Examination

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.

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:

Examination Timeline

• August 4, 2025: Last day to register at early-bird rate
• September 4, 2025: Registration examination period closes; Exam Application submission deadline
• September 9 - 23, 2025: CWP examination period open. Exam must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET, September 23.
• October 1, 2025: Notification of official exam results and certification status emailed to all candidates

What to Expect

• The successful CWP candidate will demonstrate competence across the five domains of the Wellness Promotion Competency Model covered on the certification examination.
• The CWP exam will be administered via the Wellness Alliance Online Learning Center only.
• The exam is offered in English only.
• The exam must be completed by the registrant with no assistance from other individuals or other external sources, such as internet searches.
• The exam must be completed in one sitting at any time during the examination two-week examination period.
• Once a candidate begins their online exam, they will have four (4) hours to complete all 150 exam questions.
• Testing attempts are limited to one certification examination attempt per testing period.

Accessing the Exam

1. Register and pay for the exam below. (Membership is not a requirement, but you must have a current Wellness Alliance username.)
2. Once your payment is processed, return to this section of the online Learning Center, sign in, and complete the brief  CWP Exam Application below.
3. Watch your inbox for email reminders.
4. On your examination period start date, the CWP Candidate Statement of Understanding and CWP examination will appear below. You must indicate your acceptance of the Statement of Understanding to unlock the exam.

Council on Wellness Certification Excellence (CWCE)

The CWCE continually reviews and maintains CWP certification standards. The Council serves as the decision-making body to evaluate, provide oversight, and give guidance on CWP policies and procedures, and sets eligibility criteria and recertification requirements.The CWCE does not require CWP candidates to complete courses, training, or conference sessions offered a specific organization to be eligible to site for the certification examination.

Every 3 years, proof of 30 continuing education credits earned and payment of the current recertification fee will be required to re-certify for another three years.

As a CWP, you'll receive national recognition for your competence in the 5 domains of the Wellness Competency Model:

1. Authenticity and Self-awareness
2. Whole-person and Systems Approaches
3. Inclusive and Responsive Practices
4. Communication and Connection
5. Legal and Ethical Principles

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!