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Health & Wellness Coaching Board Exam Actual
Questions with Verified Answers & Complete
Solutions | 2026/2027 Grade A Study Guide
1. Question:
A coach is working with a client on reducing sugar intake. The client says, "I
get so irritable when I don't have sugar." The coach responds, "Giving up
sugar is causing some unpleasant side effects." Later, the coach says, "Your
skill in really thinking this all through and thinking about how this change will
affect your family exemplifies your commitment." This last statement is an
example of what coaching skill?
A. Amplified reflection
B. Righting Reflex
C. Affirmation
D. Open-ended questioning
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CORRECT ANSWER: C. Affirmation
Rationale: An affirmation is a statement that recognizes and validates a
client's strengths, efforts, or values. The coach is explicitly acknowledging the
client's skill and commitment, which builds self-efficacy and reinforces
positive behavior.
2. Question:
Midway through a coaching agreement, a client starts arriving late and
missing sessions without notice. Which approach is BEST for the coach to
pursue?
A. Explore what's working, revisit client's strengths, and create a plan for
improvement.
B. Explore why coaching isn't working and get feedback on what specific
things they don't like.
C. Share your observations, express empathy, and inquire as to what could
make their vision and goals more of a priority.
D. Confront client, assess readiness for change, and discuss whether coaching
is appropriate at this time.
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CORRECT ANSWER: C. Share your observations, express empathy, and
inquire as to what could make their vision and goals more of a priority.
Rationale: This approach is collaborative and non-judgmental. Sharing
observations directly but empathetically opens a dialogue about potential
barriers and re-engages the client by connecting back to their own vision and
goals, honoring their autonomy.
3. Question:
A client struggling to increase physical activity says, "I really want to feel
better...but it's just too hard. I've got two jobs and I take care of my parents
too." Which coach response would NOT increase change talk?
A. "What makes the protocol feel hard and impossible?"
B. "What changes have you made in your life that felt frustrating and
impossible and yet you achieved them?"
C. "Let's pretend that making this change is possible and that it's not hard.
What might work?"
D. "What small step might be possible and not feel as hard?"
CORRECT ANSWER: A. "What makes the protocol feel hard and impossible?"
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Rationale: While meant to explore barriers, this question focuses exclusively
and negatively on the difficulty ("hard and impossible"), potentially
amplifying sustain talk. The other options (B, C, D) are designed to evoke
client strengths, possibilities, and solutions, which are more likely to elicit
change talk.
4. Question:
Which of the following is recommended by MyPlate as part of a healthy diet?
A. Total carbohydrate consumption should be less than 20g per day.
B. Total fat consumption should be less than 20% of daily caloric intake.
C. Eat a vegetarian diet 80% of the time.
D. Limiting trans and saturated fats.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Limiting trans and saturated fats.
Rationale: MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize limiting
saturated fats and avoiding trans fats. It does not recommend very low-carb
diets (A), very low-fat diets (B), or a specific vegetarian percentage (C). It
encourages a balanced diet with healthy fats.
Health & Wellness Coaching Board Exam Actual
Questions with Verified Answers & Complete
Solutions | 2026/2027 Grade A Study Guide
1. Question:
A coach is working with a client on reducing sugar intake. The client says, "I
get so irritable when I don't have sugar." The coach responds, "Giving up
sugar is causing some unpleasant side effects." Later, the coach says, "Your
skill in really thinking this all through and thinking about how this change will
affect your family exemplifies your commitment." This last statement is an
example of what coaching skill?
A. Amplified reflection
B. Righting Reflex
C. Affirmation
D. Open-ended questioning
,2|Page
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Affirmation
Rationale: An affirmation is a statement that recognizes and validates a
client's strengths, efforts, or values. The coach is explicitly acknowledging the
client's skill and commitment, which builds self-efficacy and reinforces
positive behavior.
2. Question:
Midway through a coaching agreement, a client starts arriving late and
missing sessions without notice. Which approach is BEST for the coach to
pursue?
A. Explore what's working, revisit client's strengths, and create a plan for
improvement.
B. Explore why coaching isn't working and get feedback on what specific
things they don't like.
C. Share your observations, express empathy, and inquire as to what could
make their vision and goals more of a priority.
D. Confront client, assess readiness for change, and discuss whether coaching
is appropriate at this time.
,3|Page
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Share your observations, express empathy, and
inquire as to what could make their vision and goals more of a priority.
Rationale: This approach is collaborative and non-judgmental. Sharing
observations directly but empathetically opens a dialogue about potential
barriers and re-engages the client by connecting back to their own vision and
goals, honoring their autonomy.
3. Question:
A client struggling to increase physical activity says, "I really want to feel
better...but it's just too hard. I've got two jobs and I take care of my parents
too." Which coach response would NOT increase change talk?
A. "What makes the protocol feel hard and impossible?"
B. "What changes have you made in your life that felt frustrating and
impossible and yet you achieved them?"
C. "Let's pretend that making this change is possible and that it's not hard.
What might work?"
D. "What small step might be possible and not feel as hard?"
CORRECT ANSWER: A. "What makes the protocol feel hard and impossible?"
, 4|Page
Rationale: While meant to explore barriers, this question focuses exclusively
and negatively on the difficulty ("hard and impossible"), potentially
amplifying sustain talk. The other options (B, C, D) are designed to evoke
client strengths, possibilities, and solutions, which are more likely to elicit
change talk.
4. Question:
Which of the following is recommended by MyPlate as part of a healthy diet?
A. Total carbohydrate consumption should be less than 20g per day.
B. Total fat consumption should be less than 20% of daily caloric intake.
C. Eat a vegetarian diet 80% of the time.
D. Limiting trans and saturated fats.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Limiting trans and saturated fats.
Rationale: MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize limiting
saturated fats and avoiding trans fats. It does not recommend very low-carb
diets (A), very low-fat diets (B), or a specific vegetarian percentage (C). It
encourages a balanced diet with healthy fats.
