NBHWC July 2025 Exam (Based on 2017-2025 Content Outline)
What version of the NBHWC Content Outline is used for the July 2025 exam - correct answer
2017 - 2025
What is the purpose of the NBHWC Program Approval Handbook? - correct answer To outline
the content and competencies required for the NBHWC HWC Certifying Examination.
What are the four main categories covered in the NBHWC examination? - correct answer 1.
Coaching Structure (17-23%) 2. Coaching Process (47-53%) 3. Health & Wellness (17-23%) 4.
Ethics/Legal (7-13%)
What should a coach do prior to a coaching session? - correct answer Review materials,
eliminate distractions, and become mindful and present.
How does a coach's state affect the client during a session? - correct answer A calm and
present coach helps the client become calm and receptive, fostering self-awareness and self-
discovery.
What are the aims of the initial coaching session? - correct answer To describe the coaching
process, review client information, and determine if the client is an appropriate candidate for
coaching.
- Coach clarifies the roles and expectations of both the client and the coach
What is established in the Coaching Agreement? - correct answer Guidelines and specific
parameters of the coaching relationship:
- Interactions: Roles, responsibilities, the expectations of the coach and client, attendance and
cancellation policies, establish boundaries, what is and is not appropriate, what is and is not
being offered
- Logistics: when and where you will meet, how many sessions, duration of sessions, length of
program, cost of program
- Cost of Program: fees and payments
- Confidentiality and Record Keeping
What should a coach establish during the first session? - correct answer Rapport with the client
and gauge their intentions for coaching.
What is the coach's responsibility regarding client assessments? - correct answer To review
assessments and other data sources, if any are used.
What is the focus during early coaching sessions? - correct answer Exploring the client's values,
vision, purpose, and priorities.
,- Building trust and rapport
- wellness visions
What is the coach's role in determining the focus of coaching? - correct answer The coach
empowers the client to select an area that feels important, motivating, timely, and client-
directed
What should a coach ensure regarding time management in sessions? - correct answer Ensure
appropriate time management for this and all sessions.
- Respect the client and gently guide along back to the conversation if they get off track
What is the significance of the coaching process overview? - correct answer It clarifies the
expectations and responsibilities of both the coach and the client.
What is the importance of establishing rapport in the first session? - correct answer It helps
create a trusting relationship and sets a positive tone for coaching.
What should a coach clarify about their role during the initial session? - correct answer That
they will not diagnose or prescribe, nor give unsolicited advice. Examples of what the coach
does and does not do, confidentiality, etc.
What is the client's responsibility in the coaching relationship? - correct answer To self-
determine their vision, goals, and action steps.
What should be reviewed before determining if a client is suitable for coaching? - correct
answer Information and assessments provided by the client.
- Assess client's intentions for coaching and their readiness
What is the purpose of gauging the client's intentions for coaching? - correct answer To
understand why coaching is sought and to align the coaching process with the client's needs.
What is the expected outcome of the initial coaching session? - correct answer To confirm the
coaching agreement and establish a clear understanding of roles and expectations.
How should the coach handle logistics for the coaching session? - correct answer Confirm
meeting location, conference call arrangements, and other logistical details.
What is the role of the coach in the client's self-discovery process? - correct answer To facilitate
exploration and reflection, allowing the client to uncover their own insights.
What is the first competency in assessing a client's health and wellbeing? - correct answer Have
the client assess their current state of health and/or wellbeing.
What should a coach explore regarding a client's health vision? - correct answer The client's
vision of their optimal health and/or wellbeing.
,How can a coach identify gaps in a client's lifestyle? - correct answer By asking open-ended
questions that get the client to reflect; the coach will listen for and allow the client to identify
the gaps between their current state and their desired lifestyle/outcomes.co
What is the purpose of establishing a client's long-term goals? - correct answer To lead toward
desired outcomes.
What does SMART stand for in goal setting? - correct answer Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant, Time-bound.
What is the role of a coach in supporting a client's SMART goals? - correct answer To support
the client in achieving the SMART goals or action steps, including backup plans.
What should a coach ask regarding the client's learning? - correct answer About the client's
preferences and style of learning and maintaining accountability.
What is the focus of routine ongoing coaching sessions? - correct answer To assess the client's
current state, review previous action steps, and define new action steps.
What should a coach do at the beginning of each session? - correct answer Connect with the
client and have them self-assess their state.
What is important to check-in on during routine coaching sessions? - correct answer Prior
session commitments/action steps.
How should a coach respond to a client's learning during a session? - correct answer Discover
and reflect on the client's learning with affirmations and empowerment. It is important to focus
on the growth and progress that is not linear.
What is the focus of the final coaching session? - correct answer Recognition of progress,
learning, self-reflections, maintenance or renewal plans, and closure.
