How to Become a Certified Health Coach in California

Let me guess — you’re here because you’re ready for:

• More freedom
• More purpose
• More income (without having to hustle 24/7)

A career in health coaching can give you all of this and more.

But starting out can feel overwhelming. So today, we’ll break down how to become a health coach in California — step by step.

By the end, you’ll have the roadmap to build a fulfilling health coaching business.

Want to learn more? Then let’s dive in!

Key takeaways:

• In most cases, you don’t need a license or certification to be a health and wellness coach in California — the results you deliver matter most
• The top two health certification programs in California are offered by UC San Diego and Loma Linda University

What is a health and wellness coach?

As a health and wellness coach, you use a holistic approach to help your clients thrive. Some health coaches help clients lose weight, while others help them reduce their stress, improve sleep, and manage chronic illnesses. 

And there is demand for health coaches:

• The health coaching industry is expected to hit $3.8 billion in North America with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%.
• In California, health coaches earn an average salary of $72,600, with many self-employed professionals earning six figures and beyond.

But health coaching isn’t just about helping others (though that’s incredibly rewarding). It’s about creating a life that fulfills you, too.

Here’s what makes a coaching career so exciting:

• You can change lives. Your clients live happier and longer lives. 
• You have freedom. Work from anywhere and design your schedule around what matters to you.
• You create purpose and independence. Build a career that’s both meaningful and financially empowering.

In this video, I tell you more about what exactly coaching is:

What qualifications do you need to become a health and wellness coach in California?

Now you know what health coaching involves, let’s cover the qualifications you’ll need.

Do you need a license to be a health coach in California?

The good news? In most cases, health coaching isn’t regulated in California. Unlike doctors or therapists, you don’t need a professional license to get started.

One caveat? If your work crosses into areas like medical advice or therapy, you’ll need additional qualifications to ensure you’re operating within legal and ethical boundaries.

Do you need a certification to be a health coach in California?

Another question you might be asking is, “Do I need a certification to work as a health coach?”

The answer: No, certification isn’t mandatory. What matters most is your ability to deliver results that transform your clients’ lives.

Let me share something personal: The reason my clients rave about working with me isn’t because I have a certificate hanging on my wall. (Spoiler alert: I don’t!)

What keeps them coming back — and referring others — are the real, tangible results they achieve, like these:

That said, certifications can be valuable depending on your niche. For instance:

For example, you might need a certification if you plan to work with government programs or specialize in certain niches. Take nurse health coaches or registered nutritionists–these health coaching niches do require degrees, licenses, and certifications.

And if you want to learn how to become certified, read on…

How to become a certified health coach in California

Let’s now dive into how you can become a certified health coach in California.

Here’s how to do it, step by step.

1. Fulfill educational requirements

Most programs require at least a high school diploma or GED to get started. However, if you’re aiming for a more reputable certification, here’s what you might need:

• An associate degree or higher
• Completion of an approved health coach training program
• Two years of relevant work experience

A 2-year degree can help you develop industry-standard skills, while a 4-year degree can deepen your knowledge even further. 

If you’re considering a degree, choose a major that aligns with your future goals, such as:

• Health Science
• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Exercise Science
• Sports Psychology

2. Gain experience

The next step on your journey to becoming a health coach? Hands-on experience.

You see, coaching isn’t just about theory — it’s a skill you build through practice. And advanced certifications often want proof of this.

For instance, to become a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) you need 50 coaching sessions of at least 20 minutes each.

The good news? Many NBHWC-approved programs help you meet this requirement after you’ve passed a Practical Skills Assessment (PSA).

3. Pass a certifying exam

Finally, you’ll have to prove your knowledge by passing a certification exam.

The content of the certification exam will depend on the program you choose. For example, if you’re aiming for the National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential, you’ll be tested on:

• Coaching structure
• Coaching practice
• Health and wellness knowledge
• Ethical and legal concerns

Want to find out the best certification for you? Let’s look at that next. 

How to find the right certification program

To choose the best certification program for your needs, start by understanding the accreditation bodies that govern health and wellness coaching certifications. Alternatively, you can become a certified wellness coach in California or opt for a mental health coaching certification program. 

We’ll look at each option below. 

Health and wellness coach certification accreditation 

When selecting a health and wellness coach certification, choose one that is accredited by reputable organizations so that it meets industry standards. 

