INDEX
1. Membership & Eligibility
2. Training & Professional Standards
3. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
4. Insurance & Compliance
5. Member Portal & Technical Support
6. Events & Community
7. Careers & Employment
8. Marketing, Promotion & Partnerships
9. About Health Coaching
1. Membership & Eligibility
What qualifications do I need to become an HCANZA member?
Eligibility requirements, accepted qualifications, and the application process are outlined on our website:
The Join Now button will guide you through the full application process, including required documentation.
If you need further clarification, please contact our Membership Manager at membership@hcanza.org
What training do I need to become a Health Coach?
To become a Health Coach and be eligible for HCANZA membership, you must complete a health coaching qualification from an approved training provider.
HCANZA recognises a range of reputable education providers that meet our professional and ethical standards. Approved providers include (but are not limited to):
- Accredited Health Coaching Australia
- Better Health Co.
- Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
- Holistic Performance Institute
- Institute for Integrative Nutrition
- PreKure
- Precision Health Alliance
- Primal Health Coach Institute
- Real Balance Global Wellness
- Tamaki Health
- Well College Global
- Wellness Coaching Australia
Training programs may vary in structure, duration, delivery mode (online or in-person), and areas of focus. We encourage prospective students to choose a program that aligns with their background, career goals, and preferred area of practice.
What is Scope of Practice?
You can find SCOPE OF PRACTICE here
A HCANZA accredited Health & Wellness Coach is qualified to practise under a specific scope of practice.
What is “scope of practice”?
Your scope of practice is determined by your training, qualifications, and professional registration. It refers to the activities, services, and support you are trained, qualified, and legally permitted to provide.
For health & wellness coaches, this includes:
- Behaviour change support
- Client-centred communication
- Client centred goal setting and accountability
- Supporting clients to implement behaviours or health recommendations
- Working in partnership with clients to support sustainable lifestyle change
It does not include:
- Diagnosing medical conditions
- Prescribing treatments or supplements
- Providing specialised advice outside your qualifications
- Treating medical conditions
Where can I find the Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct?
Go to Member Resources under policies
Where can I find Guidance Notes?
Go to Member Resources under Guidance Notes
What does “co-qualified” or “co-regulated” mean?
To list yourself as co-qualified, you must provide proof of registration with a recognised professional body.
Example:
- In Australia, this may include AHPRA registration
If your qualification does not have a formal regulatory body (e.g. menopause practitioner, meditation teacher, yoga instructor), your profile should state “special interest in…” rather than regulated status.
What is a “co-qualification”?
A co-qualification is an additional formally recognised professional qualification in another discipline (e.g. nutrition, psychology, exercise science) that:
- Meets recognised education standards (AQF or NZQF) E.g. diploma or advanced diploma, degrees, postgraduate qualifications (masters etc)
- Meet industry and regulatory standards
- Enables professional registration or membership with a healthcare related professional body
- Has its own scope of practice and code of conduct
Formal qualifications expand your scope of practice.
An example of co-qualification is a health coach who has also completed a nutrition degree and is registered with Dietitians Australia. This HCANZA accredited Health Coach and Dietitian (APD) operates under the scope of practice of both Dietitians Australia and HCANZA.
If you hold a co-qualification and are co-registered you may use that title appropriately and must adhere to the Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice for each profession.
How do I find an approved training provider?
You can view the full and most up-to-date list of recognised programs by visiting:
Programs → Find an Approved Program Provider on the HCANZA website.
From there, you can compare providers and select the training option that best suits your location, availability, and professional interests.
If you are unsure whether a qualification is recognised or would like guidance before enrolling, please contact the HCANZA team for support.
Does HCANZA recognise my training?
HCANZA recognises health coaching qualifications that meet our professional, ethical, and educational standards.
If your training was completed through an HCANZA-approved program provider, it is recognised for membership eligibility.
To check whether your training is recognised:
- Visit Programs → Find an Approved Program Provider on the HCANZA website
- Review the list of approved training providers
- Confirm that your qualification appears on the list
If your training provider is not currently listed, this does not automatically mean your qualification is not accepted. Each application is assessed individually.
In this case, you may be asked to provide:
- Details of your training program and curriculum
- Proof of completion
- Evidence of coaching hours (if applicable)
All NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching) recognised Health & Wellness coach training programs are recognised for the purposes of professional membership with HCANZA.
If you are an ICF ACC, PCC or MCC and hold concurrent registration in a healthcare profession (e.g. nursing, dietetics etc) you may be eligible. Contact the team via admin@hcanza.org
If you are unsure or would like confirmation before applying, we encourage you to contact the HCANZA team via admin@hcanza.org for guidance prior to submitting your application.
I’m already a health professional. Do I receive recognition for my health training?
Yes. If you already hold qualifications as a health professional, your prior education and clinical training are recognised.
