ICF-ACC Exam Questions and Answers | Exam-Dumps (Page: 2)

QUESTION: 9

A client tells their coach that they are struggling to sleep and are having nightmares about a past event they experienced Which is the best action for the coach to take?

Continue coaching the client but recommend they see a mental health professional about these symptoms
Stop coaching until the client stops experiencing sleeping issues and nightmares from the past event
Modify the coaching agreement to address the client's struggles with the problems resulting from this past event
Contact a health provider for the client so the coach and health provider can collaborate on the client's case.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The ICF Coaching Boundaries distinguish coaching from therapy, stating that coaching does not address mental health conditions like trauma or sleep disorders. The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 2.5) requires coaches to "refer clients to other professionals when appropriate" if issues fall outside their scope. Let's evaluate:

A . Continue coaching the client but recommend they see a mental health professional about these symptoms: This balances the coach's role in supporting the client's goals (ICF Competency 8) while adhering to ethical boundaries by referring out for nightmares and sleep issues, which suggest unresolved trauma (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5).

B . Stop coaching until the client stops experiencing sleeping issues and nightmares: Ceasing coaching entirely isn't required unless the client's condition prevents engagement. ICF encourages maintaining the relationship within its scope (ICF Definition of Coaching).

C . Modify the coaching agreement to address the client's struggles with the problems resulting from this past event: This crosses into therapy by addressing past trauma, violating ICF boundaries and Competency 3 ("Establishes and Maintains Agreements").

D . Contact a health provider for the client so the coach and health provider can collaborate: This breaches confidentiality (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4) unless the client explicitly consents, and collaboration exceeds coaching's non-therapeutic role.

Option A is the best action, as it upholds ICF ethics and boundaries by continuing coaching within its scope while ensuring the client's mental health needs are addressed professionally.

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QUESTION: 10

Which is essential to specify in a coaching agreement?

A list of professional development resources
How and when sessions will be scheduled
The client's profession
The coach's qualifications

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 1.1) requires coaches to "create an agreement/contract regarding the roles, responsibilities, and rights of all parties involved" before coaching begins. ICF Competency 3 ("Establishes and Maintains Agreements") further emphasizes clarity on logistics, such as session scheduling, to ensure mutual understanding and a structured process. Let's evaluate the options:

A . A list of professional development resources: While resources might be helpful, they are not essential to the coaching agreement per ICF standards, which focus on the relationship and process, not supplementary materials.

B . How and when sessions will be scheduled: This is critical to specify, as it establishes the practical framework for the coaching relationship (e.g., frequency, duration, method), aligning with ICF's requirement for clear expectations (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1.2).

C . The client's profession: This may inform coaching context but isn't essential to the agreement, which focuses on roles and process, not personal details (ICF Competency 3).

D . The coach's qualifications: While transparency about qualifications is ethical (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.1), it's not a mandatory component of the agreement unless requested by the client.

Option B is essential, as it directly supports the ICF's emphasis on a clear, operational coaching agreement.

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QUESTION: 11

What is the first step a coach should take after discovering another coach has misrepresented their level of training to a client?

Discuss the issue with a supervising coach
Communicate with the coach about their possible ethical violation
Speak with the coach's client about the misinformation
Report the misconduct to ICF

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 5.1) encourages coaches to "resolve conflicts or potential ethical violations directly with those involved when feasible" before escalating to formal reporting. Misrepresenting training violates Section 2.1 ("I will accurately represent my qualifications"), and the first step is typically a professional conversation to address it. Let's analyze:

A . Discuss the issue with a supervising coach: This assumes a supervisory structure that may not exist, and it bypasses direct resolution, which ICF prioritizes.

B . Communicate with the coach about their possible ethical violation: This aligns with ICF's ethical process of addressing concerns collegially first, fostering accountability while respecting due process (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 5).

C . Speak with the coach's client about the misinformation: This breaches confidentiality and professionalism (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4) and oversteps the coach's role.

D . Report the misconduct to ICF: Reporting is appropriate if direct resolution fails or the violation is severe, but it's not the first step per ICF's Ethical Conduct Review Policy.

Option B is the correct first step, reflecting ICF's ethical approach to resolving potential violations.

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QUESTION: 12

A coach who demonstrates mastery of Listens Actively is likely to

share their perspective on what the client may find useful.
ask questions to clarify what the client is sharing
invite the client to challenge their own assumptions
partner with the client to design goals

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

ICF Competency 6 ("Listens Actively") involves "focusing fully on what the client is saying and not saying, understanding the meaning in context, and demonstrating that the client is fully heard." Mastery of this competency emphasizes clarifying and reflecting the client's communication. Let's review:

A . Share their perspective on what the client may find useful: This leans toward advising, which aligns more with Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth"), not active listening.

B . Ask questions to clarify what the client is sharing: This directly reflects Competency 6 by deepening understanding and showing attentiveness through inquiry, a hallmark of active listening mastery.

C . Invite the client to challenge their own assumptions: This aligns with Competency 7 ("Evokes Awareness"), not primarily listening.

