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NBHWC Exam 2026/2027 National Board for
Health & Wellness Coaching Actual Exam
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Grade A Study Guide
1. Question:
A health and wellness coach is preparing for a client session. Which pre-
session action is most aligned with establishing an effective coaching
presence?
A. Researching the latest studies on the client's stated health condition.
B. Reviewing the client's file and eliminating potential distractions.
C. Preparing a list of solutions for the client's likely challenges.
D. Practicing the educational content to be delivered during the session.
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CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reviewing the client's file and eliminating potential
distractions.
Rationale: Effective coaching presence is grounded in being mindful, calm,
and fully attentive to the client. Reviewing materials and creating a
distraction-free environment allows the coach to be present. Preparing
solutions or education shifts the coach into an expert/advisory role, which is
not the primary coaching function.
2. Question:
When opening a routine coaching session, which technique best aligns with a
client-centered approach?
A. Immediately reviewing the action steps from the previous session.
B. Asking the client to select which goal they would like to review first.
C. Presenting a new topic the coach believes is important.
D. Providing positive feedback on the client's overall progress.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Asking the client to select which goal they would like
to review first.
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Rationale: A client-centered approach honors the client's agenda and
autonomy. Allowing the client to choose the focus of the session empowers
them and ensures the conversation is relevant to their current priorities.
While A and D may be part of the session flow, they are coach-initiated
rather than client-selected.
3. Question:
During a goal review, a client reports they only completed 30% of their
planned walks. Which response by the coach demonstrates affirming client
strengths and exploring the experience?
A. "Let's adjust the goal to be more achievable for you."
B. "What got in the way of completing the other 70%?"
C. "Tell me about the 30% you did complete. What made those walks
successful?"
D. "It's important to be consistent. How can you ensure you do better next
week?"
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "Tell me about the 30% you did complete. What
made those walks successful?"
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Rationale: This response starts with the positive (the client's success), which
affirms effort and builds self-efficacy. It uses an open-ended question to
explore the conditions that supported the client's desired behavior,
generating learning and potential strategies for future success.
4. Question:
Which client statement during a final coaching session would best indicate
readiness for sustainable, independent progress?
A. "I'm afraid I'll go back to my old habits without our weekly calls."
B. "I plan to use the mindfulness app you recommended every day."
C. "I've identified a walking buddy and a backup plan for rainy days to
maintain my activity."
D. "Please send me reminders to keep me on track with my goals."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I've identified a walking buddy and a backup plan
for rainy days to maintain my activity."
Rationale: This statement demonstrates the client has self-generated a
support system and a relapse prevention plan. It shows internalization of the
NBHWC Exam 2026/2027 National Board for
Health & Wellness Coaching Actual Exam
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Grade A Study Guide
1. Question:
A health and wellness coach is preparing for a client session. Which pre-
session action is most aligned with establishing an effective coaching
presence?
A. Researching the latest studies on the client's stated health condition.
B. Reviewing the client's file and eliminating potential distractions.
C. Preparing a list of solutions for the client's likely challenges.
D. Practicing the educational content to be delivered during the session.
,2|Page
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reviewing the client's file and eliminating potential
distractions.
Rationale: Effective coaching presence is grounded in being mindful, calm,
and fully attentive to the client. Reviewing materials and creating a
distraction-free environment allows the coach to be present. Preparing
solutions or education shifts the coach into an expert/advisory role, which is
not the primary coaching function.
2. Question:
When opening a routine coaching session, which technique best aligns with a
client-centered approach?
A. Immediately reviewing the action steps from the previous session.
B. Asking the client to select which goal they would like to review first.
C. Presenting a new topic the coach believes is important.
D. Providing positive feedback on the client's overall progress.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Asking the client to select which goal they would like
to review first.
,3|Page
Rationale: A client-centered approach honors the client's agenda and
autonomy. Allowing the client to choose the focus of the session empowers
them and ensures the conversation is relevant to their current priorities.
While A and D may be part of the session flow, they are coach-initiated
rather than client-selected.
3. Question:
During a goal review, a client reports they only completed 30% of their
planned walks. Which response by the coach demonstrates affirming client
strengths and exploring the experience?
A. "Let's adjust the goal to be more achievable for you."
B. "What got in the way of completing the other 70%?"
C. "Tell me about the 30% you did complete. What made those walks
successful?"
D. "It's important to be consistent. How can you ensure you do better next
week?"
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "Tell me about the 30% you did complete. What
made those walks successful?"
, 4|Page
Rationale: This response starts with the positive (the client's success), which
affirms effort and builds self-efficacy. It uses an open-ended question to
explore the conditions that supported the client's desired behavior,
generating learning and potential strategies for future success.
4. Question:
Which client statement during a final coaching session would best indicate
readiness for sustainable, independent progress?
A. "I'm afraid I'll go back to my old habits without our weekly calls."
B. "I plan to use the mindfulness app you recommended every day."
C. "I've identified a walking buddy and a backup plan for rainy days to
maintain my activity."
D. "Please send me reminders to keep me on track with my goals."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I've identified a walking buddy and a backup plan
for rainy days to maintain my activity."
Rationale: This statement demonstrates the client has self-generated a
support system and a relapse prevention plan. It shows internalization of the