However, to practise as a Health Coach and be eligible for HCANZA membership, you are still required to complete gap training in health coaching skills.
Health coaching is a distinct discipline that focuses on:
- Behaviour change methodologies
- Coaching conversations and active listening
- Client-centred goal setting
- Ethics, boundaries, and scope of practice in coaching
Gap training ensures that all members, regardless of background, demonstrate competency in these core coaching skills.
The specific gap training required will depend on your existing qualifications and experience. In some cases, this may involve completing a short health coaching program rather than a full qualification.
If you are unsure what gap training applies to you, we recommend contacting HCANZA via email admin@hcanza.org before applying so we can guide you toward the most appropriate pathway.
I’ve been practising as a Health Coach for years. Do I still need to complete an approved training program?
Possibly — it depends on your qualifications, training history, and professional experience.
HCANZA recognises that many experienced coaches have been practising for years, sometimes before formal accreditation pathways were established. For this reason, some HCANZA-approved program providers offer an “assessment-only” or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.
This option allows experienced coaches to:
- Demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and professional competence
- Have prior learning and coaching experience formally assessed
- Avoid completing a full training program where appropriate
Assessment-only pathways are not offered by all providers and typically involve:
- Review of qualifications and training history
- Evidence of coaching practice and client hours
- Case studies, reflections, or observed coaching sessions
If you are an experienced coach, we recommend:
- Reviewing HCANZA-approved program providers
- Contacting providers that offer assessment- only or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) options
- Confirming whether your experience meets their criteria
How do I upgrade from Student to Professional Membership?
- Log in to your member account
- Click on the Subscription icon
- Select View
- Click Upgrade and choose Professional Membership
The system will automatically guide you through the upgrade process.
How do I cancel my membership?
- Membership can only be cancelled after 12 months
- A minimum of 30 days’ notice is required
- Cancellation must be submitted via email
- Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of Membership
Where can I find my Membership Certificate or the date I joined?
- Log in to your member account
- Go to Member Resources
- Click Membership Certificate
What’s the difference between Associate and Professional membership?
The difference relates to your qualifications, training, and professional status.
Full details here
Are there benefits to joining as a Student Member?
Yes. Student Membership provides early access to the professional coaching ecosystem and helps you build connections before you graduate. HCANZA supports your transition from student to professional with knowledge, community, and advocacy.
Benefits include:
- Connecting with peers locally and online
- Participation in Networking Groups and Special Interest Groups
- Monthly industry updates via the HCANZA Newsletter
- Exclusive pricing for the Annual Conference and partner events
- Access to CPD sessions and webinars
- Exposure to the broader coaching profession across Australia and New Zealand
I qualified as a Health Coach in America or the UK.
Am I eligible to join HCANZA?
Yes, depending on who you trained with and your experience.
Your qualifications will be assessed to determine the most appropriate membership category.
All NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching) recognised Health & Wellness coach training programs are recognised for the purposes of professional membership with HCANZA.
If you are an ICF ACC, PCC or MCC and hold concurrent registration in a healthcare profession (e.g. nursing, dietetics etc) you may be eligible. Contact the team via admin@hcanza.org
Are different credentials recognised by HCANZA?
Credentials are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact admin@hcanza.org with details of your training and certifications so we can review your eligibility.
2. Training & Professional Standards
Can I use the term “accredited” or “credentialed” Health Coach?
Yes — Professional Members of HCANZA may use the title “Accredited Health and Wellness Coach” in their professional bio, website, and marketing materials.
This designation indicates that you:
- Hold an approved health coaching qualification
- Meet HCANZA membership and ethical standards
- Commit to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Adhere to HCANZA’s Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct
- The title “Accredited Health and Wellness Coach” is reserved for Professional Members only
- Student Members and Associate Members (including NZ PC) are not permitted to use this title.
- The terms “accredited” or “credentialed” must not be used in a way that implies medical, clinical, or regulated health practitioner status unless you hold separate regulated qualifications.
- Using the correct title helps protect the profession, supports public trust, and ensures clarity for clients and healthcare partners.
3. CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
How do I submit my CPD declaration?
You can submit or update your CPD declaration directly via your Member Portal. Here you will find CPD Guidelines for your CPD requirements.
What are the CPD requirements?
CPD requirements for Professional member is 20 points, and Associate membership 10 points. For a full explanation download the CPD Guideline in your members resource folder.
How can HCANZA help me get CPD points?
- Conference
- Ask the Expert
- Recommendations for free and paid courses
4. Insurance & Compliance
Do I need professional indemnity insurance?
All HCANZA members must provide proof of professional indemnity insurance.
If you coach clients located in Australia or New Zealand, HCANZA requires professional indemnity insurance that covers those jurisdictions, regardless of where you are physically based.
