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National Board for Health & Wellness
Coaching NBHWC (C & S) Test Questions
Bank (170 Questions with 100% Correct
Answers) ||Complete A+ Guide
1. A client arrives late, appears frustrated, and says, “I
don’t have time for this today.” What is the most
appropriate coaching response?
A) “Let’s reschedule when you’re less stressed.”
B) “I notice you’re frustrated. Would you like to explore what’s
going on, or use today to just reset?”
C) “We only have 30 minutes left, so let’s focus on your action
steps.”
D) “You should prioritize your health more.”
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Validates emotion, offers autonomy, and maintains
coaching presence without judgment.
2. Which statement best demonstrates deep active listening?
A) “So you feel that work stress is causing you to skip meals.”
B) “I know exactly how you feel; I went through that too.”
C) “Have you tried meal prepping on Sundays?”
D) “You need to talk to your boss about your schedule.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reflects content and emotion without shifting focus
to coach’s experience or advice.
3. Scenario: A client says, “I’ve tried every diet and failed.”
The coach notices a desire to offer a weight-loss program.
What should the coach do?
A) Recommend a scientifically proven diet plan.
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B) Ask, “What have you learned from those past attempts?”
C) Suggest a food diary for accountability.
D) Refer to a registered dietitian immediately.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uses client’s experience as learning, stays within
coaching role (not prescribing).
4. A client is silent for 45 seconds. The coach should:
A) Fill the silence with a new question.
B) Politely ask, “Are you still there?”
C) Allow the silence, then gently say, “What’s coming up for
you right now?”
D) Summarize the last topic to re-engage.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respects processing time, invites exploration
without pressure.
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5. Which coaching behavior most threatens the therapeutic
alliance?
A) Summarizing
B) Offering unsolicited advice
C) Reflecting emotion
D) Asking open-ended questions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Advice-giving shifts authority from client to coach,
undermining autonomy.
6. A client says, “I’ll never be able to stop stress eating.”
The coach responds, “You feel hopeless about changing this
pattern right now.” This is an example of:
A) Parroting
B) Reframing
C) Complex reflection
D) Premature problem-solving
National Board for Health & Wellness
Coaching NBHWC (C & S) Test Questions
Bank (170 Questions with 100% Correct
Answers) ||Complete A+ Guide
1. A client arrives late, appears frustrated, and says, “I
don’t have time for this today.” What is the most
appropriate coaching response?
A) “Let’s reschedule when you’re less stressed.”
B) “I notice you’re frustrated. Would you like to explore what’s
going on, or use today to just reset?”
C) “We only have 30 minutes left, so let’s focus on your action
steps.”
D) “You should prioritize your health more.”
,Page 2 of 173
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Validates emotion, offers autonomy, and maintains
coaching presence without judgment.
2. Which statement best demonstrates deep active listening?
A) “So you feel that work stress is causing you to skip meals.”
B) “I know exactly how you feel; I went through that too.”
C) “Have you tried meal prepping on Sundays?”
D) “You need to talk to your boss about your schedule.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reflects content and emotion without shifting focus
to coach’s experience or advice.
3. Scenario: A client says, “I’ve tried every diet and failed.”
The coach notices a desire to offer a weight-loss program.
What should the coach do?
A) Recommend a scientifically proven diet plan.
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B) Ask, “What have you learned from those past attempts?”
C) Suggest a food diary for accountability.
D) Refer to a registered dietitian immediately.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uses client’s experience as learning, stays within
coaching role (not prescribing).
4. A client is silent for 45 seconds. The coach should:
A) Fill the silence with a new question.
B) Politely ask, “Are you still there?”
C) Allow the silence, then gently say, “What’s coming up for
you right now?”
D) Summarize the last topic to re-engage.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respects processing time, invites exploration
without pressure.
, Page 4 of 173
5. Which coaching behavior most threatens the therapeutic
alliance?
A) Summarizing
B) Offering unsolicited advice
C) Reflecting emotion
D) Asking open-ended questions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Advice-giving shifts authority from client to coach,
undermining autonomy.
6. A client says, “I’ll never be able to stop stress eating.”
The coach responds, “You feel hopeless about changing this
pattern right now.” This is an example of:
A) Parroting
B) Reframing
C) Complex reflection
D) Premature problem-solving