D . Partner with the client to design goals: This fits Competency 3 or 8, not the listening focus of Competency 6.

Option B best demonstrates mastery of "Listens Actively," per ICF's competency framework.

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QUESTION: 13

A client tells their coach that they can't stop thinking about harming themselves and shares specific information about when and how they are planning to do it Which action should the coach take first?

Tell the client to call a therapist
Contact the appropriate emergency response services
Schedule more frequent coaching sessions
Discuss the issue with the client's family

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.3) allows breaches of confidentiality "when required by law or to prevent serious harm," and suicidal ideation with a specific plan constitutes an immediate risk. Coaching boundaries exclude handling mental health crises (ICF Definition of Coaching), requiring urgent action. Let's assess:

A . Tell the client to call a therapist: This delays intervention in a crisis and shifts responsibility to the client, who may not act, contradicting the coach's duty to prevent harm (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5).

B . Contact the appropriate emergency response services: This is the first step when a client presents an imminent threat to themselves, aligning with ethical and legal obligations to prioritize safety (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4.3).

C . Schedule more frequent coaching sessions: This is inadequate for an emergency and exceeds coaching's scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries).

D . Discuss the issue with the client's family: This breaches confidentiality without consent unless harm is imminent and emergency services are unavailable, making it a secondary step (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4).

Option B is the first action, as it addresses the immediate danger per ICF ethics and boundaries.

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QUESTION: 14

A coach facilitates a client's growth by shifting the client's focus to the

current situation rather then the future outcome
individual self rather than the coaching topic or goal
behavior rather than the client's sense of self
problem rather than the opportunity to Build potential

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

ICF Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth") involves "partnering with the client to transform learning and insight into action," often by focusing on observable behaviors that support goal achievement. Shifting focus to behavior aligns with coaching's action-oriented nature while respecting the client's autonomy (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1). Let's evaluate:

A . Current situation rather than the future outcome: Coaching balances present awareness with future goals (Competency 7), not prioritizing one over the other.

B . Individual self rather than the coaching topic or goal: Focusing solely on "self" risks veering into therapy, while coaching targets specific goals (ICF Definition of Coaching).

C . Behavior rather than the client's sense of self: This fosters growth by addressing actionable steps rather than identity, aligning with Competency 8 and coaching's practical focus.

D . Problem rather than the opportunity to build potential: Coaching emphasizes potential and solutions (ICF Definition of Coaching), not dwelling on problems.

Option C best reflects how a coach facilitates growth, per ICF's competency and ethical framework.

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QUESTION: 15

Which is the best time for a coach to help a client develop an action plan'

When the coach has several options to share
During the assessment of the client's current goal progress
Once the goal-setting process is complete

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The ICF coaching process emphasizes a structured approach where goal-setting precedes action planning. ICF Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth") involves "partnering with the client to transform learning and insight into action," which occurs after a clear goal is established (ICF Competency 3: "Establishes and Maintains Agreements"). Let's analyze:

A .
When the coach has several options to share: This implies the coach directs the plan, contradicting ICF's client-led approach (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.3). Action planning follows client goals, not coach suggestions.

B . During the assessment of the client's current goal progress: This assumes a goal exists and progress is being reviewed, which may occur later, not as the initial action plan development. The question implies the best starting point.

C . Once the goal-setting process is complete: This is the optimal time, as a defined goal (Competency 3) provides the foundation for an action plan (Competency 8), ensuring alignment with the client's vision and readiness to act.

Option D aligns with ICF's sequential process of setting goals before planning actions.

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QUESTION: 16

a client who recently moved to a new country told their coach they are struggling to make friends. which action by the coach would most likely evoke awareness?

Ask what the client believes is at the root of this struggle
Acknowledge that making mends is difficult and can take time
Suggest concrete steps the client could take to make friends
Say the challenges are likely caused by cultural difference

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

ICF Competency 7 ("Evokes Awareness") involves "asking questions and providing observations that help the client gain insight and explore new perspectives." This competency prioritizes deepening the client's self-understanding over offering solutions or validation. Let's evaluate:

A . Ask what the client believes is at the root of this struggle: This powerful question evokes awareness by prompting self-reflection and insight, directly aligning with Competency 7 and the ICF focus on client autonomy (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1).

B . Acknowledge that making friends is difficult and can take time: While supportive (Competency 5), this doesn't challenge or deepen awareness, limiting its impact.

C . Suggest concrete steps the client could take to make friends: This shifts to action planning (Competency 8), not evoking awareness, and risks being directive (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.3).

D . Say the challenges are likely caused by cultural difference: This imposes the coach's assumption, reducing client exploration and contradicting Competency 7's focus on client-driven insight.

Option A best evokes awareness, per ICF's competency framework.

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ICF ICF-ACC Exam (page: 2) ICF Associate Certified Coach Updated on: 12-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 9

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QUESTION: 10

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QUESTION: 11

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QUESTION: 12

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QUESTION: 13

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QUESTION: 14

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QUESTION: 15

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QUESTION: 16

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ICF ICF-ACC Exam (page: 2)
ICF Associate Certified Coach
Updated on: 12-Feb-2026