If you are employed as a health Coach, you are covered by the insurance policy of your employer, and you need to provide HCANZA with a letter stating this.
Do I need professional indemnity insurance if I don’t practice in Australia or New Zealand?
If all of your clients are based outside Australia and New Zealand, you are required to hold the insurance cover that is legally required for that jurisdiction.
Does professional indemnity insurance usually cover clients in the USA?
In most cases, no.
Many insurers:
- Exclude the USA unless specifically added as an extra
- Treat USA coverage separately due to higher litigation risk
- Manage coverage on a state-by-state basis
If you coach clients in the USA:
- Check carefully with your insurer
- Ask whether your organisation or platform provides group insurance coverage
- Consider obtaining USA-specific insurance if available
5. Member Portal & Technical Support
I can’t log in to my HCANZA account. What should I do?
If you’re experiencing difficulty logging in, please try the following steps:
- Go to www.hcanza.org
- Click Log In (top right of the website)
- Confirm that you are using the email address you registered with
- Check that there are no extra spaces before or after your email address or password
Still not working?
- Ask yourself: Do you need to reset your password?
- If yes, select Lost your password? On the login page, follow the instructions to reset it.
- Make sure you have entered the correct email address and check your spam or junk folder for the reset email.
If you are still unable to access your account after resetting your password, please contact us at admin@hcanza.org
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it easily:
- Go to www.hcanza.org
- Click Log In
- Select Lost your password?
- Enter the email address associated with your membership
- Click Reset password
- Check your email (including spam/junk folder) for the reset link
- Follow the instructions to create a new password
Once completed, return to the website and log in with your new password.
Still having issues? If you do not receive the reset email or continue to experience login problems, please contact the HCANZA admin team at admin@hcanza.org.
6. Events & Community
What is the “Ask the Expert” event?
Ask the Expert is a monthly live training and Q&A event offered exclusively to HCANZA members.
Each session provides members with direct access to experienced professionals and subject-matter experts, creating a supportive and practical space to ask questions, deepen understanding, and apply insights directly to their coaching practice.
HCANZA alternates between two session formats:
- Ask the Health Expert
Focused on health, wellbeing, behaviour change, clinical insights, and evidence-informed practice relevant to health and wellness coaching.
- Ask the Business Expert
Focused on building and sustaining a successful coaching practice, including business setup, marketing, systems, compliance, technology, and professional development.
These sessions are scheduled in a time frame that accommodates coaches in both Australia and New Zealand, ensuring accessibility for members across the region.
- Members receive 1 CPD point for attending an Ask the Expert session.
- Certificates are issued to participants who attend the entire session.
- Certificates are made available following verification of attendance.
Session dates and access details are shared via the Member Resources area and HCANZA member communications.
What is the “Members Connect” event?
Members Connect is an onboarding Zoom session for newly joined members.
It includes:
- A welcome to HCANZA
- Overview of member benefits
- Introduction to resources and community
- Opportunity to connect with other coaches
New members will receive an invitation automatically. Past members wishing to attend may email: admin@hcanza.org for the Zoom link.
Where do I find recordings of past ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions?
Recordings of past Ask the Expert sessions are available in the Members Resource Area of the website. Log in to access the full library of session recordings and materials.
I’d like to be involved in your ‘Ask the Expert’ series. How do I do that?
Please contact admin@hcanza.org and include:
- Your proposed topic
- A short bio
- Relevant experience
- Why the topic would benefit HCANZA members
How do I join a Networking Group?
Members can join Networking Groups through the Members Resource Area of the website.
Do you have Special Interest Groups?
Yes. HCANZA supports Special Interest Groups focused on areas such as coaching research, NDIS advocacy, and other professional interests. Click here
7. Careers & Employment
Does HCANZA membership guarantee employment or help me find a job?
HCANZA does not make representations or guarantees regarding post-graduation or post-membership employment.
However, members benefit from:
- Access to the HCANZA Jobs Board
- Networking opportunities
- Professional visibility through the Find a Coach directory
- Ongoing CPD and community engagement
HCANZA is always advocating for recognition of the professional Membership credentials which increases trust in businesses employing HCANZA members.
How do I post a job on the HCANZA website?
- Log in to your member account
- Go to Member Resources
- Select Jobs Board from the left-hand menu
- Choose Advertise for a Coach
- Complete the job listing form
All listings are submitted for approval before publishing.
- Remuneration is optional (e.g. “project-based” is acceptable)
- Listings must align with HCANZA professional standards
I want to employ a Health Coach in my practice. What qualification should I be looking for?
We recommend seeking a Professional Member of HCANZA, as this indicates that the coach meets recognised training and competency standards.
You may also look for:
- Formal Health & Wellness Coaching certification
- Evidence-informed coaching training
- Ongoing CPD compliance
- Professional insurance
8. Marketing, Promotion & Partnerships
What can I call myself in my HCANZA coach profile bio?
