ICF-ACC Exam Practice Test Instant Access

Question 1

Which action is most appropriate for a coach to take if a client reports suddenly withdrawing from all social activities, and having regular mood swings and trouble sleeping?

AProvide the client with a referral to therapy

BRefer the client to a coach who specializes in these areas

CInform the client's family about these issues

DUse coaching techniques thot address these specific issues

Answer : A

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires coaches to 'refer clients to other professionals when appropriate,' particularly when issues fall outside coaching's scope, such as mental health concerns (ICF Coaching Boundaries). Sudden social withdrawal, mood swings, and sleep issues suggest a potential clinical condition (e.g., depression), requiring therapy. Let's evaluate:

A . Provide the client with a referral to therapy: This aligns with Section 2.5 and ICF boundaries, addressing mental health appropriately.

B . Refer the client to a coach who specializes in these areas: Coaching doesn't treat mental health, regardless of specialization (ICF Definition of Coaching).

C . Inform the client's family about these issues: This breaches confidentiality without imminent harm (Section 4.3) and isn't the coach's role.

D . Use coaching techniques that address these specific issues: This exceeds coaching's scope, risking harm (Section 2.5).

Option A is most appropriate, per ICF ethics and boundaries.

Question 2

Which coach behavior would be most likely to foster a trusting and safe environment?

AAsking questions that respect the client's identity, experiences, and beliefs

BExploring beyond the current moment by inviting further discussion

CRegulating emotions to maintain focus on the client throughout the session

DEstablishing an agreement with the client about the coaching boundaries

Answer : A

ICF Competency 5 ('Cultivates Trust and Safety') involves 'creating a safe, supportive environment' by honoring the client's identity and perspectives, fostering trust (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1.3). Let's analyze:

A . Asking questions that respect the client's identity, experiences, and beliefs: This directly builds trust and safety by valuing the client's uniqueness (Competency 5).

B . Exploring beyond the current moment by inviting further discussion: This aligns with Competency 7 ('Evokes Awareness'), not primarily trust-building.

C . Regulating emotions to maintain focus on the client throughout the session: This supports Competency 2 but is less direct in fostering a trusting environment.

D . Establishing an agreement with the client about the coaching boundaries: This (Competency 3) sets a foundation but isn't the most active trust-building behavior.

Option A most likely fosters trust and safety, per ICF's competency focus.

Question 3

When determining the structure of the coaching sessions, the key factor for coaches to consider is.

Adetermining which techniques they can do most effectively and then use them consistently across clients

Bdeveloping session structures that follow the basic process of introducing a topic exploring the content, and wrapping up

Chaving the flexibility to change the structure of the session as needed to meet the client's needs

Dapplying a client-centered approach that allows clients to drive the session without interruption from the coach

Answer : C

ICF Competency 2 ('Embodies a Coaching Mindset') and Competency 5 ('Cultivates Trust and Safety') emphasize adaptability to the client's unique needs, prioritizing their agenda (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1). Let's evaluate:

A . Determining which techniques they can do most effectively and then use them consistently across clients: This is coach-centric, ignoring client individuality (Competency 3).

B . Developing session structures that follow the basic process of introducing a topic, exploring the content, and wrapping up: A rigid structure limits responsiveness to client needs (Competency 2).

C . Having the flexibility to change the structure of the session as needed to meet the client's needs: This reflects ICF's client-centered, adaptable approach (Competency 8).

D . Applying a client-centered approach that allows clients to drive the session without interruption from the coach: While client-driven, uninterrupted sessions may hinder facilitation (Competency 7).

Option C is the key factor, per ICF's flexible, client-focused standards.

Question 4

Which reflects a challenge best addressed through coaching rather than psychotherapy?

AEliminating obsessive thoughts

BCommitting to eating healthier foods

CReducing feelings of sadness

DManaging an intense fear of flying

Answer : B

ICF coaching focuses on goal-setting and personal growth (ICF Definition of Coaching), not treating mental health conditions (ICF Coaching Boundaries). Let's assess:

A . Eliminating obsessive thoughts: This suggests a clinical issue (e.g., OCD), requiring psychotherapy, not coaching (Section 2.5).

B . Committing to eating healthier foods: This is a behavioral goal within coaching's scope, supporting lifestyle changes (Competency 8).

C . Reducing feelings of sadness: Persistent sadness may indicate depression, a therapeutic need beyond coaching (ICF Coaching Boundaries).

D . Managing an intense fear of flying: This phobia typically requires therapy, not coaching, due to its psychological depth (Section 2.5).

Option B is best addressed through coaching, per ICF's focus and boundaries.

Question 5

If a company sponsors a coach to work with an employee, which party is responsible for ensuring the employee knows what situations would require the coach to breach confidentiality?

AThe employee

BThe coach

CThe employee's supervisor

DThe company attorneys

Answer : B

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.1) mandates that coaches 'explain and ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting, my coaching client(s) understand the nature and limits of confidentiality.' In a sponsored arrangement, the coach retains this responsibility (Competency 3). Let's analyze:

A . The employee: The client isn't responsible for defining confidentiality; this is the coach's duty (Section 4.2).

B . The coach: The coach must clarify confidentiality, including sponsor-related exceptions, in the agreement (Section 1.2), making them responsible.

C . The employee's supervisor: The supervisor may have a role in logistics, but not in explaining coaching ethics (Section 4).

D . The company attorneys: Legal input may inform policy, but the coach directly communicates ethical standards to the client (Competency 3).

Option B reflects the coach's responsibility, per ICF standards.

Question 6

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 7

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.

ICF-ACC Associate Certified Coach ACC Exam Practice Test