the NWI Event Transfer & Cancelation Policy prior to registering.

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Eligibility & Application Info
Eligibility Criteria & Verification
Review the CWP Exam Eligibility Pathway prior to registering. If you are unsure if you meet the requirements to sit for the CWP exam you have the option to request a pre-screening by completing the CWP Eligibility Verification Form by the 15th of month prior to the exam for which you are applying (e.g., for the September exam, submit the form by Aug. 15).
ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION FORM
Exam Registration & Application
Before the first Thursday of the exam month, you must sign in to LearnWELL to pay the exam fee, and then return to LearnWELL to complete the Exam Application below. If you do not have a current NWI membership or a free Guest account, please create or update your NWI account now.
REGISTRATION & APPLICATION
*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.
Important Dates for the September 2024 Exam
Note: 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 the next exam period:
NWI Council on Wellness Certification Excellence (CWCE)
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.
About the NWI Wellness Promotion Competency Model
The NWI Wellness Promotion Competency Model serves as the standard for the Certified Wellness Practitioner certification. Encompassing a total of 27 competencies, this ground-breaking resource aids in curriculum development, recruitment and hiring, continuing professional development, and certification in the wellness field.

The five domains of this competency model include: (1) Authenticity and Self-Awareness; (2) Whole-person and Systems Approaches; (3) Inclusive and Responsive Practices; (4) Communication and Connection; and (5) Legal and Ethical Principles.