Here are top accrediting bodies: 

• National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC): The NBHWC collaborates with the National Board of Medical Examiners to set standards for health and wellness coaching. Programs approved by the NBHWC prepare you for the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) exam. 
• National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA): The NCCA accredits certification programs that meet standards for professional competence.
• International Coaching Federation (ICF): The ICF is a globally recognized organization that accredits programs, including health and wellness. 

With these accrediting bodies in mind, explore organizations that offer programs aligned with their standards. 

Health coaching certification programs

Here are the top two NBHWC-approved health and wellness coaching certification programs in California:

• Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate — UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies: This hybrid program blends online learning with 100 in-person contact hours. You can finish it in as little as six months or take up to five years. (Price: $5,130)
• Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate — Loma Linda University: This six-month program is fully online, but you do need to attend live Zoom classes for two of the courses. You need a bachelor’s degree to apply. (Price: $3,400, including $250 for materials)

Other online programs include: 

• Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE) Health Coach Certification
• Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification

Note: I haven’t enrolled in these programs myself. My recommendations are based on publicly available information. 

Certified wellness coach

Want to become a certified wellness coach (CWC)?

This is an entry-level opportunity for people who have associate and bachelor’s degrees who want to work with children and youth in vulnerable populations. 

Purpose:

• The CWC certification prepares you to work with underserved communities, focusing on improving the health and wellness of children and youth.

Organized by:

• In California, the certification process is managed by the California Department of Health Care Access (HCAI).

Training:

• The state does not provide specific training for this certification. You’ll need to complete relevant training from an external source that meets the certification requirements.

Application Process:

• Applying for the CWC certification is free of charge.

Mental health coach certification

More interested in mental health coaching?

Then, take a look at the following two mental health coach certification programs:

• Headspace Mental Health Coaching Program — The Headspace Training Institute: This hybrid NBHWC-approved program combines live and self-paced learning. (Price: $5,995)
• Community Mental Health Worker Certificate — City College of San Francisco (CCSF): Trains front-line workers in culturally responsive mental health services. However, it isn’t accredited by the NBHWC. (Price: $736 for California residents; free for San Francisco residents)

However, remember that coaching isn’t therapy–if you want to treat people with mental health disorders, rather than coach people to improve their mental health, you need a relevant counseling degree. In this article, I discuss the difference between coaching and therapy in more detail.

Of course, getting certified is just one piece of the puzzle. So, let’s dive a little deeper into how to become a health coach in California.

How to become a health coach in California

Ready to figure out how to become a health coach in California?

Here are the four main things you’ll need to do:

1. Find a niche

Niching down makes your services more targeted and easier to market. It’s also a great way to stand out. 

Examples of niches in the health and wellness industry include: 

• Stress management
• Nutrition coaching
• Fitness coaching
• Weight loss coaching
• Mindfulness coaching
• Wellness coaching
• Sleep coaching
• Yoga coaching
• Somatic coaching
• Anxiety coaching
• Trauma coaching
• Mental performance coaching
• Fertility coaching

To find your own niche, ask yourself: 

• What experience and skills do you have? 
• Who do you want to help? 

For example, my former client David helps people lose weight with herbs. Another client, Adrienne, is a registered nutritionist who helps her clients improve their diets and health. 

2. Set up your coaching business

Once you’ve identified your niche, the next step is to establish your coaching business. 

Choose a coaching business name

The simplest option is to use your own name—this is what I did. If your name is common, consider adding “Coaching” or “Consulting.”

For more, take a look at my coaching business naming guide. 

Decide on a business structure 

The next step is to set up your coaching business legally. Here are the most common options:

• A sole proprietorship: Simple to set up but doesn’t offer as much protection as an LLC. 
• An LLC:  More complicated and costlier to set up, but offers more legal protection than a sole proprietorship. 

You can read more about starting a business in California here: 

• How to Start a Business in California
• Business Entity Types in California
• Checklist for Starting a Business in California
• Legal requirements for life coaches
• Top health coaching insurance 

3. Create a coaching offer

To maximize your impact and income as a health coach, focus on offering coaching packages rather than one-off sessions. A well-designed package provides a clear path to transformation for your clients, so that you can deliver better results and charge premium rates.

That’s because clients are more likely to invest in a program that promises a specific outcome or change in their lives. And that’s what clients are willing to pay a lot for.

How much should you charge as a new health coach in California? Keep it simple: Start with a $1,500 three-month coaching package that includes monthly, biweekly, or weekly calls.

