ICF-ACC Exam Practice Test Instant Access

Question 1

If a coach believes that a client is at immediate risk for self-harm, what is the first step they should take?

ATry counseling the client

BCall emergency response services

CTalk with the client's family about getting help

DDiscuss with a mental health professional

Answer : B

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.3) permits breaching confidentiality 'to prevent serious harm' when a client poses an immediate risk, such as self-harm. Coaching boundaries exclude mental health crises (ICF Definition of Coaching), requiring urgent action. Let's evaluate:

A . Try counseling the client: Counseling exceeds coaching's scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries), and delays critical intervention in an emergency.

B . Call emergency response services: This is the first step for immediate risk, aligning with ethical and legal obligations to prioritize safety (Section 4.3).

C . Talk with the client's family about getting help: This breaches confidentiality without imminent danger justification and isn't the fastest response (Section 4).

D . Discuss with a mental health professional: Consulting delays action; emergency services are needed first (Section 2.5).

Option B is the first step, per ICF ethics and boundaries.

Question 2

Which challenge is best addressed through coaching rather than therapy?

AInability to concentrate or complete tasks at work over several months

BRecurring thoughts of self-harm over the past two weeks

CFeelings of anxiety or panic surrounding work-related tasks

DStruggling to get promoted despite working at a company for five years

Answer : D

The ICF defines coaching as a process focused on 'partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential' (ICF Definition of Coaching). Coaching operates within specific boundaries, emphasizing future-oriented, goal-directed support rather than addressing mental health conditions or deep psychological issues, which fall under therapy (ICF Coaching Boundaries). Let's analyze each option:

A . Inability to concentrate or complete tasks at work over several months: This suggests a persistent cognitive or emotional issue, potentially linked to conditions like ADHD or depression, which require therapeutic intervention beyond coaching's scope (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5: 'I will refer clients to other professionals when appropriate').

B . Recurring thoughts of self-harm over the past two weeks: This is a serious mental health concern requiring immediate therapeutic or psychiatric support, not coaching (ICF Coaching Boundaries explicitly exclude mental health treatment).

C . Feelings of anxiety or panic surrounding work-related tasks: While coaching can address performance-related stress, ongoing anxiety or panic suggests a clinical issue better suited for therapy (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5).

D . Struggling to get promoted despite working at a company for five years: This is a professional development challenge focused on goals, skills, or strategies---ideal for coaching. It aligns with ICF Competency 8 ('Facilitates Client Growth') by supporting the client in identifying barriers and creating action plans to achieve career aspirations.

Thus, option D is best addressed through coaching, as it fits within ICF's ethical scope and competency framework for enhancing potential without crossing into therapeutic territory.

Question 3

Your client is frustrated that she is frustrated. She should have been over this mishap in her work a long time ago. She is talking very negatively about herself: "Why can't I get over this..." The best response is:

ATell the client that you like her a lot and that she should not be so negative.

BRemind the client that coaching is forward-looking.

CAsk the client if she always is this negative about herself.

DInvite a reframe and say that sometimes people become frustrated when something is really important to them---might this be the case here?

Answer : D

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option D aligns with Competency 7, 'Evokes Awareness' (7.3 -- Offers reframes to shift perspective), by gently encouraging the client to see her frustration in a new light without judgment (Competency 4.1). It fosters curiosity and supports Ethics Section 1.1 (respecting client experience).

Option A is overly personal and directive, breaching Competency 2.2. Option B dismisses the client's current state, missing Competency 6.1 (acknowledges emotions). Option C risks sounding accusatory, undermining trust (Competency 4.1). D best facilitates awareness and growth.

Question 4

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 5

Which action, if taken by a coach at the end of a session, would most likely help a client continue to make progress?

ADistributing a survey to assess the client's level of satisfaction with the coaching progress

BWorking with the client to develop an action plan that acknowledges support and resource barriers

CEmphasizing some negative outcomes that could occur if the client does not reach their goals

DSharing literature relevant to the client's goals for them to review before the next coaching session.

Answer : B

ICF Competency 8 ('Facilitates Client Growth') focuses on 'transforming learning into action' through specific, realistic plans that support ongoing progress. Addressing barriers ensures sustainability (ICF Definition of Coaching). Let's evaluate:

A . Distributing a survey to assess the client's level of satisfaction with the coaching progress: This evaluates the process but doesn't directly drive progress (Competency 8).

B . Working with the client to develop an action plan that acknowledges support and resource barriers: This aligns with Competency 8, empowering the client with a tailored, actionable strategy for continued growth.

C . Emphasizing some negative outcomes that could occur if the client does not reach their goals: Fear-based motivation contradicts ICF's positive, client-led approach (Competency 5).

D . Sharing literature relevant to the client's goals for them to review before the next coaching session: This supports learning but lacks the actionable focus of a plan (Competency 8).

Option B most likely helps the client progress, per ICF's growth-focused framework.

Question 6

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 best 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 : 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 7

Which is a potential consequence of a coach breaching the ICF Code of Ethics?

ARecording another performance evaluation

BRetaking the credentialing examination

CLosing their ICF membership

DCompleting 10 additional mentor coaching hours

Answer : C

The ICF Code of Ethics is a binding standard for ICF members and credentialed coaches, and breaches are subject to the ICF Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process. Consequences depend on severity but can include suspension or termination of ICF membership and credentials (ICF Ethical Conduct Review Policy). Let's analyze the options:

A . Recording another performance evaluation: This isn't a recognized ICF consequence; performance evaluations are part of credentialing, not ethics enforcement.

B . Retaking the credentialing examination: This applies to credential renewal or initial attainment, not ethical violations (ICF Credentialing Policies).

C . Losing their ICF membership: This is a potential outcome of a serious breach, such as violating confidentiality (Section 4) or misrepresenting qualifications (Section 2.1), as determined by the ECR process. It reflects the ICF's commitment to upholding professional standards.

D . Completing 10 additional mentor coaching hours: While training may be recommended for development, it's not a standard penalty for ethical breaches per ICF policies.

Option C is the most likely consequence, as loss of membership aligns with ICF's disciplinary framework for significant ethical violations.

ICF-ACC Associate Certified Coach ACC Exam Practice Test