2026–2030 NBHWC Content Outline
How to register for the NBHWC Board Exam and what it costs
Apply for your chosen NBHWC testing window in myNBME. The published fee is $500 USD before applicable taxes, including a $100 nonrefundable application fee and a $400 exam fee. Once your eligibility is approved and your permit is issued, use the permit instructions to book an in-person Prometric appointment within that window.
Choose your window and check your documents
Pick the sitting you intend to use, then check that sitting’s application deadline, accommodations deadline and appointment range separately. The board requires a new application for a different window. Use the dates guide for current calendar discrepancies and confirm the close in myNBME before relying on it.
Prepare the approved-program document, coaching log and education or work verification. The packet asks for English-language documents uploaded as PDFs. Enter your name as it appears on the unexpired government-issued ID you will take to Prometric, and keep a copy of the documents and submission confirmation.
What does it cost to register?
The $100 application component is nonrefundable. The $400 exam component can be refundable in circumstances listed by the issuer, including ineligibility or a qualifying cancellation. Check the total shown in myNBME before you pay. The packet lists online payment by credit card before document submission.
If you need the optional coaching-log extension, the board lists a separate, nonrefundable $65 fee. Register for the exam before paying for the extension. Save the training and education documents by the application deadline and submit after uploading the completed log. The accommodation deadline still applies.
When should you request testing accommodations?
Indicate that you need accommodations during registration, then follow NBME’s instructions for uploading the request and supporting documents to your accommodation case. Confirm that the case is complete by the deadline for your sitting. The board’s accommodations page explains the separate review process.
The packet says NBME holds your scheduling permit while it reviews your request. Once you receive the permit, use the instructions issued with your approval to reserve the appointment with the approved accommodation.
How do you get a permit and book a seat?
The 2027 timeline estimates 15–30 days to review a complete application, then approximately another week for the scheduling permit after review. Watch for email from NBME and check myNBME if you need to verify the status. Read the permit as soon as it arrives and report a name discrepancy before booking.
Follow the permit to schedule at Prometric. Select a center and time within your approved window, save the confirmation and check the travel and arrival instructions. The last day of a testing window tells you when the window ends. Actual appointments depend on local availability.
What if you need to change or cancel?
Use Prometric and your appointment confirmation to check whether you can move a seat within the same window and what it will cost. Registration cannot transfer to a later window. If you need to withdraw entirely, check the issuer’s refund policy and the deadline for your sitting before acting.
If you have booked a seat and plan to request a refund, cancel the appointment with Prometric and separately request application cancellation through myNBME. Save both confirmations. For another attempt, check the board’s retake limit and reapply at the full applicable fee in a future window.