This approach works because your package offers: 

• Lower barrier to entry: A $1,500 package makes it easier for clients to commit, even if you’re just starting and don’t have a lot of testimonials yet.
• Profitability from the start: This price point allows you to build a sustainable coaching business while delivering value to your clients.
• Easy to scale: Once you’ve worked with a few clients at this rate, you can gradually raise your prices as your expertise and demand grow.

4. Market your coaching business

Coaching marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is mastering one strategy before adding another one. 

For instance, you could build credibility by sharing tips, success stories, and expert advice on social media. Choose one platform where your audience hangs out, whether that’s TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

For example, Cristina Cantu, a naturopathic doctor and one of my former clients, found her first coaching clients on Instagram by posting content that resonated with her audience.

Later on, you can join relevant podcasts or host free webinars to keep growing your audience. 

So, that’s how you become a health coach. But what skills will you need to succeed?

That’s what we’ll cover next.

Health coach job description and skills

Depending on your niche, you might work on:

• Developing personalized nutrition plans
• Creating workout routines
• Promoting emotional balance
• Managing stress levels
• Improving sleep quality
• Helping with weight loss or gain
• And so on

Ultimately, the goal is to help clients replace their unhealthy habits with healthier ones.

But achieving this kind of transformation isn’t easy. Many clients feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure where to start. That’s where you step in.

To succeed, focus on mastering these four key skills:

• Communication skills: Great coaches are great listeners. Practice active listening, ask useful questions, and show empathy to build trust.
• Goal setting and planning: Most clients feel overwhelmed by the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Your job is to break that big gap into small, manageable steps, turning overwhelming goals into actionable plans.
• Health and wellness expertise: Leverage your knowledge to get clients the results they’re after faster and easier.
• Motivational skills: At some point, your client will need a boost. Use tools like motivational interviewing to uncover roadblocks and keep them moving forward.

Next up: How much can you actually earn as a health coach in California?

Health coach jobs and salaries

How much can you really earn as a health coach in California?

According to Salary.com, the average health coach salary in California is $72,600 per year. Keep in mind that this is a salary, though. Being a self-employed health coach means you set your own rates and can earn much more.

Because as a health coach, you have many ways to monetize your skills:

• Your own health coaching business: Build a business on your terms where you offer one-on-one sessions, group coaching, or online courses. 
• Government: Join programs like those run by the California Department of Public Health.
• Fitness and wellness centers: Join fitness and wellness hubs that want to offer a holistic wellness experience.
• Healthcare organizations: Work with hospitals or clinics to offer coaching as part of patient recovery or chronic disease management programs.

Finally, let’s answer the most common questions about becoming a health coach in California.

FAQ: How to become a health coach in California

Is it worth getting health coach certification?

Coaching certifications are mandatory in certain niches, and they can be advantageous if you want to work with organizations. However, certifications alone won’t make you a successful coach. Results matter most. Clients care about whether you can help them solve their problems. 

Do health coaches make money?

Yes. Health coaching is a lucrative niche, especially in wellness-focused California, where clients are eager to invest in solutions for their health challenges. From personalized coaching packages to online courses and corporate partnerships, health coaches can earn a significant income by addressing the specific pain points their clients want to solve.

How long does it take to be a health coach?

Most certification programs take 6-12 months, although more advanced programs may require extra time. But, unless you are in niches that require a certification, you don’t need to wait. You can start coaching right away, even before you’re certified. Many successful coaches build their experience as they complete their training, learning on the job and refining their skills in real-time.

What’s next? 

And that’s how to become a health coach in California!

Building a coaching business is a great way to replace your 9-5 income and build a life of freedom and purpose.

But at the same time, you have a busy life and a secure income. Starting a coaching business feels both overwhelming and risky. 

I know because I’ve been there. 

Before I started my first coaching business, I was in a cushy, six-figure job. I had worked hard to get there, and I wasn’t going to throw it away unless I knew I had a sustainable and profitable business that would give me more flexibility.

While it took me years of trial and error, I eventually figured out how to build my business. That’s how I grew my first coaching business to six figures in four months. And today, I’ve helped thousands of people get started while scaling my own business to multiple seven figures. 

Want to learn how to create the same for yourself? 

Grab my FREE guide to launching your six-figure coaching business today! It’s filled with practical tips to help you build a thriving business, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Read more:

How to Get Coaching Clients Without Social Media

The Best Wellness Coaching Certifications 

The Best Nutrition Coach Certification Programs

How to Become a Life Coach in California