ACE-CHC vs PN2-MHC

certification

certification

2029-03-31

Health coaches

Experienced coaches and health professionals; PN encourages prior completion of a PN Level 1 certification and/or a health-related background (fitness trainer, nutritionist, health coach, nurse, other health care provider)

18

Have completed high school diploma (or the equivalent)

None. "No formal prerequisites are required." You do not need a university degree to enroll in or complete the certification.

no

no

No experience required per ACE program pages; the ACE credential listing page states candidates must submit documentation for ONE of: a current NCCA-accredited certification in fitness, nutrition, healthcare, wellness, human resources or related field; an associate's degree or higher in fitness, exercise science, nutrition, healthcare, wellness or related field; a completed NBHWC-approved health coach training program; or a minimum of 2 years of work experience in coaching/leading/designing behavior or lifestyle change, exercise, wellness, nutrition or physical activity (documented by resume)

None required. Prior client/patient experience or PN Level 1 (or another coaching certification) is recommended but not required; "you don't need paying clients to enroll."

yes

no

Current adult CPR and AED certification with a live (hands-on) skills check completed prior to exam registration (CPR only required outside the U.S./Canada); present a current government-issued photo ID with signature. No prerequisites to purchase a study program.

No formal prerequisites; recommended to have at least one practice partner (client, colleague, friend, or family member) during the 20-week program. Live-session attendance (18–20 of 20 sessions) is mandatory only for students pursuing NBC-HWC or HCA-RHC credentials.

NCCA-accredited ACE Certified Health Coach Certification Exam; multiple-choice, taken either at an in-person proctored testing site or online via Live Remote Proctor (Meazure Learning/ProctorU, English only)

100-question multiple-choice final exam delivered online at the end of the 20-week program; program also evaluated via completion of lessons/reflection questions, quizzes, and 3 written case studies

100

Minimum passing score of 500 on a scale up to 800

75% or higher on the final exam (also 75%+ on all 3 case studies; at least 75% of quizzes and weekly reflection questions completed)

If not passed, candidates may use a retake voucher (if available in MyACE Account) or purchase an additional exam at a discounted retake fee, valid for one year after the initial test date. Exam must be registered within 6 months of study program purchase (voucher redemption period); Live Remote Proctor exams must be completed within 60 days of registration.

yes

yes

2 years

2 years

2

ACE CEC (0.1 CEC = 1 hour of structured learning; 2.0 CECs = 20 hours)

$129 standard

yes

unknown

yes

unknown

Credential must be renewed every two years; all CECs must be completed between the start and end dates of the two-year renewal cycle shown in the My ACE account. Late renewal is possible up to 3 months ($169) and up to 6 months ($199) past expiration; more than 6 months past expiration requires contacting ACE support. Excess CECs do not roll over, and if the certification expires without completing CECs the exam must be retaken.

Renewal required every two years from the date of program completion; renewal process must be completed before the credential expires to maintain PN Certified Master Health Coach status.

active

active

2026-09-03

2026-09-03

American Council on Exercise (ACE) (petition accepted) · Accredited colleges/universities (college coursework) (accepts ceus from) · ACE-Approved Continuing Education Providers (voluntary ACE approval program) (approved ceu provider)

Health Coach Alliance (HCA) (approved ceu provider) · Unspecified organizations worldwide (list shown only as logos) (approved ceu provider) · National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) (approved ceu provider) · ACE (approved ceu provider)

Behavior Change, Nutrition Coaching

Behavior Change, Coaching Psychology, Nutrition Coaching, Professional Development