A Year Inside Health Coach Study Hall: Supporting NHBWC Exam-Takers
As the one-year anniversary of Health Coach Study Hall approaches, it felt both important and timely to pause and reflect on what this first year has taught me. To better understand what’s working well (and where there’s room to improve) I sent out an end-of-year feedback survey to individuals who used either free or paid Health Coach Study Hall resources in 2025.
What follows are the key themes, insights, and learnings that emerged from that feedback. These reflections are playing a major role in shaping the updates and enhancements coming to Health Coach Study Hall resources in 2026, all with the goal of helping NBHWC exam takers feel more prepared, confident, and supported.
To everyone who took the time to complete the survey: thank you. Your honest and constructive feedback matters deeply to me. I’m committed to creating study materials that are not only high-quality and evidence-informed, but genuinely useful—and worthy of your time, energy, and investment.
What I heard loud and clear
Across the survey responses, a few themes showed up again and again. Many respondents shared that Health Coach Study Hall resources helped them feel more confident, more focused, and less overwhelmed during an already stressful season of life. Flashcards, practice exams, and structured study guidance were frequently mentioned as tools that made studying feel more manageable. Especially for those balancing full-time work, parenting, and limited study time.
Several respondents also shared that the resources helped reduce stress simply by making it easier to revisit key topics and stay oriented to what actually matters for the exam.
“I loved the meditation that you could do before the exam, I listened to it the week leading up to the exam date.”
“The e-flashcards were super convenient for studying on the go.”
“I love the 12-week emails.”
What helped exam takers feel most prepared
When respondents felt prepared for the NBHWC exam, it wasn’t because they memorized more content—it was because they learned how to think through questions.
Practice exams and clear answer explanations stood out as especially valuable for building critical thinking skills and helping learners understand how exam questions are structured. Many shared that this approach supported their ability to analyze scenarios, weigh subtle differences between answer choices, and align their thinking with NBHWC competencies.
This feedback strongly reinforces my belief that effective exam prep isn’t about cramming—it’s about practicing how to apply what you already know.
“The flashcards were helpful, and I liked how easily accessible they were. I found the full-length exam to be most helpful in terms of helping me with my critical thinking and aiding in my ability to understand how to analyze questions.”
Where exam prep still feels challenging
Some respondents shared that the real NBHWC exam felt more scenario-based or nuanced than they expected, particularly when it came to coaching theory, reflections, and choosing the most appropriate response among very similar options. Others noted challenges related to health and wellness content and “know your numbers” questions, or legal and ethical situations.
It’s also important to name something honestly: no exam prep resource can fully eliminate the uncertainty or emotional intensity of the real NBHWC exam. Some stress is built into the experience itself, especially when the stakes feel high. That said, this feedback highlighted opportunities to better support learners in navigating ambiguity, exam logic, and coaching nuance with more clarity and confidence.
What this feedback confirmed for me
This survey confirmed something I’ve believed from the beginning: busy, capable health coaches don’t need more information—they need the right kind of support and reinforcement.
The strongest feedback consistently pointed toward tools that:
Support critical thinking
Reinforce existing knowledge
Respect limited time and attention
Reduce cognitive overload rather than add to it
It also reaffirmed how important it is to support adult learners who may be returning to formal studying after many years, and who benefit from structure, encouragement, and practical guidance on how to study effectively.
“I really liked the email tips on how to study. I graduated from college like 20 years ago so I had to learn how to study again. The study plan was also great because it gave me the direction I needed.”
How this is shaping what’s coming in 2026
The insights from this survey, along with ongoing conversations with Health Coach Study Hall customers and faculty who support coach training programs, are directly shaping the next evolution of Health Coach Study Hall resources. Beginning January 1, you’ll see updates and enhancements designed to:
Strengthen scenario-based coaching questions
Clarify exam logic and decision-making patterns
Expand and refine high-value tools like flashcards
Offer clearer guidance on how to use each resource effectively
Better support different learning styles
Create more opportunities for personalized, high-touch support, while still respecting learners’ time, energy, and attention.
These updates aren’t about starting from scratch—they’re about refining what’s already working and making it even more supportive, realistic, and aligned with the exam experience.
“I have used most of the study programs out there and yours is one of the best.”
“Appreciate your no no nonsense, simple, clear, encouraging approach.”
In closing
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who purchased Health Coach Study Hall materials this year, and who took the time to share thoughtful, honest feedback. As we move into the new year, my commitment remains the same: to offer exam prep materials that are grounded in learning science, respectful of your time, and genuinely supportive of your confidence on exam day.
Updated resources are trickling in this month. Go to our shop page to see what’s ready now!
More to come in January.
-Laurie
Founder, Health Coach Study Hall