As a HCANZA member, you may call yourself a Health Coach. (Health or wellness coach as per the logo, accredited health and wellness coach)
You may only describe yourself as a specialist, practitioner, or expert in specific areas if:
- You hold the appropriate qualifications, and
- You are a member of a recognised industry association for that profession.
Examples:
- Referring to yourself as an expert in mental health, trauma or a mental health coach, or in ADHD, neurodiversity, PTSD, etc. requires qualifications such as counsellor, psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist, or equivalent.
- Describing yourself as a weight loss specialist requires credentials such as dietitian, nutritionist, naturopath, or medical practitioner.
If you do not hold regulated qualifications, your bio should state that you have a “special interest” in that area.
Claiming to be “co-qualified”
To list yourself as co-qualified, you must provide proof of registration with a recognised professional body.
Example:
- In Australia, this may include registration with AHPRA, Dietitians Australia, Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or other recognised professional bodies.
If your qualification does not have a formal regulatory body (e.g. menopause practitioner, meditation teacher, yoga instructor), your profile should state “special interest in…” rather than regulated status.
Where can I download the HCANZA logo? (Only for Associate and Professional Members)
The HCANZA logo is available in the Members’ Resource Folder. You must be logged into your account to access it.
Why use the HCANZA Logo?
Using the HCANZA logo demonstrates that you are a recognised member of the official professional association for Health & Wellness Coaches in Australia and New Zealand. Displaying the HCANZA logo enhances your professional credibility and builds trust with the public. Please ensure the logo is used in accordance with HCANZA brand guidelines and only while your membership is active.
It signals to clients, employers, and industry partners that you:
- Meet HCANZA’s professional standards
- Maintain ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Adhere to the HCANZA Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice
- Are committed to ethical, evidence-informed coaching
What Areas of Interest can I select in my coach profile? (only 3 to be selected)
Members may select 3 from the following categories:
- Autoimmune & Chronic Conditions (e.g. ALS, long COVID, arthritis, CIRS)
- Business & Workplace Wellbeing (e.g. EAP programs)
- Chronic Disease Management (e.g. CVD, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, COPD, public health)
- Lifestyle Behaviour Change (e.g. sleep, addictions, mental wellbeing)
- Exercise & Movement
- Nutrition
- Stress, Anxiety & Resilience (e.g. neurodiversity, mindfulness)
- Weight Management
- Women, Men & Children (e.g. life stages, menopause, adolescence)
- Underserved & Diverse Communities (e.g. Indigenous and First Nations, rural and regional, culturally diverse communities)
I updated my coach profile. Why haven’t the changes appeared?
After updating your profile, you must:
- Return to Update Coach Profile
- Ensure you click Submit for Approval
Changes will not appear until submitted and approved.
I have important or interesting content to share for the newsletter or social media. Who should I contact?
Please send your content or proposal to news@hcanza.org. All submissions are reviewed prior to publication to ensure alignment with HCANZA standards and member interests.
I’m interested in advertising to HCANZA members. Who should I contact?
Please contact admin@hcanza.org. You can also review our promotion packages on our website to explore structured advertising opportunities.
I have a program that I think members would be interested in. Who do I contact?
Please email admin@hcanza.org with details of your program. Our team will guide you through the available promotion options.
9. About Health Coaching & General Questions
What does “co-qualified” or “co-regulated” mean?
To list yourself as co-qualified, you must provide proof of registration with a recognised professional body.
Example: In Australia, this may include AHPRA registration.
If your qualification does not have a formal regulatory body (e.g. menopause practitioner, meditation teacher, yoga instructor), your profile should state “special interest in…” rather than regulated status.
Where can I find the Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct?
- Log in to your member account
- Go to Member Resources
- Scroll down the left-hand menu
- Click Policies
I have suggestions or ideas for HCANZA. Who should I contact?
We welcome member feedback and ideas. Please contact us at admin@hcanza.org.
I’d like to get involved as a volunteer. Who should I speak to?
Please contact admin@hcanza.org to express your interest and learn about current opportunities.
What does a Health Coach do?
Health & Wellness Coaches support individuals to improve their health and wellbeing through structured, client-centred conversations. Health Coaches work collaboratively and complement healthcare providers.
They help clients:
- Clarify goals
- Build sustainable behaviour change
- Strengthen motivation and accountability
- Improve lifestyle habits such as nutrition, movement, stress management and sleep.
Are Health Coaches covered by Medicare in Australia?
Currently, private Health & Wellness Coaching services are not directly covered by Medicare in Australia.
Some health coaching services that are delivered in GP, outpatient, or inpatient clinics may be covered by Medicare if the health coach is also registered with APHRA.
Coaches may work collaboratively within healthcare settings, and coverage arrangements may vary depending on private health insurance policies or integrated care models.