What should a client articulate in the final session? - correct answer Successes, challenges
experienced, lessons learned, growth attained, and contingency/maintenance plans.
What is a key aspect of the coaching relationship? - correct answer It is client-centered,
empowering the client to self-discover values and strategies.
What drives the coaching relationship according to the competencies? - correct answer The
client's agenda, needs, interests, and preferences.
What should a coach do with their personal information during sessions? - correct answer
Share it only when appropriate.
How should a coach handle client beliefs and values? - correct answer Observe, name, and
refer to the client's beliefs and values.
, What is the importance of trust and rapport in coaching? - correct answer It creates a positive
environment where the client feels accepted and supported.
What is the coach's primary role in the coaching relationship? - correct answer To serve as a
facilitative partner, not as a content expert or educator.
- The client is driving the car, the coach is in the passenger seat helping them navigate
How should a coach adjust their approach during sessions? - correct answer According to the
client's health literacy, learning style, and preferences.
What should a coach communicate about the client's capabilities? - correct answer Convey the
belief that the client is resourceful and an expert in their own experience.
What is a key component of developing a sustainable pathway for clients? - correct answer
Assisting in developing a maintenance/relapse prevention plan including available support and
resources.
How does a coach's confidence in a client affect the client? - correct answer It supports the
client's self-efficacy.
What is one way a coach builds trust with a client? - correct answer By attending to the client's
emotions as well as their words and behaviors.
- Active listening, mirroring, empathy, compassion, mindfulness, reflections, and summaries to
show the coach is present and paying attention
What should a coach do when they sense conflict or discomfort in a client? - correct answer
Acknowledge what is happening with curious interest.
What are the key competencies related to trust and support in coaching? - correct answer 1.
Demonstrate benevolence, honesty, sincerity, and authenticity. 2. Convey unconditional
positive regard. 3. Follow through on commitments. 4. Address discord/conflict openly and
resolve it timely.
What does active listening involve beyond verbal communication? - correct answer It includes
being attuned to nonverbal cues such as expression, tone, emotions, and energy.
What is the purpose of using silence in coaching? - correct answer To hold the space for clients,
allowing them time to reflect, process, and identify what emerges.
- WAIT (Why Am I Talking?)
What are some competencies related to active listening? - correct answer 1. Be attentive and
mindful. 2. Be open-minded. 3. Be curious without assumptions. 4. Pace communication to fit
client's needs. 5. Listen for what is not being said. 6. Use silence appropriately.
What version of the NBHWC Content Outline is used for the July 2025 exam - correct answer
2017 - 2025
What is the purpose of the NBHWC Program Approval Handbook? - correct answer To outline
the content and competencies required for the NBHWC HWC Certifying Examination.
What are the four main categories covered in the NBHWC examination? - correct answer 1.
Coaching Structure (17-23%) 2. Coaching Process (47-53%) 3. Health & Wellness (17-23%) 4.
Ethics/Legal (7-13%)
What should a coach do prior to a coaching session? - correct answer Review materials,
eliminate distractions, and become mindful and present.
How does a coach's state affect the client during a session? - correct answer A calm and
present coach helps the client become calm and receptive, fostering self-awareness and self-
discovery.
What are the aims of the initial coaching session? - correct answer To describe the coaching
process, review client information, and determine if the client is an appropriate candidate for
coaching.
- Coach clarifies the roles and expectations of both the client and the coach
What is established in the Coaching Agreement? - correct answer Guidelines and specific
parameters of the coaching relationship:
- Interactions: Roles, responsibilities, the expectations of the coach and client, attendance and
cancellation policies, establish boundaries, what is and is not appropriate, what is and is not
being offered
- Logistics: when and where you will meet, how many sessions, duration of sessions, length of
program, cost of program
- Cost of Program: fees and payments
- Confidentiality and Record Keeping
What should a coach establish during the first session? - correct answer Rapport with the client
and gauge their intentions for coaching.
What is the coach's responsibility regarding client assessments? - correct answer To review
assessments and other data sources, if any are used.
What is the focus during early coaching sessions? - correct answer Exploring the client's values,
vision, purpose, and priorities.
,- Building trust and rapport
- wellness visions
What is the coach's role in determining the focus of coaching? - correct answer The coach
empowers the client to select an area that feels important, motivating, timely, and client-
directed
What should a coach ensure regarding time management in sessions? - correct answer Ensure
appropriate time management for this and all sessions.
- Respect the client and gently guide along back to the conversation if they get off track
What is the significance of the coaching process overview? - correct answer It clarifies the
expectations and responsibilities of both the coach and the client.
What is the importance of establishing rapport in the first session? - correct answer It helps
create a trusting relationship and sets a positive tone for coaching.
What should a coach clarify about their role during the initial session? - correct answer That
they will not diagnose or prescribe, nor give unsolicited advice. Examples of what the coach
does and does not do, confidentiality, etc.
