How Does Co-Qualification And Additional Study Change The Health Coaching Scope of Practice
by Sharon Curtain
Sharon Curtain is a health coaching educator, board member of HCNAZA and Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia. As a leader in professional standards for health coaches in Australia she works with health professionals and organisations to build coaching capability and support safe, effective behaviour change.
Introduction
As health coaching continues to grow as a profession, clarity around qualifications, scope of practice, and professional representation is essential.
A common area of confusion is the difference between co-qualifications and additional study and how each influences what a health coach can safely and ethically offer.
This article outlines these differences to support both public safety and professional credibility, in alignment with HCANZA standards.
What Is Scope of Practice?
Your scope of practice defines the services you are trained, qualified, and legally permitted to provide.
For HCANZA-accredited Health & Wellness Coaches, this includes:
- Behaviour change support
- Client-centred communication
- Goal setting and accountability
- Supporting implementation of health recommendations
- Partnering with clients for sustainable lifestyle change
It does not include:
- Diagnosing medical conditions
- Prescribing treatments or supplements
- Treating disease
- Providing advice outside your qualifications
Practicing within scope protects both the client and the coach.
What Is a Co-Qualification?
A co-qualification is a formally recognised qualification in another health-related discipline (e.g. nutrition, psychology, exercise science).
To be considered a co-qualification, it must:
- Meet recognised education standards (e.g. AQF/NZQF diploma, degree, or postgraduate qualification)
- Align with industry and regulatory standards
- Enable professional registration or membership with a recognised body
- Have its own scope of practice and code of conduct
Why It Matters
A co-qualification expands your scope of practice.
For example:
A health coach who is also a qualified dietitian and registered with Dietitians Australia can practice under both scopes, provided they adhere to each profession’s standards.
If you hold a co-qualification:
- You may use that professional title appropriately
- You must follow the code of conduct and scope of practice for each profession
What Counts as Additional Study?
Additional study includes:
- Short courses
- Certifications
- Workshops or webinars
- Non-accredited programs
This type of learning is valuable and can:
- Enhance knowledge
- Build confidence
- Strengthen coaching conversations
However:
It does NOT expand your scope of practice
It does NOT qualify you to use a new professional title
Even if a certificate is awarded, it is not equivalent to a regulated professional qualification.
Co-Qualification vs Additional Study: Key Differences
| Co-Qualification | Additional Study |
| Formal, accredited qualification | Informal or short-term learning |
| Meets AQF/NZQF standards | Does not meet formal qualification standards |
| Enables professional registration | Does not enable registration |
| Expands scope of practice | Does NOT expand scope |
| Allows use of professional title | Does NOT allow new titles |
How to Communicate Your Qualifications Clearly
As a HCANZA member:
- You may call yourself a Health Coach or Health & Wellness Coach
- You may only use titles like “specialist,” “practitioner,” or “expert” if you are formally qualified and regulated in that field
If You Have Additional Study Only
You should describe this as a “special interest”, not a qualification.
Example:
✔ Health Coach with a special interest in nutrition
✘ Nutrition Coach
✘ Nutritionist
✘ Nutrition Health Coach
Why Accurate Representation Matters
Using titles outside your qualifications can:
- Mislead clients
- Breach advertising and consumer laws
- Damage professional credibility
- Put clients at risk
- Impact insurance coverage
Clear communication is not just ethical—it is essential for safe and professional practice.
Professional Credibility and Alignment
HCANZA’s role as a professional body is to:
- Protect the public
- Protect coaches from risk and litigation
- Support the credibility of health coaching
To be recognised as credible members of healthcare teams, health coaches must:
- Practice within the HCANZA scope of practice
- Adhere to the HCANZA Code of Conduct
- Align with standards used by other regulated professions
- Avoid ambiguous or misleading claims
The Outcome of Alignment
- Stronger integration into healthcare systems
- Greater trust from clients and professionals
- Clear understanding of the health coach role
- Recognition of health coaching as a respected discipline
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between co-qualifications and additional study is essential for ethical, safe, and credible health coaching practice.
While ongoing learning is valuable, only formal qualifications expand your scope and allow you to represent yourself using professional titles.
Clarity in how you communicate your training protects your clients, your reputation, and the future of the profession.
Call to Action
Want to ensure your practice aligns with professional standards?
Explore the HCANZA Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct—or review your current bio and client materials to ensure they accurately reflect your qualifications.
