ICF-ACC Exam Practice Test Instant Access

Question 1

After your client has shared this pattern and has expressed a desire to change and come up with a plan to implement this change, the worst response is:

AAsk the client exactly what they want to do and when.

BShare with the client what you think the best next step would be.

CDiscuss the barriers that the client will face in trying to change.

DAsk the client how they usually brainstorm or come up with new and fresh ideas.

Answer : B

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option B is the worst because it imposes the coach's opinion, undermining the client's autonomy (Competency 8.3) and partnership (Competency 2.2). This breaches the ICF Definition of Coaching, which emphasizes client-led solutions, and Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding bias).

Option A is premature but not inherently harmful. Option C shifts focus negatively, though it's less directive. Option D (best, see Question 5) empowers the client. B most directly contradicts ICF principles by prioritizing the coach's perspective over the client's.

Question 2

After your client has shared this pattern and has expressed a desire to change and come up with a plan to implement this change, the best response is:

AAsk the client exactly what they want to do and when.

BShare with the client what you think the best next step would be.

CDiscuss the barriers that the client will face in trying to change.

DAsk the client how they usually brainstorm or come up with new and fresh ideas.

Answer : D

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option D aligns with ICF Competency 7, 'Evokes Awareness' (7.4 -- Helps client explore possibilities), by inviting the client to tap into their creative process, fostering autonomy (Competency 8.3). It respects the client's pace and style, per Ethics Section 1.1, and builds on their strengths.

Option A rushes to action without exploration, potentially pressuring the client (Competency 6.3 -- Attuned pacing). Option B imposes the coach's view, violating Competency 2.2. Option C focuses on barriers too early, which could derail momentum (Competency 8.1 -- Integrates new learning first). D best supports the client's self-discovery and planning process.

Question 3

Your client has shared that he/she is experiencing a similar problem in different areas of his/her life, in the workplace and in their personal life. As you are discussing this with your client, you begin to think that there might be a pattern emerging. The worst response is:

ANotice the pattern and ask the client if exploring what the connecting factors might be could be a useful next step.

BNotice the pattern and suggest that the client change something in order to break the pattern.

CNotice the pattern and let your client know that they are deliberately sabotaging themselves by not changing this pattern.

DNotice the pattern and offer your client your wisdom in overcoming their difficulty.

Answer : D

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option D is the worst because it shifts the coach into an advisory role, offering 'wisdom' without client input, which violates the ICF Definition of Coaching (client-driven process) and Competency 2.2 (partnership over directive advice). It also risks imposing the coach's agenda, breaching Ethics Section 2.2.

Option A is the best (see Question 3). Option B suggests action prematurely but is less harmful than C or D. Option C judges the client, which is inappropriate (Competency 4.1), but D's directive stance most egregiously undermines the coaching process by prioritizing the coach's insight over the client's autonomy.

Question 4

ANotice the pattern and ask the client if exploring what the connecting factors might be could be a useful next step.

BNotice the pattern and suggest that the client change something in order to break the pattern.

CNotice the pattern and let your client know that they are deliberately sabotaging themselves by not changing this pattern.

DNotice the pattern and offer your client your wisdom in overcoming their difficulty.

Answer : A

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option A aligns with ICF Core Competency 7, 'Evokes Awareness' (7.2 -- Helps the client gain clarity through exploration), by inviting the client to explore the pattern collaboratively without judgment or assumption. This reflects the ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2, 'Responsibility to Professionalism' (2.2 -- Avoiding imposing personal biases), and Competency 2.2, which emphasizes partnership.

Option B assumes a solution, bypassing client autonomy (Competency 8.3). Option C judges the client, violating Competency 4.1 and Ethics Section 1.1 (non-judgmental stance). Option D shifts to a consulting role, contradicting the ICF Definition of Coaching, which focuses on facilitating client-led discovery, not providing answers. A is the best as it empowers the client to reflect and decide.

