NBHWC Exam Prep: How to Study for the Health Coach Board Exam Like a Professional

“Preparing for the NBHWC exam is about readiness and mindset just as much as it is about knowing all the required competencies. You already have what it takes, you just need the right preparation.” Laurie Thomeczek

In this episode of CoachConnect, Dr. Diego Salinas and Laurie Thomeczek dig into one of the most underserved moments in a coach’s journey, NBHWC exam prep. They discuss why studying for the health coach board exam requires a completely different approach than traditional test preparation.

Laurie opens with her origin story. With a background in public health, learning design, and program management, she has spent her career at the intersection of education and health and wellness. After pivoting from overseeing a food allergy training program to becoming a digital health coach, she discovered her real passion was supporting coaches behind the scenes, helping them build confidence, fill knowledge gaps, and pass their board exam.

She unpacks one of the most important reframes in the episode: the issue for most coaches preparing for the NBHWC exam is not a lack of knowledge. Most are already well-trained professionals. The real challenge is that they haven’t sat for a formal exam in years, haven’t had to operate as students in a long time, and haven’t practiced recalling information under timed and pressured conditions.

Together, Diego and Laurie explore how to study like a professional rather than a stressed student, why active preparation always outperforms passive studying, how to build the mental stamina needed for a four and a half hour exam, and why awareness of your own drift and focus patterns is just as important as content review. They also discuss why exam results should never be confused with self-worth, and why passing the board exam is an act of advocacy for the entire coaching profession.

Laurie Thomeczek, MPH, NBC-HWC, PMP – Exam Prep Specialist & Founder of Health Coach Study Hall

Laurie Thomeczek holds a Master of Public Health, is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and holds a Project Management Professional certification. Her career has spanned public health, learning design, program management, and digital health coaching. She has served as adjunct faculty for two NBHWC-approved coach training programs; one corporate and one academic. She has also spent several years training and evaluating health coaches for nationwide digital health platforms.

Health Coach Study Hall

Laurie is the founder of Health Coach Study Hall. It is an online resource hub providing flexible, evidence-based study materials for health coaches preparing for the NBHWC board exam. Everything is designed specifically for busy professionals who want a more efficient, confidence-building, and streamlined approach to exam preparation. Resources are sold individually and are self-guided, so coaches can curate their own study experience based on their needs and budget.

Her Approach

Laurie’s philosophy is simple: less is more. Rather than overwhelming coaches with content, she focuses on quality over quantity. She helps coaches study with intention, speak the language of coaching fluently, and build the mental stamina and relaxed concentration needed to succeed on exam day.

Dr. Diego Salinas is the host of CoachConnect.

Dr. Diego Salinas is a neuroscientist, physician, and health coach. He is passionate about helping coaches grow their impact in the health and wellness space.

As the co-founder of Vibly, he equips coaches with the tools and support to build thriving practices and create lasting change.

Blending medical expertise with coaching experience, Dr. Salinas specializes in behavior change, mental well-being, and the role of coaching in healthcare. On CoachConnect, he explores the strategies and successes of top coaches, sharing actionable insights. A strong advocate for coaching in healthcare, he speaks at industry events and works to make quality coaching more accessible.

CoachConnect with Dr. Diego Salinas is a podcast for coaches looking to grow their impact, refine their strategies, and navigate the evolving world of health and wellness coaching.

Dr. Diego Salinas has a question for coaches and coaching industry leaders: “What makes coaching a powerful force for change?” In this podcast series, he sits down with top coaching professionals to uncover their insights, strategies, and personal journeys.

Each episode of CoachConnect delivers real-world strategies, success stories, and expert perspectives on coaching, mental well-being, and business growth, helping coaches at all levels unlock their full potential.