Preparing for the NBHWC Exam?

You’ve put in the time.

You’ve reviewed the material.

Maybe you’ve even gone through the NBHWC sample questions.

But:

  • You want more practice—something that mirrors the real exam.

  • You’d like a better sense of how to focus your study time.

  • You’re not sure which areas you’ve truly mastered, and which still need work.

  • You’d appreciate a structured way to review the content.

This NBHWC Practice Exam is designed to support your preparation—without the overwhelm.

What’s Inside the Practice Exam?

  • 50 original, exam-style multiple choice questions
    Written to reflect the tone, scope, and structure of the real NBHWC exam

  • Detailed answer explanations
    Learn not just what’s correct, but why

  • Breakdown by key domains
    So you can see how you’re doing in each of the core areas

  • Instant digital access
    Start studying right away, at your own pace

Here’s how it helps:

  • Builds confidence so you can approach exam day with a clear, calm mindset

  • Highlights your strengths, so you can shift your focus where it’s really needed

  • Identifies knowledge gaps, giving you a roadmap for review

  • Provides more practice in addition to the official NBHWC sample questions

  • Reflects the actual exam format, so there are no surprises

  • Includes detailed answer explanations, so you understand why an answer is correct

  • Saves time by emphasizing the most relevant topics

  • Helps reduce test anxiety, by turning the unknown into the familiar

  • Created by someone who’s been there, with experience as a healthcare provider and coach

About the Practice Test

  • It has the same structure and percentage of question types as the NBHWC exam

  • Purchased download includes 2 test versions

    • Full exam mode: you take all 50 questions and receive feedback at the end

    • Single question mode: you answer questions individually and get immediate feedback

  • Unlimited attempts for both tests

  • Referenced feedback provided for each question to support your learning

  • Specific Test Breakdown (using 2026 Outline)

    • Section 1: 25% of exam= 12 questions

    • Section 2: 15% of exam= 8 questions

    • Section 3: 25% of exam= 12 questions

    • Section 4: 15% of exam= 7 questions

    • Section 5: 20% of exam= 11 questions

  • If you are attempting to purchase and reside outside of the U.S., Canada, Australia,  please reach out via email (elizabeth@pathwisewellness.com) before purchasing.

  • Note: Because this is a digital download access document, all sales are final.

To purchase, click the link below. 

Good luck on your exam!

**Disclaimer: This practice exam is in no way affiliated with NBHWC or any other credentialing body. This test is for educational and preparation purposes.

 FAQs

  • This is an independent study resource created by a board-certified coach. It’s designed to complement your exam prep—not replace official materials.

  • The format, tone, and level of complexity are modeled after the NBHWC exam. While it’s not an exact replica, it’s designed to feel very similar in structure and difficulty.

  • Yes! As soon as you purchase, you’ll receive a downloadable PDF to access the materials and start reviewing.

  • Absolutely. You can retake it as many times as you’d like, which is great for tracking your improvement.

  • That’s up to you. Most users take around 20-30 minutes to complete the full set, but you can break it up however it suits your schedule.

  • This exam was created by a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach who understands both the content and the experience of preparing for this test.

Elizabeth Afanasyev

PA-C, dipACLM, NBC-HWC 


I am a Physician Assistant who worked clinically for about 5 years divided between family medicine and urgent care. I found I was drawn to helping my patients with preventative medicine and creating lasting health change, and decided to get a health coaching certification followed closely by lifestyle medicine certification. I am passionate about making medical knowledge accessible for everyone and now work supporting women undergoing hysterectomy.

What makes me qualified to write this practice test?

  • I took the NBHWC exam in 2023 and did well.

  • In order to study for the exam, I read books on Motivational Interviewing, the Theoretical Change model etc - so I was VERY familiar with the content.

  • I also am American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) certified

    • Fun fact: I took the NBHWC and ACLM exams back to back almost exactly 4 weeks apart at the end of 2023.

  • I created a practice exam for health care providers taking the American College of Lifestyle Medicine exam. There is definitely some overlap between these exams and that practice exam has been well received.

  • I enjoy researching and writing and worked in a research lab for 4 years prior to PA school. I wrote my first published research paper when I was 21. Happy to chat about it if you’d like.

My words of wisdom about the exam:

If you can make time to read at least half of Prochaska’s “Changing to Thrive” and a chunk of “Motivational Interviewing” as well as the Wellcoaches Coaching Manual by Moore, you will likely be in very good shape.

Know your medical numbers but don’t stress too much about them. Just practice writing them out a few times each day if you aren’t a medical professional and at the exam you can write them out on scratch paper.