Question 5

Your client is a very creative person who thinks in pictures and learns visually. You, as a coach, are not naturally visual. In order to encourage and facilitate your client's learning, the worst response is:

ATell your client that you are not able to work with them, as you are not a visual and creative person, therefore not a good coaching match.

BBring a whiteboard into the coaching session where you and the client can use the space to draw pictures, connections, or add any visual aids that might encourage your client's learning.

CLet your client know that to solve problems it is more important to be rational and to approach the problem from a more sensible point of view.

DAsk the client about what they know about their preferred learning style and enquire whether using a whiteboard would be a good idea.

Answer : C

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

The worst response is C because it dismisses the client's unique learning style and imposes the coach's perspective, violating ICF Core Competency 7, 'Evokes Awareness' (7.1), which requires leveraging the client's strengths, not redirecting them to align with the coach's preferences. It also contradicts Competency 4.1, which calls for creating a safe environment tailored to the client's needs, and the ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1, 'Responsibility to Clients' (1.1 -- Respecting client individuality).

Option A, while not ideal, reflects a boundary-setting choice, though it lacks adaptability. Option B shows effort to accommodate, even if presumptive. Option D is the best, as it partners with the client (Competency 2.2). By contrast, C shuts down the client's process, making it the least aligned with ICF standards.

Question 6

Which question most likely helps a client generate insight during a coaching session?

AAre there risks with this plan that you are not considering?

BHow would your life change if you made that choice?

CDo you want to stay with organization after investing so much?

DHove you considered checking with your boss before you act on this

Answer : B

ICF Competency 7 ('Evokes Awareness') emphasizes 'asking powerful questions that help the client gain insight, explore perspectives, and discover new possibilities.' Effective questions are open-ended, future-focused, and provoke deep reflection, aligning with the ICF's client-centered approach (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1). Let's evaluate:

A . Are there risks with this plan that you are not considering?: This is specific and risk-focused, prompting evaluation rather than broad insight. It's useful but less generative than exploring life impact.

B . How would your life change if you made that choice?: This open-ended, future-oriented question invites the client to explore consequences and personal meaning, directly aligning with Competency 7's aim to evoke awareness and insight.

C . Do you want to stay with the organization after investing so much?: This closed question limits exploration to a yes/no response and focuses on past investment rather than future potential, reducing insight generation.

D . Have you considered checking with your boss before you act on this?: This is directive and practical (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.3), steering the client toward an action rather than fostering self-discovery.

Option B most effectively generates insight, per ICF's emphasis on powerful, reflective questioning.

Question 7

Which is the most effective way to begin the goal setting process with a client who feels unsure of what they want their coaching goals to be?

ASuggest the client ask people who are important to them what goals they should work on

BWork with the client to establish the purpose and value of the sessions

CAsk the client for feedback on the first session and how to improve future sessions.

DEncourage the client to explore the pool and how things might have turned out differently

Answer : B

ICF Competency 3 ('Establishes and Maintains Agreements') requires coaches to clarify the coaching purpose and process, especially at the outset, to ensure alignment. For a client unsure of goals, starting with purpose provides direction (ICF Definition of Coaching). Let's review:

A . Suggest the client ask people who are important to them what goals they should work on: This undermines client autonomy (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1) and delays the coach-client exploration process.

B . Work with the client to establish the purpose and value of the sessions: This aligns with Competency 3 and Competency 7 ('Evokes Awareness') by collaboratively grounding the client in why they're coaching, paving the way for goal clarity.

C . Ask the client for feedback on the first session and how to improve future sessions: This is useful later but premature for goal-setting with an unsure client.

D . Encourage the client to explore the pool and how things might have turned out differently: (Assuming 'pool' is a typo for 'past') This risks a therapeutic focus on history, not coaching's future orientation (ICF Coaching Boundaries).

Option B is most effective, per ICF's framework for initiating goal-setting with clarity and purpose.

ICF-ACC Associate Certified Coach ACC Exam Practice Test