I Passed the NBC-HWC Exam - Becoming a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach in San Diego
Today was one of those life moments I know I’ll remember forever.
This morning, I woke up to some pretty incredible news……
I passed the NBC-HWC exam!!!!!!!!!!!!
I took the exam back in March, and ever since then, I’ve been anxiously waiting for results. When I saw the email come through this morning, my heart immediately started racing. I was honestly scared to log in and check.
But then I saw the word…….
PASS
And I completely broke down crying.
Not just because I passed, but because of everything that moment represented……
The long nights, the coaching hours, the studying, the self-doubt, the dedication, and the deep desire to do this work the right way.
Today, I officially became a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
How I Found Health & Wellness Coaching
Back in the fall of 2024, I started having really big feelings about people losing access to health and wellness services.
Working in the nonprofit world in San Diego, I’ve spent years seeing how difficult it can be for people to access support, especially preventative wellness services that help people before burnout, stress, or health challenges escalate.
That season brought something back to the surface for me.
Funny enough, this wasn’t actually a brand new dream.
Back in 2018, I had wanted to become an accountability coach. I had business ideas, outlines, and a vision for helping people create change in their lives.
But then life shifted quickly. I got my current job in San Diego and moved, and that dream got placed on the back burner.
It’s funny how certain callings come back around when they’re truly meant for you.
Discovering the NBC-HWC Path
In the fall of 2024, that spark came back stronger than ever.
I started researching coaching programs and discovered the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching pathway.
Before that, I honestly didn’t know there was a legitimate national board certification for health and wellness coaching.
After researching programs extensively, I found the program through San Diego Mesa College.
Because I’m a California resident, it was one of the more affordable accredited options, which mattered because these programs are not cheap.
It was a fully online one-year intensive program, and I started in Spring 2025.
The Coaching Program Experience
Every week we met for three hours.
The first two hours were instruction
The final hour was live peer coaching
We used the American Council on Exercise Health & Wellness Coaching textbook, and I loved learning the science and psychology behind behavior change.
Then the fall semester became even more intensive.
We had to coach three students multiple times, record all sessions, and submit them for grading and evaluation.
After completing the required recordings, I became eligible to start my 50 public coaching sessions required to sit for the NBC-HWC exam.
Moving Fast + Taking the ACE Exam
I’ve always been someone who likes to move full speed ahead when I’m passionate about something.
So while completing my coaching hours, I also decided to sit for the American Council on Exercise Certified Health Coach exam.
Since our entire training program used the ACE curriculum, I figured why not challenge myself?
I took the proctored exam in November 2025 and passed.
That was the first moment where I really thought:
“Okay… I can actually do this.”
Taking the NBC-HWC Exam
After completing my 50 coaching sessions, I applied to sit for the NBC-HWC exam in early 2026.
This particular exam cycle was newly modified, so even the study groups and prep materials had some uncertainty around them.
No one fully knew what to expect.
I studied hard, trusted the process, and took the exam in March.
And today, I found out I passed well above the required score.
That meant everything to me.
Because this journey was never about shortcuts.
It was about integrity, education, skill-building, and becoming the kind of coach I would personally want to work with.
Blending Coaching with Sound Healing, Astrology & Reiki
What excites me most is that I now get to blend my National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaching skills with the modalities I already deeply love and practice.
I’m officially accepting new coaching clients, and my coaching approach is unlike anything I’ve personally seen offered before.
My coaching containers combine:
Evidence-based health coaching
Astrology
Reiki
Yoga Nidra
Sound baths
Human Design
Together, these tools create a much deeper understanding of behavior patterns, nervous system regulation, energy, and personal growth.
My New Coaching Experience
In my coaching packages, we’ll:
Review your astrology transits monthly
Deep dive weekly into themes, patterns, and upcoming energy
Explore your Human Design chart and how you move through life
Work through behavior change using my NBC-HWC coaching skills
You’ll also receive:
A custom 30-minute Yoga Nidra recording written specifically for you
Reiki-infused guided meditations
Weekly distance Reiki sessions
And if you’re local to San Diego, your package will also include access to my weekly:
Yoga Nidra + Sound baths in Kearny Mesa or Sorrento Valley
This offering feels incredibly aligned because it bridges evidence-based coaching with spiritual and somatic healing practices.
Limited Coaching Openings
Because these coaching experiences are deeply personalized and intensive, I’ll only be taking a small number of clients.
The coaching packages are now officially live on my website.
✨ I’m also offering 10% off your first month for new clients
So if you’ve been thinking about working together, now is the perfect time discount is automatic when you subscribe!
Celebrating in San Diego
After celebrating the news and refining some final coaching materials, I treated myself to matcha at Matcha Cafe Maiko.
Their matcha drinks are seriously so good.
Then after work, I headed to Club Pilates for my very first 1.5 level class.
I usually stick to Level 1, but I wanted to challenge myself, and I’m so glad I did.
If you’ve been curious about trying Club Pilates, you can use my referral code for your first class free: cp-xyncw
or use this link: https://members.clubpilates.com/auth/register?referral_code=cp-xyncw
They also have some fun community events this month, Mother/Daughter Week and “Mom-osas & Muffins” events for Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day Sound Bath in Manhattan Beach
This weekend I’ll actually be up in Los Angeles with my mom because I’m hosting a special Mother’s Day Sound Bath at HEAL LA.
📅 Sunday, May 11, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-sound-bath-manhattan-beach-tickets-1988120704546
If you’re looking for a meaningful Mother’s Day experience, I’m currently offering:
✨ Buy One, Get One Free Tickets ✨
It’s such a beautiful way to give the gift of relaxation, connection, and nervous system healing.
Feeling Grateful
Today was more than just passing an exam.
It was proof that the vision I felt stirring inside me back in 2024 was real.
And now it’s here.
I’m officially a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, and I truly cannot wait to continue helping people through coaching, sound healing, Yoga Nidra, Reiki, and community.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.
This is only the beginning.
Work With Me
I currently offer:
Astrology-informed coaching
Yoga Nidra
Private wellness experiences
👉 Visit my website to learn more or apply for coaching
👉 Or email me directly to connect info@savvystaci.com or Instagram: @savvy_staci
Mother’s Day Sound Bath - Manhattan Beach, CA