What is the client's responsibility in the coaching relationship? - correct answer To self-
determine their vision, goals, and action steps.
What should be reviewed before determining if a client is suitable for coaching? - correct
answer Information and assessments provided by the client.
- Assess client's intentions for coaching and their readiness
What is the purpose of gauging the client's intentions for coaching? - correct answer To
understand why coaching is sought and to align the coaching process with the client's needs.
What is the expected outcome of the initial coaching session? - correct answer To confirm the
coaching agreement and establish a clear understanding of roles and expectations.
How should the coach handle logistics for the coaching session? - correct answer Confirm
meeting location, conference call arrangements, and other logistical details.
What is the role of the coach in the client's self-discovery process? - correct answer To facilitate
exploration and reflection, allowing the client to uncover their own insights.
What is the first competency in assessing a client's health and wellbeing? - correct answer Have
the client assess their current state of health and/or wellbeing.
What should a coach explore regarding a client's health vision? - correct answer The client's
vision of their optimal health and/or wellbeing.
,How can a coach identify gaps in a client's lifestyle? - correct answer By asking open-ended
questions that get the client to reflect; the coach will listen for and allow the client to identify
the gaps between their current state and their desired lifestyle/outcomes.co
What is the purpose of establishing a client's long-term goals? - correct answer To lead toward
desired outcomes.
What does SMART stand for in goal setting? - correct answer Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant, Time-bound.
What is the role of a coach in supporting a client's SMART goals? - correct answer To support
the client in achieving the SMART goals or action steps, including backup plans.
What should a coach ask regarding the client's learning? - correct answer About the client's
preferences and style of learning and maintaining accountability.
What is the focus of routine ongoing coaching sessions? - correct answer To assess the client's
current state, review previous action steps, and define new action steps.
What should a coach do at the beginning of each session? - correct answer Connect with the
client and have them self-assess their state.
What is important to check-in on during routine coaching sessions? - correct answer Prior
session commitments/action steps.
How should a coach respond to a client's learning during a session? - correct answer Discover
and reflect on the client's learning with affirmations and empowerment. It is important to focus
on the growth and progress that is not linear.
What is the focus of the final coaching session? - correct answer Recognition of progress,
learning, self-reflections, maintenance or renewal plans, and closure.
What should a client articulate in the final session? - correct answer Successes, challenges
experienced, lessons learned, growth attained, and contingency/maintenance plans.
What is a key aspect of the coaching relationship? - correct answer It is client-centered,
empowering the client to self-discover values and strategies.
What drives the coaching relationship according to the competencies? - correct answer The
client's agenda, needs, interests, and preferences.
What should a coach do with their personal information during sessions? - correct answer
Share it only when appropriate.
How should a coach handle client beliefs and values? - correct answer Observe, name, and
refer to the client's beliefs and values.
, What is the importance of trust and rapport in coaching? - correct answer It creates a positive
environment where the client feels accepted and supported.
What is the coach's primary role in the coaching relationship? - correct answer To serve as a
facilitative partner, not as a content expert or educator.
- The client is driving the car, the coach is in the passenger seat helping them navigate
How should a coach adjust their approach during sessions? - correct answer According to the
client's health literacy, learning style, and preferences.
What should a coach communicate about the client's capabilities? - correct answer Convey the
belief that the client is resourceful and an expert in their own experience.
What is a key component of developing a sustainable pathway for clients? - correct answer
Assisting in developing a maintenance/relapse prevention plan including available support and
resources.
How does a coach's confidence in a client affect the client? - correct answer It supports the
client's self-efficacy.
What is one way a coach builds trust with a client? - correct answer By attending to the client's
emotions as well as their words and behaviors.
- Active listening, mirroring, empathy, compassion, mindfulness, reflections, and summaries to
show the coach is present and paying attention
What should a coach do when they sense conflict or discomfort in a client? - correct answer
Acknowledge what is happening with curious interest.
What are the key competencies related to trust and support in coaching? - correct answer 1.
Demonstrate benevolence, honesty, sincerity, and authenticity. 2. Convey unconditional
positive regard. 3. Follow through on commitments. 4. Address discord/conflict openly and
resolve it timely.
What does active listening involve beyond verbal communication? - correct answer It includes
being attuned to nonverbal cues such as expression, tone, emotions, and energy.
What is the purpose of using silence in coaching? - correct answer To hold the space for clients,
allowing them time to reflect, process, and identify what emerges.
- WAIT (Why Am I Talking?)
What are some competencies related to active listening? - correct answer 1. Be attentive and
mindful. 2. Be open-minded. 3. Be curious without assumptions. 4. Pace communication to fit
client's needs. 5. Listen for what is not being said. 6. Use silence appropriately.
