FAQs

The Council on Wellness Certification Excellence (CWCE) is an autonomous, expert-led council that reviews and maintains all CWP certification standards, oversees exam eligibility, and ensures that the Certified Wellness Practitioner credential is a reliable and valid process and meets/exceeds all minimum requirements to be the wellness industry's gold-standard designation.

To become certified, eligible candidates must pass the CWP Certification Exam which features 150 scored multiple-choice, true-false, select-all-that-apply, and scenario-based questions covering the five domains and 27 competencies of the Wellness Promotion Competency Model.

By sitting for and passing the CWP Examination, you:

• Showcase your credibility and your competence in the five domains of the Wellness Promotion Competency Model
• Ensure you continue to apply current and relevant methods and frameworks in your work
• Gain opportunities to serve as a wellness subject matter expert
• Enhance your professional skills through continuing education and networking opportunities
• Differentiate yourself in the ever-expanding field of wellness

According to standards set by the Council on Wellness Certification Excellence (CWCE), candidates must meet minimum formal education and professional experience eligibility requirements to sit for the CWP Certification Exam. Candidates preparing to register for the exam may self-determine their eligibility utilizing the CWP Exam Eligibility Pathway information included below or they may submit an Eligibility Verification Review Form and pay the associated eligibility verification review fee for pre- screening to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements prior to exam registration.

The CWP Certification Exam is offered in January, May, and September. Candidates receive one attempt and have four hours to complete the exam (in one sitting) during the two-week examination period for which they are registered. Registration for each exam period opens approximately three months prior to the exam window start date and closes the Friday before.

You may register for the next exam period by visiting wellnessalliance.org/cwp. Reference the current CWP Rate Chart for all related fees. Exam fees include a $50 non-refundable application fee.

Wellness Alliance membership is not required to sit for the exam nor to maintain certification; however, you are required to log in—as a Wellness Alliance Member or Nonmember (Guest)—to register for and complete the online CWP Examination. Though optional, Wellness Alliance membership includes exclusive discounts on CWP exam fees, optional study materials, and recertification fees. Learn more about membership on wellnessalliance.org/membership.

You may choose to transfer your CWP exam registration to a future exam period or cancel your registration by emailing [email protected]. Fees may apply. See the Wellness Alliance Policies page for full details regarding refund and transfer requests.

How, and how long, you need to prepare for the exam depends on your knowledge and professional experience in wellness. A good starting point is to attend a live CWP Info Session or watch a recording on wellnessalliance.org/cwp.

Earning your CWP is not dependent on having completed any specific course or training; however, all candidates are encouraged to seek out resources and training that align with the Wellness Promotion Competency Model as they prepare to sit for the exam. While not exhaustive, free resources are available to help you identify the content featured on the exam, including a CWP Exam Handbook, CWP Exam Prep Resources, and Sample Exam Questions.

Optional paid resources include a Practice Exam & Study Resources Guide and the nine Wellness Promotion Competency Model Courses offered by the Wellness Alliance. Additional courses and training that can be beneficial in preparing for the exam can be found in the Wellness Alliance Learning Center. Please note that utilizing prep materials or completing specific courses does not guarantee eligibility to sit for the CWP exam nor does it predict your performance on the certification exam.

The current cut score to pass the CWP Certification Exam is 66%. This means you must answer at least 99 of the 150 scored questions correctly. The CWCE reviews the cut score periodically.

Upon submitting your online exam, you will receive an immediate (unofficial) pass/fail status. A score report that supports professional development will be sent within one week of the exam period ending. Official certification status will be emailed on the first business day of the month following the exam.

When you pass the CWP Certification Exam, you become a Certified Wellness Practitioner and may use the CWP credentials as long as you maintain your certification. Once certified, you may download your digital certificate from your Professional Development Journal when signed in to your account. You will receive additional details via email about ways to promote your new certification and requirements for maintaining your credentials.

If you do not pass the exam, you may retake the exam during a future exam period at a reduced rate. Information about retesting and associated rates will be emailed to you, along with an exam score report indicating your proficiency in each Wellness Promotion Competency domain to help you create a professional development plan.

Candidates who take and pass the CWP Certification Exam will start their 3-year certification cycle on the first of the month following their exam period.

Every three years, active CWPs must obtain and record proof of 30 continuing education (CE) credits (at least 10 of which must be Category 1) and pay the current recertification fee to re-certify for another three years. See wellnessalliance.org for more information about CWP recertification.