
CERTIFIED WELLNESS PRACTITIONER
Rooted in Wellness Promotion Competencies
REGISTER FOR THE NEXT EXAMINATION PREP WORKSHOP
In conjunction with the 48th Annual National Wellness Conference, NWI will be hosting an interactive and informative workshop designed to prepare individuals for the CWP Certification Examination. Registration deadline is July 12, 2023.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
Visit the CWP Examination Prep Workshop registration page to learn more and get registered.
Become a Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP)

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.
Certification Examination
In alignment with the NWI Wellness Promotion Competency Model, the Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) designation has transitioned to a certification examination with revised eligibility standards. The CWP Beta examination was completed in early 2022 with results guiding the development of the current CWP Certification Examination.
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. Applicants must complete their certification exam in one sitting at any time during the two-week exam period for which they are registered.
Registration for the MAY 2023 EXAM is now open!
Important Dates to Remember
February 1, 2023: Results from the January 2023 exam posted
April 18, 2023: May 2023 exam optional eligibility pre-screen application deadline
May 4, 2023: Registration for the May 2023 exam period closes
May 9 – 23, 2023: May 2023 CWP exam period
June 1, 2023: Results for the May 2023 exam posted
July 12, 2023: Final day to register for the in-person CWP Examination Prep Workshop (held in conjunction with the National Wellness Conference, July 19-21, 20223 in Cincinnati, Ohio)
July 19, 2023: In-person CWP Examination Prep Workshop (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Important Notice for NWI Accredited Academic Program Graduates
If you graduated from an NWI Accredited Academic Program in the past 24 months, please click here to be redirected to the proper application information as the following information does not apply to you at this time.
Don’t just take our word for it.
Listen to other CWPs to better understand why the credential is important, how you can make a difference, why CWP gives wellness professionals like you a competitive edge in the market, and how CWP can be a game changer for YOU and your future!
CWP Frequently Asked Questions
How can I learn more about the CWP exam?
Am I eligible to sit for the CWP exam?
The CWP credential is awarded to successful applicants from multiple disciplines and backgrounds such as health promotion, counseling, wellness coaching, nutrition, social work, nursing, worksite wellness, public health, and education. Click here to see if you are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
Hold a non-wellness-related Associate degree, high school diploma, or equivalent? A pre-screening is required for you to provide evidence of five years’ professional wellness experience.
Unsure if you are eligible? You may complete the optional pre-screening if you are unsure if you meet the requirements to sit for the CWP examination and would like verification prior to registering.
To verify your eligibility, submit the CWP Examination Eligibility Verification Form and non-refundable $25 review fee no less than three weeks prior to the start date of the CWP examination period for which you are applying. The deadline to submit the form for the May 2023 examination is April 18, 2022.
Why become certified by taking the CWP examination?
- Gain international recognition for your competence in the five domains of the NWI Wellness Promotion Competency Model
- As a leader in the field, you will help to advance the professionalism of the wellness field overall.
- Earning your CWP will set an example for others to follow in your footsteps.
- Further demonstrate your dedication to the wellness field.
- As a CWP, you’ll receive NWI member benefits, including access to CWP-exclusive networking opportunities, continuing education, and an online Certification Journal for CEC tracking.
What are CWP policies & recertification requirements?
Policies & Procedures
For full examination and certification details, download the CWP Examination Handbook.
If you received your CWP on or before January 1, 2022 visit your CWP Resources page for details about your certification, including your CWP Policies & Procedures Manual.
Re-certification
CWPs must earn at least 50 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every five years by participating in activities that align with the NWI Wellness Promotion Competency Model. CECs can be earned through NWI or through other credible organizations. View complete re-certification details.
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 certificate courses, trainings, or conference sessions offered by the National Wellness Institute to be eligible to sit for the certification examination.
More Information
Contact [email protected] with questions.
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